The NSW Public Library Associations, representing the interests of Councils and their libraries across the state, is asking library lovers to join a statewide call to stop the ongoing reduction in funding from successive NSW State Governments and protect the future of their library.
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Guyra Shire Council has thrown its support behind a Community Funding Campaign to highlight this critical issue for libraries and their communities across NSW. The campaign was launched on Monday April 7.
Libraries are often the most well-used and valued public facilities in the community, but the ability of Councils to maintain service levels at their local libraries may be at risk due to deteriorating State funding, according to Councillor Graham Smith from the NSW Public Library Associations.
“State Government expenditure on public libraries has decreased as a proportion of total public library expenditure from 23% in 1980 to only 7% in 2013. This reduction in funding has led to service reductions in a number of libraries across NSW, and will continue to impact on the ability of local libraries to meet the needs of their communities.”
This is an historic issue that has now reached a crisis point.
Libraries in NSW are seeking the support of all library lovers. They need as many signatures as possible on a petition requesting increased and sustainable library funding to be tabled in the Lower House of the State Government. Petitions are available for signing at most NSW public libraries.
The library also wants to identify local library champions to assist them in the state-wide campaign to highlight the funding crisis and the need for a more sustainable funding model for public libraries from the state government.
Public libraries have been ignored by the NSW State Government for too long. They now receive the lowest state funding per-person of all libraries in Australia, and our politicians need to know that the community is concerned about the future of their libraries..
“Our local public library plays a very important part in our community life. Libraries bring people together, facilitate learning, connect us with information and ideas and provide a wonderful source of recreational pleasure,” said Councillor Smith.
“Libraries have evolved to become vibrant hubs that are seen as safe, welcoming spaces that serve a very important community-building role. There is no doubt libraries improve the quality of life of everyone who uses them.”
• Contact your local library for more information about how you can help or visit www.nswpla.org.au