Regina PL to close three branches, Art Gallery.(News Fronts)

Despite a last-minute appeal by the mayor and boisterous public protests, the Regina, Saskatchewan, Public Library board refused to rescind its November 26 decision to permanently eliminate three branches, close its central library's art gallery, curtail hours and services at the Prairie History Room's collection, and lay off 27 employees.

After a meeting with Mayor Pat Fiacco that stretched late into the night of December 4, the board only decided to delay the closures and layoffs an additional two months, from March 1 to May 1, to allow time for public hearings. The board also agreed to set up a five-member task force to study how library services can be delivered in areas …