We are a grassroots advocacy group working to protect public services and community infrastructure in Peterborough, especially those that support children, families, education, and a livable future. We push for transparent governance, equitable investments, and long-term thinking in our city’s decision-making.

Open Letter on the Value of Librarians

Over 100 celebrated writers, artists, educators, and performers – including Margaret Atwood, Neil Young, Daryl Hannah, Lois Lowry, and Fred Penner – have signed an open letter urging the City of Peterborough to reverse proposed cuts that would eliminate three librarian positions at the Peterborough Public Library, including the city's only dedicated Children's Librarian.

About Us

Our Future Peterborough is a group of residents, parents, educators, artists, and neighbours who believe that a city that invests in its youngest residents – through education, libraries, parks, childcare, and climate action – is a city that believes in its own future.  

At a time when public institutions are being quietly dismantled, we stand for the principle that every dollar spent on kids is a dollar invested in community well-being, intergenerational equity, and democratic resilience. 

We formed in response to recent cuts to library staffing, including the elimination of the children’s librarian role. On this issue and others, we mobilize to push back against austerity, advocate for better spending decisions, and ensure that Peterborough remains a place where all children and the people who care for them can thrive.

We believe that public services are worth protecting, and that our children’s education, care, creativity, and future wellbeing deserve meaningful investment.

Our Mission

  • To advocate for strong, publicly funded services that support children, families, and communities
  • To demand transparency and accountability from municipal leaders
  • To support equitable, climate-conscious, and future-focused policies
  • To organize grassroots responses to budget decisions that harm our most vulnerable residents

Help us push back against library cuts

Three specialist librarians are being laid off at the Peterborough Public Library and the role of Children's Librarian will be eliminated, following a recent budget decision from Peterborough City Council made without public consultation.

Contact your Councillor to let them know you oppose these cuts. We've got a sample letter to make it easy!
Sign the petition to join the thousands of other local residents speaking out about what library services mean to our families
We're just getting started! If you want to get involved or help us promote this issue, get in touch and join our mailing list

 Decisions about our shared future should be made in engagement with the people who live here, 
not behind closed doors

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