Whereas the allocation of Provincial funding grants for regional and municipal libraries is based on a formula of half the converted value of land and improvements, and half the population of the service area; And whereas in rural areas with low population and lower land values this formula results in insufficient funding and hardship to the residents who are more dependent on library services: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province to establish an adequate funding model for libraries in rural areas with a population of less than 5000.
Ministry of Education Provincial funding to public libraries has remained stable at 14 million each year since 2009. Provincial grants for public libraries focus on supporting the extension and improvement of library services across British Columbia, both rural and urban. The Ministry of Education remains committed to funding public libraries, as they play a vital role supporting community learning and access to information. For example, each year the Ministry invests over 2.2M in the shared delivery of province-wide library programs and services, e.g. Summer Reading Club, Interlibrary Loan, web hosting, shared information systems resulting in a broader range of available content and services, cost savings and systems efficiencies. In October 2016, the Ministry of Education launched a renewed vision and strategic plan for British Columbias public libraries: Inspiring Libraries, Connecting Communities: a vision for public library service in BC. This new plan sets out our strategy for the coming years, highlights the changing role of public libraries and celebrates where we have been and where we are going. It also sets out our path forward to make our vision a reality. With these strategic priorities in mind, the Ministry will continue to review funding allocations.