Whereas in the past 15 years, BCs population has grown 29 while public libraries have continued to rely on stagnant funding to provide services in increasingly challenging circumstances, including addressing the provinces important goals of enhancing economic growth, reducing costs for families, and making communities safer; And whereas public libraries continue to meet these goals by supporting the economic and social health of their communities, providing information and services for consumers, individuals seeking employment and career enhancement, entrepreneurs and small businesses, providing critical locations of refuge during emergencies, 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 in keeping costs low for British Columbians and making communities safer, 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.
