Bellingen Shire joins Statewide push to avert Library Funding shortfall

Bellingen Shire Council has joined other local governments and public libraries in a united effort across NSW to call for a doubling in State Government funding to resolve a shortfall that threatens the long-term viability of local public libraries.

Our public libraries are the heart of our communities and valued places where people meet, access knowledge and share ideas.

“Providing high quality library services is a job we take very seriously, that why we are proud to support Renew Our Libraries said Mayor, Cr Dominic King.

Bellingen Shire Council has joined the NSW Public Libraries Association (NSWPLA) and Local Government NSW (LGNSW) in launching a major grassroots push to deliver a sustainable funding model after the NSW Government reduced funding in its recent Budget.

Mayor King said that the demand for local library services had increased, but NSW Government funding had failed to keep up with demand.

“Every year local councils like ours contribute over $314 million to support over 360 libraries while the NSW Government provide just $23.5 million in recurrent funding. This is an unfair burden for us to bear, particularly when local council budgets are already stretched.”

“At around 7.8% of total funding, the NSW contribution to libraries is the lowest in Australia, far behind Victoria (18%) and Queensland (12%). It is time the NSW Government paid it fair share.” If NSW Government funding failed to increase local library services could be affected.”

“That’s why we are calling on all political parties to urgently address this funding shortfall in NSW public libraries by doubling recurrent funding and creating a sustainable funding model.” An online information hub ‘Renew our Libraries’ has been established and our community are encouraged to sign the petition which will be sent to members of the NSW Parliament”, added the Mayor.

Renew Our Libraries arose from the 2017 LGNSW Conference, where NSW councils unanimously resolved to advocate for improved NSW Government funding to enable public libraries to meet the growing needs of local communities and to raise public awareness of the multiple roles public libraries play in supporting the educational, social, cultural and economic outcomes in local communities.

For more information visit the Renew our Libraries Information Hub at www.renewourlibraries.com.au.