Residents filled the Saint-André-d’Argenteuil council chambers on Tuesday, November 3, with some spilling into the hallway, as concerns over proposed funding reductions for Bibliothèque Au fil des mots dominated the meeting’s two question periods.
Residents raised concerns about the library’s potential closure, the loss of local services, and the prospect of having to travel to neighbouring municipalities, including Lachute, to access library resources.
Although several councillors defended the need to examine the library’s costs and the services it provides, council made no formal decision on the municipality’s 2027 contribution. Discussions about the annual allocation remain open, with the municipality indicating it is willing to continue working with the library’s board.
The first question period lasted approximately one hour and 15 minutes, while the second lasted about 25 minutes. The exchanges were largely respectful, although voices were raised at times, prompting Mayor Stephen Matthews to intervene on several occasions to restore order.
The proposed $50,000 contribution for 2027 has been a point of contention since municipal representatives informed the library board in September of their intention to reduce its funding. The board has said it cannot continue operating with that amount and warned it would begin the process of dissolving the non-profit organization and ending library operations if the municipality maintains its position.
In its request to the municipality, the board sought $92,300 for 2027, along with an additional $2,000 to replace two outdated computers.
Councillors question costs and service levels
Several councillors supported reducing the library’s funding, arguing that the municipality needs to ensure residents receive value for the money invested.
Councillor Pierre-Luc Lavalée acknowledged the support demonstrated by residents through the petition, but said council also needed to consider the cost of the service in relation to its current level. He suggested meeting with library representatives to explore ways to optimize services and said he had favoured reducing funding to a level closer to what the library received before its salary costs increased.
Councillor Karène Guertin said the municipality’s objective was to improve the service available to residents, rather than close the library. Referring to council’s research into comparable municipalities, she said some offered more extensive services. Guertin supported reducing the funding but remained open to discussions about a solution.
Councillor Audrey Paquette-Poulin said council had a responsibility to manage municipal finances carefully and examine whether equivalent or better service could be provided by optimizing costs.
Councillors also cited increases to the library’s budget, which rose from $47,000 in 2020 to $51,000 in 2021, $52,000 in 2022, and $90,000 in 2026. They also said the number of public opening hours had remained unchanged and supported reducing the library’s budget.
Residents present petitions and voice concerns
Residents questioned how the proposed funding reduction would affect the library’s staff, activities, and role in the community.
One resident asked whether councillors had considered the practical consequences for employees and activities offered to children, warning that cutting the budget in half could mean reducing staff or drastically cutting opening hours.
Another resident asked whether the municipality would cover any deficit if the library could no longer afford to pay its employees or rent following a 50 per cent funding reduction.
Matthews said the municipality would work with the organization to evaluate its options, while noting that budgetary decisions were made by a majority vote of council.
Library board member Danielle Lalande also presented a paper petition collected through door-to-door canvassing. The online petition on Change.org had gathered 473 signatures by the time of the meeting. As of November 3, Library Board President Marie-Josée Fournier estimated that the two petitions had gathered more than 900 signatures combined, excluding duplicate signatures and those submitted by people who do not reside in Saint-André-d’Argenteuil.
The online petition called on council to reconsider the proposed funding reduction and provide sufficient funding to maintain the library’s activities and services. It also called on the municipality to recognize the library’s cultural, educational, and social role, and work with its board to find a sustainable long-term funding arrangement.
Several residents emphasized the importance of having a local library, particularly for families and people who would otherwise have to travel elsewhere to access similar services. They also described it as an important gathering place and community resource.
Matthews said the municipality remained open to discussions with the library’s board about reorganizing services without closing the facility.
Council did not formally approve a new funding amount or make a final decision on the library’s future during the meeting. The proposed 2027 contribution therefore remains unresolved, with further discussions between the municipality and the library’s board still to come.
