Whereas core funding for public libraries in British Columbia has remained unchanged since 2009, limiting their ability to expand and evolve their programming as demand for their services increases; And whereas the operational requirements of public libraries increasingly require significant and diverse resources to provide front-line community services, including supporting patrons with mental health and addiction issues as well as barriers to housing, providing critical locations of refuge during extreme weather events, providing services to new Canadians, and supporting the process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the provincial government to recognize the evolving and challenging situation for public libraries as well as their unique role as community spaces by establishing an Advisory Body per section 521 of the Library Act, the objectives of which will be to: 1. Undertake a review of core annual provincial funding of public libraries in the Canadian context; 2. Make recommendations to the Minister with respect to core, sustainable funding approaches for BCs public library sector.
