During its May 26 meeting, qathet Regional District's board voted to send a resolution to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) regarding funding for public libraries.
The regional district had received a letter from Powell River Public Library board chair Rod Wiebe indicating that provincial funding for public libraries had been frozen for at least 10 years. Wiebe forwarded a resolution for UBCM indicating that public libraries are central to communities, providing equitable access to vital resources, including internet, computers, digital tools and in-person services from expert staff.
The resolution further stated that public libraries provide British Columbians with low-barrier services that support job seekers and small business, that increase literacy in communities, that advance reconciliation with indigenous peoples, and that promote equity and inclusion.
The resolution calls for regular financial increases from the province.
