Libraries across Saskatchewan received some exciting news recently that brings hope back to what appeared to be to them an otherwise desperate situation.

Premier Brad Wall announced that, after consideration, the government had made a mistake in cutting 58 percent of the funds that flow to the institutions, and restored the entire amount.

That creates some happy campers, or rather, librarians, here in the Energy City.

"It's 4.8 million dollars back to both the Regina and Saskatoon public libraries as well as all the regional ones across the province," shared Victoria Utman, who is the Children's Coordinator at the Estevan branch of the Southeast Regional Library.

She noted one program in particular that can be reinstated as a result of the reversal.

"The biggest one is the Saskatchewan inter-library loan system, which was suspended indefinitely until the funding was restored. It will now return back to usual, where people are able to lend and borrow books and return them across the province. It's the largest in Canada, and possibly North America, so it's the gold standard for library resource sharing."

She added that they are very excited to be resuming the service, and everything will continue as normal from where it left off.

"I think this demonstrates in Saskatchewan a new understanding of what libraries mean to our community."

She also expressed thanks to the communities in Saskatchewan, saying that all the credit goes to them.

"None of this would have been possible without the excellent people who lent their voices to the cause and the movement. We are just so overwhelmed and thankful."