Heated Rivalry author Rachel Reid donated $300,000 to five rural libraries facing closure. She also hoped her contribution would raise awareness about their funding struggles.
Rachel Reid is using her “successful author” status “for good”
Reid made the donation to the Annapolis Valley Regional Library after learning five branches could close. The library already used $80,000 from its reserves to keep them open through September. The library board had requested $351,000 from municipalities earlier this year. Reid’s donation provided major support as officials continued addressing the shortfall.
Rachel explained her decision during an interview with CBC News. “I had to do it because I don’t know what the point is of being a successful author in Nova Scotia if you’re not going to use it for good,” she said. Her popular Heated Rivalry series has helped her establish herself as a successful author.
Reid said libraries were “absolutely an essential service that needs to be properly funded.” She recalled visiting the Bedford library frequently while growing up in Nova Scotia. “A lot of those books are what initially inspired me to be an author,” she explained.
She also said libraries became important community spaces after she became a parent. Reid described taking her children to programs and meeting other parents there. “I don’t think I’d be an author without my local library,” she said.
The library called Reid’s contribution one of its most significant private gifts. CEO Julia Merritt said the organization was profoundly grateful for Reid’s investment. However, the library stressed that private donations cannot replace stable public funding.
Reid agreed that government support remained necessary for long-term library services. Still, she believed people who could help should contribute. “I want to do what I can to help,” she said. The library said Reid’s gift would help create opportunities to “read, learn and connect.” She hoped the gift would encourage others to notice the problem.
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