Whereas libraries in BC are primarily more than 90 funded by local governments, and the provincial governments share of library funding has been decreasing from 21 of total revenue collected by libraries in 1986 to 6 in 2022; And whereas the 14 million of core funding from the Province that covers all 71 library systems in BC has not increased since 2010 while the population of BC grew by 29 and overall inflation went up 36; And whereas libraries are doing more to assist provincial objectives for the economic and social health of communities including: providing information and services for small businesses and individuals seeking employment; acting as critical locations of refuge during emergencies; operating as heating and cooling shelters; providing front-line community services by offering space and supporting patrons with mental health and addiction issues as well as barriers to housing; and supporting the process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the provincial government to recognize the evolving and challenging situation for public libraries as well as their unique role as community spaces, and increase the annual core provincial funding for libraries to 30 million in keeping with the long-standing request made by the BC Public Library Partners and the recommendation of the Provinces Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services; And be it further resolved this increase in core funding be increased on a yearly basis in keeping with cost of living and inflationary pressures; And be it further resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government to establish a dedicated capital funding program to assist local governments in upgrading, expanding, and constructing library facilities to meet community needs; And be it further resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government to establish an advisory body, per section 521 of the Library Act, to review the funding model for public libraries in consultation with local governments and First Nations.
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs The Province recognizes the social and economic pressures facing communities and libraries, and understands that local decisions about service levels in a community can be challenging to navigate. As local public services, libraries are primarily funded by local governments and governed by local library trustees, with provincial funding intended to complement local support and help local libraries participate in provincewide programs, collections and shared services. To support these critical community hubs, the Province reinvested in public libraries with a historic 45 million contribution in March 2023, in addition to the 14 million the province contributes annually to public libraries. The ministry values the contributions of local governments and library partners, acknowledging their critical role in library support, and that experiences, complexities, and needs of communities and their libraries vary across the province. The ministry will continue to engage in dialogue with the library and local government sectors on sustainable funding, focusing on modern, responsive solutions aligned with provincial objectives.