Long Term Sustainable Funding for Public Libraries

Whereas libraries in British Columbia are largely financed by levies paid by local governments; And whereas provincial library funding has remained stagnant for the past 10 years; And whereas public libraries are central to communities, providing equitable access to vital resources, including internet, computers, digital library tools, and in-person services from expert staff; And whereas public libraries provide British Columbians with low-barrier services, that support job seekers and small businesses, that increase literacy in communities, that advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and that promote equity and inclusion: Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM urge the Government of British Columbia to provide long-term sustainable funding for public libraries in BC; And be it further resolved that the Province ensure that BC Libraries will henceforth receive regular increases to Provincial Government funding in subsequent years.