Three Sunshine Coast libraries will be receiving one-time grants from the provincial government to address local priorities.
According to Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons, Powell River Public Library will be receiving $133,000 through the grant program, on top of the $91,000 it receives annually from the province.
Gibsons Public Library will receive $120,223 through the grant program on top of the $64,000 it receives annually from the province.
Sechelt Public Library has been allocated $130,565 in addition to the $82,000 it receives from the province on an annual basis.
Simons said libraries in the province have been making a case for improved funding and he’s pleased the grant is a priority.
“Government decided it was an important investment,” said Simons. “Libraries are such a broad service for the public. Libraries are not just books, they are community buildings, they provide continuing education, and the grants are a good reflection of the importance people feel about libraries.”
Simons said he supports funding for libraries.
“This is one step, and we need to continue to support libraries on an ongoing, annual basis,” said Simons. “I hope we can continue to do that and improve supports for libraries. This is just one aspect of that.”
Simons said he is a patron of Powell River Public Library and has a library card. He added that with the funds allocated to the Gibsons and Sechelt libraries, the funds will benefit all residents of the Sunshine Coast.
Powell River Public Library chief librarian Rebecca Burbank said the provincial enhancement grant is a huge support for the library.
“The fact that it covers three years and is a larger amount really enables us to plan a bit more,” said Burbank. “I’m looking forward to seeing what our staff can do with the contribution, working with the library board, of course. There are a lot of options at this point. We are early in the planning stages.”
Burbank said a possible theme is accessibility.
“There are always improvements that can be made on that front,” added Burbank.
She said she was very pleased with the amount that is being allocated by the province.
“It was a surprise to hear there was funding coming in addition to our annual grant,” said Burbank. “It really is a huge bump for us.”
City of Powell River and qathet Regional District have been strong advocates of increased library funding through motions put forward to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.
Powell River Public Library vice-chair Amanda Zaikow said it is fantastic that the province is recognizing the work that is being done by libraries and the amazing staff.
“It’s so exciting to think of the possibilities with this funding, seeing what the staff has done in the building, plus the outreach programs, and just to see what collections can be built,” added Zaikow.
According to a media release from the provincial ministry of municipal affairs, public library users in communities throughout BC will benefit from modernized technology, enhanced programs and services, and better access to information through $45 million in provincial funding.
The release stated that all 71 BC public libraries and organizations that help libraries deliver their services will receive one-time grants totalling $45 million in addition to their annual operating funding. This will give libraries flexibility to address local priorities, including longer hours, bigger digital collections and better access to literacy and lifelong learning opportunities, the release stated.
