Whereas libraries in British Columbia are largely financed by levies paid by local governments, and where provincial library funding has remained stagnant for the past 10 years; And whereas public libraries are central to communities, providing equitable access to vital resources including Internet, computers, digital tools and in-person services from expert staff; And whereas public libraries provide British Columbians with low-barrier services that support job seekers and small businesses, that increase literacy in communities, that advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and that promote equity and inclusion: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Government of British Columbia to provide long-term sustainable funding for public libraries in BC; And be it further resolved that the Province ensure that BC libraries will henceforth receive regular increases to provincial government funding in subsequent years.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs Libraries are critical community hubs that serve all British Columbians. The province heard the need for increased funding to supplement core local library funding from communities across the province and provided 45 million for public libraries, service partners and library federations in March 2023. This funding is helping libraries extend operating hours, programs, spaces, digital collections, improve access to technology and keep communities connected through a love of learning. This new investment is in addition to regular annual grants of 14M and the previous one-time 8-million investment in March 2022 and 3 million for digital services in 2020. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs remains committed to working with communities and library stakeholders to strengthen public library services and province-wide programs.