Nova Scotia writer Rachel Reid has made a generous donation of $300,000 to the Annapolis Valley Regional Library. This contribution comes after learning that five library branches were at risk of permanent closure. In an interview with CBC News on Monday, Reid expressed her belief that successful authors in Nova Scotia should use their platform for positive impact.

To address the financial challenges faced by the library, the Annapolis Valley Regional Library had initially decided to allocate $80,000 from its reserve funds to keep the five branches operational until the end of September. However, to secure long-term sustainability, additional funding of $351,000 had been requested from municipalities earlier this year. While a portion of this funding was secured, a shortfall of over $200,000 remained.

Following Reid’s substantial donation, the library’s CEO, Julia Merritt, confirmed that the five branches will now be able to continue operating until the end of the 2026-27 fiscal year. Merritt expressed gratitude for Reid’s significant contribution, emphasizing that the funds will primarily support staffing costs at the branches.

Reid’s donation is recognized as one of the largest private gifts received by the library, with Merritt acknowledging the impact it will have on the community. Reid, known for her popular “Heated Rivalry” series, emphasized the importance of libraries as essential services that require adequate funding. She credited her own success as an author to the inspiration and resources she found in libraries.

While Reid’s donation is a significant boost, the library emphasized that sustainable public funding and strong partnerships with government entities are essential for the long-term viability of library services. Reid hopes her donation will raise awareness about the funding challenges faced by public libraries.

Looking ahead, the library plans to collaborate with the government to ensure continued access to vibrant public libraries in the region. The Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage in Nova Scotia acknowledged Reid’s contribution and highlighted ongoing support for public libraries in the province.

Reid is set to participate in a special public event celebrating libraries and community engagement next month. Merritt mentioned that further details about the event will be shared soon, reflecting the shared commitment to promoting literacy and connectivity within the community.