Author Rachel Reid donates $300,000 to save Nova Scotia libraries

Author Rachel Reid has donated $300,000 to the Annapolis Valley Regional Library to prevent the closure of five rural branches. The donation comes after the library system faced significant funding shortfalls, with municipalities falling more than $200,000 short of the requested funds to maintain operations through the 2026–27 fiscal year.

The affected branches include Hantsport, Kentville, Lawrencetown, Port Williams, and Middleton. Prior to this gift, the library had already utilized $80,000 from its reserves to keep these locations open through September.

Reid, known for her ‘Heated Rivalry’ series, stated that she felt compelled to contribute because libraries are an ‘essential service that needs to be properly funded.’ She noted that her own career was inspired by local libraries in Nova Scotia. While the library system described the contribution as one of its most significant private gifts, officials emphasized that private donations are not a permanent substitute for stable public funding.