Local library services will receive a welcome funding boost of almost $90,000 to meet the growing needs of the community.
The extra money comes as part of a record $36.5 million investment in NSW public libraries in 2019-2020 after Campbelltown joined with other councils across the state to advocate for increased investment in local library services.
The increase brings the total annual amount to $472,460 from the NSW State Government that will be used to deliver vital community programs and access to digital resources in Campbelltown.
Mayor George Brticevic said it was fantastic to see Campbelltown libraries benefit from the extra funding.
“Libraries are a core element of our communities and offer lifelong learning opportunities, social interaction and a comfortable place for people to relax,” Cr Brticevic said.
“Our libraries are open seven days a week and support everyone across our community, from parents and their young children, students and older generations who use our services to study, learn about their history and access technologies,” he said.
NSW State Librarian John Vallance welcomed the increase announced in the 2019 NSW budget, which will see a total of $60 million in additional Government funding going to public libraries over four years.
“Public libraries offer so much to the people of NSW including quality collections, comfortable and safe public space, high speed internet, as well as events and programs. All this together helps create a literate and informed society,” Dr Vallance said.
NSW arts minister Don Harwin said the extra funding will provide increases to public library per capita subsidies, and a more transparent model for the allocation of other funds to councils based on local need.
“All councils will receive increases to their annual payments, enabling improvements to public library collections, opening hours and services.’’
