COURTENAY – BC NDP candidates Will Cole-Hamilton, Sara Lopez and Christine Boyle announced today that a re-elected BC NDP government will permanently double provincial funding for B.C.’s public libraries, from $14 million to $28 million a year.

“As families are squeezed by rising costs, public libraries are more important than ever,” said Christine Boyle, BC NDP candidate for Vancouver–Little Mountain. “This investment will help make sure British Columbians can continue to access the books, technology, programs and welcoming community spaces they count on.”

With more than 60 million visits each year, libraries are an important part of communities across B.C. Libraries provide free access to information, entertainment and technology, support early literacy and lifelong learning, and provide welcoming spaces where people can connect with their neighbours.

“Libraries are places where a senior can learn a new digital skill, a student can find a quiet place to study, a parent can bring their child to a free literacy program, or someone looking for work can get online and access the tools they need,” said Will Cole-Hamilton, BC NDP candidate for Courtenay–Comox. “As a former Library Trustee, I know that stable provincial funding means that libraries here in the Comox Valley, and across the province, can plan for the long term and provide more of these crucial services.”

The commitment would provide stable, long-term funding for B.C.’s 71 public library systems, helping libraries respond to the needs of their communities. The additional $14 million in annual provincial funding could help libraries:

• stay open for longer hours or additional days;
• expand digital collections and reduce wait times for e-books and audiobooks;
• provide more free community, family and literacy programs;
• expand free access to high-speed Wi-Fi, computers and workstations;
• offer more lifelong learning opportunities, including digital skills and technology training; and
• provide more opportunities for newcomers, seniors, students, families and job-seekers to access information and connect with their communities.

“Public libraries are essential community infrastructure, and they should be treated that way,” said Sara Lopez, BC NDP candidate for North Island. “Permanent funding gives library boards and staff the ability to make long-term decisions based on what their communities actually need. It means more opportunities for people to learn, connect and access information for free.”

Conversely, the BC Conservatives have proposed deep cuts to public spending that would put services people rely on at risk, including community services like public libraries. While the BC NDP is proposing stable, long-term funding for libraries, the Conservatives would take B.C. in the opposite direction, with cuts that could leave communities with fewer programs, reduced hours and less access to the services libraries provide.

Provincial funding for public libraries was frozen at $14 million in 2010. The BC NDP government provided an additional $8 million grant in 2022 and committed $45 million over three years in 2023. Those temporary funding commitments have now expired, returning the annual provincial grant to $14 million.

Quotes:

Nicole Minions –
“People often think of libraries as places to borrow books, but they are so much more than that. They provide access to technology, information, programs and community connections. A permanent increase in provincial funding would make a meaningful difference for library users across the region.”

Wendy Morin –

“Libraries are busier than ever because people are looking for affordable ways to learn, connect and spend time together. Stable provincial funding would give us greater certainty and help us continue responding to the needs of our community.”