The Government of Saskatchewan has announced that funding has been restored for regional and municipal libraries across the province.

To restore funding for the year ahead back to its 2016-17 level, an addition $4.8 million was provided by the provincial government.

This move was understandably welcome news to Andrea McCrimmon, Manager of the Swift Current Branch Library.

"We're very, very pleased that the Government of Saskatchewan has decided that Saskatchewan's library system is too valuable to lose," she said. "I just want to thank Premier Wall for restoring library funding and we really appreciate that Minister Don Morgan has admitted that they made a mistake that they're willing to fix."

In a release posted by the Government, Education Don Morgan says that owning up to the error was the right thing to do.

"Premier Wall has always said that we would be the kind of government that would admit its mistakes and then fix those mistakes," Morgan said. "There were many necessary, difficult decisions taken in this budget, however the reductions in library funding without giving libraries the tools to meet the new challenge was a mistake. So today I am announcing restoration of library funding as well as a consultative review with the Saskatchewan libraries and municipalities to determine the way forward in terms of what is best for library users and communities as well as what is also financially responsible."

Early this month, on April 7th, McCrimmon, and nearly 300 other southwest residents rallied outside of Brad Wall's office in protest of the decision to reduce the budget by 58% for the 2017-18 year.

She says she feels the rally, along with many other rallies across the province, factored into the decision made yesterday by the provincial government.

"I really do think that the show of community support made a huge difference, especially in Premier Wall's home riding," said McCrimmon. "I think it really shows the power that people have in the community and the power of people coming together."

As for residents of the southwest, McCrimmon says the positive reaction has been overwhelming in the short time-frame since the decision to reverse the funding cut.

"The people of Swift Current are very relieved. People have been phoning in and calling us just thrilled and crying tears of joy that their library will still be there for them."