Nfld closing 54 libraries

Photo: Contributed

A library board in Newfoundland and Labrador says it hopes many job losses can be achieved through attrition when the province closes more than half of its libraries.

It's estimated that 64 jobs will be lost with the closure of 54 libraries across the province over the next two years as part of last week's austerity budget.

Cal Taylor, chairman of the provincial library board, says many of the lost jobs will come through attrition but the exact number is not yet known.

He hopes service at the remaining 41 libraries will improve, since money saved through the closures could allow for longer hours, better services and more materials in the remaining sites.

Taylor says eBooks and the books-by-mail system should also see improvements.