Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Libraries receive new funds

More than 70 public library boards will benefit from a one-time $1.2 million grant made possible by the province’s budgetary surplus.

More than 70 public library boards will benefit from a one-time $1.2 million grant made possible by the province’s budgetary surplus.

"The government recently announced a budget surplus this fiscal year that will allow us to provide extra funding for key priorities," said Premier Ujjal Dosanjh. "Our public libraries and the services they offer British Columbians are one of these priorities. This grant will help B.C.’s public libraries buy much needed materials for their collections."

The funding will go towards audio-visual materials, electronic resources on CD-Rom, and other information resources.

Whistler Public Library received $2,906 in funding, the Squamish Public Library received $4,703, and the Pemberton and District Public Library Association received $1,314.

The Fraser Valley Regional Library received the largest grant of $181,700. The Vancouver Public Library received $170,215, while the Vancouver Island Regional Library and Surrey Public Library received $128,576 and $102,000.

"Our public libraries are a key resource is our communities," said Municipal Affairs Minister Jim Doyle. "This added funding will help libraries enhance their collections and improve opportunities for British Columbians of all ages to participate in lifelong learning in their communities."

B.C.’s public library boards operate 229 public library branches. The size of the grants were determined at a rate of 30 cents per capita, with a minimum grant of $1,000.