GREATER VICTORIA – New Democrat MLAs Mitzi Dean, Rob Fleming, Grace Lore, Lana Popham, and Murray Rankin say that people will see improvements at their local public libraries, including expanded digital collections and internet access, upgraded spaces and programming, and improved air circulation thanks to new COVID-19 relief and recovery funding for libraries.
Greater Victoria Public Library is receiving $164,517.79 in funding.
A total of $8 million in COVID-19 relief and recovery funding is being distributed between 71 public libraries, six library federations and three library service partners in B.C.
Libraries can use this new funding to enhance services for people and fill gaps created by the pandemic. This may include adapting their physical spaces, delivering computer and virtual technology training, and developing programs that help people build deeper social and community connections.
This investment builds on a one-time $3 million investment in public libraries in 2020, to expand digital services and computer access during the pandemic. Government also provides $14 million in annual funding toward operating costs at B.C.’s public libraries.
Quotes:
Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin
“I’m very grateful to our local libraries for so quickly shifting how they provided services to ensure that members of our community could still access books, materials and information they needed. This funding will help cover pandemic related costs and support libraries to continue to offer such valuable services.”
Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake
“This funding is great news for people in Victoria. It will go a long way to help libraries adapt to modern digital demands locally and across the province.”
Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill
“There is no doubt that libraries are vital for people- they provide access to books, computers, a physical place for connection, and so much more. That’s why our government is providing COVID relief funding to libraries to expand their digital offerings, reduce barriers to access, and create new learning opportunities.”
Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South
“People are accessing books and magazines digitally, more than ever before. This investment will go a long way towards ensuring people can connect and learn through our libraries, in ways that reflect this day and age.”
Murray Rankin, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head
“People rely on libraries for access to technology, books, and literacy training. We are ensuring that libraries can recover strongly from the pandemic so they can keep providing the services people need and want.”
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022MUNI0029-000767