The provincial government has announced more than $8.5 million in funding for B.C. public libraries to help cover annual operating costs for 2001-02. The funding formula remains the same as last year and is tied to population.
Of the funding pie, Whistler Public Library will receive $28,713, Pemberton & District Public Library Association has been allotted $12,699 and Squamish Public Library Association will receive $38,652.
The annual grant program provides funding to B.C.s 70 public library boards, which operate 229 public library branches.
Municipal Affairs minister Jim Doyle says in such times of fast-paced change and a global information economy, libraries are an important resource for people of all ages. The ministry has also recently provided $1.2 million to the public library boards for printed and audio-visual materials as well as electronic resources.