Opposition MLAs say the closure of five libraries in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley will be devastating to the communities they serve and that the Houston government should try to keep them open.

As of July 20, branches in Hantsport, Kentville, Lawrencetown, Port Williams and Middleton will shut down. The Annapolis Valley Regional Library Board said its decision ultimately came down to increasing costs and limited funding.

"When you think about the essential service that is no longer going to be …