Library Funding

Whereas the Province has laudably committed to a living wage for BC residents by increasing the minimum wage to 14.60, however in doing so has inadvertently caused fiscal challenges for many libraries that rely on minimum wage workers; And whereas the Province has stated that Public libraries are at the heart of BCs diverse and unique communities, recognizing the profound impact libraries have on British Columbians from all walks of life; yet funding for libraries across the Province has remained stagnant since the 25 percent funding cut in 2009, when minimum wage was 8.00: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Province increase funding to libraries that will allow libraries to meet minimum wage requirements, andmaintain both services and operational hours that community residents rely on.