Mayor Chris Goertzen says Steinbach city council will consider a grant increase for the Jake Epp Public Library. In a presentation to city council Tuesday, head librarian Carolyn Graham noted the library has not received an increase in city funding for about five years and finances are getting very tight, to the point of reducing book purchases and evening staffing levels. Goertzen says city council heard the message on how a freeze in grant funding has created some challenges.

"The last three years, we've generally frozen all grants, whether it's to the Chamber of Commerce, whether it's to the museum or to the library. As those freezes have taken place, it has put strains on places like the library and we recognize that. The library board and staff have taken adequate and strong steps towards making sure that they meet budget. At the same time, we know that as the cost of living increases, there does need to be some adjustment made. We do have a budget to set for 2018 and also beyond. Normally, there is a funding formula that is created for a number of years in a row. We'll be reviewing that and making sure that we reflect adequately, the needs of the library."

Goertzen notes city council was pleased to hear that the library remains a busy, vibrant place that is serving the city well.

"Our library is functioning well, is doing it efficiently and it also has a lot of patrons who are using it."