Victoria’s public libraries will receive almost $50 million to promote education and innovation among young people.
On Tuesday, Local Government Minister Nick Staikos announced $48.1 million had been allocated through the latest round of the Public Libraries Funding Program.
The program was established to provide annual funds for councils, regional library corporations, Connected Libraries Ltd, My Community Library Ltd, Your Library Ltd and Vision Australia, and supports a range of community activities and services across 293 branches statewide.
This includes everything from physical and electronic collection of items, information technology facilities, delivery of library and outreach programs, and the raft of other library services.
Mr Staikos said that funding public libraries meant supporting access to knowledge, social connection and entertainment for all Victorians.
“Our libraries offer so much more than books – they foster lifelong learning and contribute to the connections that strengthen and enrich Victorian communities,” he said.
Victorian public library ambassador Andrea Rowe agreed.
“With this funding, libraries can continue to inspire creativity and foster learning in communities right across Victoria,” Ms Rowe said.
For more information on the program: https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/funding-programs/public-library-funding
