Campbelltown MP Greg Warren has backed a NSW Public Libraries Association and Local Government NSW campaign calling for the state government to double its funding for NSW libraries.
The Renew our Libraries campaign urges both sides of government to make the commitment.
In March this year, NSW Labor announced it would double state government funding to NSW libraries, however Premier Gladys Berejiklian and her Liberal state government have refused to do likewise.
NSW Labor’s announcement was the result of a push from Campbelltown MP Greg Warren and Campbelltown councillor Margaret Chivers.
NSW libraries currently receive the least amount of state government funding, per person, compared to every other state and territory throughout Australia.
The campaign comes in the same week that Eagle Vale Library celebrates its 15th birthday.
“NSW Labor have acknowledged the importance of libraries, now it’s time this Liberal state government did the same,’’ Mr Warren said.
“The modern library is much, much more than a building filled with wall-to-wall bookshelves.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Libraries these days are hubs for the community – places where residents come to learn, engage and collaborate with each other.[/social_quote]
“Libraries are places where elderly residents go to brush up on the IT skills or literature lovers gather for book clubs.
“They are also a vital educational tool for students completing assignments.
“But libraries can only offer so much with the miniscule amount of funding they currently receive from this Liberal state government.
“The dollars invested into our state’s libraries can only be described as insulting.
“That’s why if a NSW Labor government was elected to power in March 2019, the amount of state government funding would be doubled.
“Local Government NSW has warned libraries throughout the state would be forced to cut opening hours and slash resources should funding not be doubled.
“That would be an atrocity and something Premier Gladys Berejiklian cannot allow to happen on her watch.
“This week Eagle Vale Library celebrates its birthday. There would be no better birthday present than doubling the current funding.”
