Call to save local libraries

Despite the Library Council of NSW’s recommendation to increase public library funding to $30 million in 2018-19, the recent State Government budget slashed funding by five per cent to $23.5 million, the lowest State Government contribution to libraries since 1999-2000.

“While Councils across the State continue to increase investment in their libraries, the State Government’s budget for libraries has been gutted,” City of Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas said.

“It’s an attack on our wonderful local libraries and an attack on the vital services they provide – services our local communities rely on.”

“At a time where the NSW Government has a $4.5 billion surplus and is spending $2.2 billion on stadiums the public don’t want, this funding cut is a slap in the face to our local community.”

“I’ll be asking locals to join me in urging the State Government to support a significant increase in future funding for NSW public libraries supported by a sustainable future funding model.”

NSW Councils currently fund 92.5 per cent of total expenditure on libraries across the State, a percentage that is higher than any other State of Territory in the nation.  The City of Canada Bay funds 94.4 per cent of library services expenditure.

These cuts mean that grant funding is no longer available to Metropolitan Councils, removing the opportunity for the City of Canada Bay’s libraries to receive up to $200,000 annually for important library infrastructure and service projects.

Each year the City of Canada Bay’s libraries boast 340,000 visits, 480,000 loans, 800 events and programs with attendance upwards of 27,000, as well as offering a broad range of cutting edge electronic resources.

“Our libraries provide significant opportunities for social connection and cohesion in our community, and are increasingly anchoring wider community development initiatives,” Mayor Tsirekas said. 

“With physical and virtual visits, loans of library material, participation in library programs, and population growth continuing to increase year on year, it is time for the State Government to make a change.”

The City of Canada Bay has invested significantly in library services over the past 15 years, spending $18.5 million in capital expenditure and approximately $4.2 million annually.