Contract talks have broken down between the Essex County library board and CUPE Local 2974.

CUPE spokesperson Lori Wightman says the two sides sat down with a mediator for three hours Friday. But she says talks broke down because negotiators for the library board told the mediator they did not have the "authority" to change any of the offers on the table.

Some 58 librarians in Essex County have been on strike for three weeks.

No new talks have been scheduled.

Library board officials declined to comment.