Public libraries are well overdue for a fairer funding model from the State, according to Local Government NSW (LGNSW).
According to LGNSW President Keith Rhoades AFSM, Councils are being forced to pick up the slack when it comes to funding NSW public libraries.
“Back in the day funding for libraries was fairly split down the middle, however today our councils are footing 93 percent of the bill for these vital community assets while the State Government puts forward only seven cents in every dollar.
“When you consider almost half of the State’s population are members of their local library, this just doesn’t cut it.”
Currently the State Government contributes $1.85 per capita to public libraries, a figure which has remained unchanged for almost 20 years under both Labor and Liberal State Governments.
Cr Rhoades says State Government support for the heartbeat of local communities has well and truly dwindled over a long period.
“Changing the funding model for these important assets isn’t revolutionary.
“The biggest issue when it comes to funding libraries is that the per capita contribution isn’t indexed, meaning the meagre amount which hasn’t gone up in almost 20 years holds no real value in today’s terms.”
According to the 2012/13 Australian Library Statistical Report, NSW State Government funding for public libraries is the lowest of any State or Territory in the country.
“The ALP and the Greens have announced commitments to improving funding for our public libraries, but the Coalition has left us in the dark when it comes to their plans for the future of libraries.
“I’m asking Premier Baird and Arts Minister Troy Grant to commit to the future of these invaluable public assets – places where our seniors can meet, parents can introduce their children to the magical world of literature, and community members from all walks of life can have free access to basic information.”
Last year the State’s 383 libraries had 34 million visits, 45 million loans and 7.6 million internet sessions.
In addition, more than 1.5 million people attended over 67,000 public programs offered by their local library.
