Summary

The Public Libraries Amendment Act, 2025 updates The Public Libraries Act, 1996 to establish special funding and governance arrangements for the Lloydminster public library (which sits on the Saskatchewan-Alberta border), modernize notice requirements to include online newspapers and email, and replace the term 'Aboriginal' with 'Indigenous' throughout the Act.

This bill makes three main types of changes to Saskatchewan's public library law. First, it creates special rules for the Lloydminster library because the city straddles the Saskatchewan-Alberta border. The library's funding will require a three-way agreement between Saskatchewan, Alberta, and the city, and normal Saskatchewan library levy rules will not apply there. Second, it updates administrative procedures so that public notices about library matters can be published in online newspapers and sent by email, not just through traditional mail and print newspapers. Third, it replaces outdated terminology by changing 'Aboriginal' to 'Indigenous' in all sections dealing with Indigenous library services and collections. The bill comes into force when the Lieutenant Governor issues an order in council, meaning the government will choose the start date after the bill receives royal assent.