Peterborough Public Library Staffing Update

Peterborough, ON – The Peterborough Public Library staff reorganization that was expected to result in a net reduction of one full-time position has been paused for the City of Peterborough to consider other options for meeting budgetary constraints.  

A Library staff reorganization was planned to reduce the Library’s 2025 operating budget increase from 10.9% to about 8%, as approved through the City’s 2025 Budget. 

While the approved budget needs to be followed, the City is exploring all options to ensure the most effective means to reduce the budget while maintaining the same level and quality of service, through constructive meetings with Peterborough Public Library staff. 

Through the initial plans for a staff reorganization, the Library planned to maintain children’s library services but would have delivered the services in a different way through staffing changes.  

The City has heard and appreciates the support for Library services expressed by residents and others who have advocated for the Peterborough Public Library. The Library is a core community service that continues to receive strong support, including the opening of a new Library branch in the City’s south end at the Miskin Law Community Complex to improve access to library services. 

The City commits to continue an open dialogue with Peterborough Public Library staff and their union executive at Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1833 as discussions progress on how to implement changes within the Library’s approved budget, and as the collective bargaining process continues. 

The staff reorganization at the Peterborough Public Library was one of several budget changes in various City program areas that City Council approved in the City’s 2025 Budget to reduce the property tax increase, such as ending the lifeguard service at Rogers Cove beach with lifeguard service being maintained at the nearby Beavermead Park beach, ending the maintenance of the ice for skating on the Trent-Severn Waterway next to the Lift Lock, reducing preventative maintenance of City facilities, reducing funding for advertising, and increasing the Peterborough Transit single ride fare by 25 cents.