The government approved the draft of the new Public Library Act. Previous versions received much criticism. The new law changes how libraries operate. For example, collection management will move to the National Library. State support for purchasing books will also decrease.
The Ministry of Culture says the role of the National Library will increase. It will help develop nationwide services. It will support 78 local government libraries.
Kaie Holm, director of the Tallinn Central Library, says libraries have been waiting for the new law. She says some regulations are good, but some are not. Holm disagrees that local governments must strictly follow how the library operates.
Holm hoped the parliament would discuss the draft. She wants the best solution to be provided for library users.
The new law also changes the work of county libraries. Holm says parliament members should ensure whether the new changes help local people.
Holm noted that state support for purchasing books has not increased in years. In 2025, support decreased by 5 percent. This year's support is the same as in 2025. Many municipalities could not cover this loss. Thus, there was less money for purchasing books.
Reet Lubi, director of the Viljandi City Library, says she does not think it is good if collection management goes to the National Library. She sees no reason why this should be the case.
Lubi says money is currently distributed among county libraries. She suggested that money should go directly to local governments. She says the new law creates an unnecessary link.
The ministry says it aims to simplify the work of public libraries. But Lubi does not believe this is the case.
Lubi also noted that state employees will disappear from county libraries. Now, municipalities must pay employee salaries.
Lubi says the reduction in funding for purchasing books is a problem. Libraries help people improve their reading habits.
Janne Tenson, director of the Haapsalu Library, says library opinions were sought during the drafting of the bill. But there are still concerns. Tenson says the loss of state support affects them.
Tenson hoped a solution would be found in cooperation with the municipality. She says collection management will become more complicated.
Tenson said they currently get books to readers quickly. She fears that with centralized collection management, this speed will decrease.
Tenson says it is important for them that the library retains autonomy. They want to choose books themselves.
There are few bookstores in Haapsalu. Türiston said they used discount campaigns. They do not know how the new system will work.
The deadlines for the new Public Library Act are January 1 and July 1 of next year.