PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council will throw its support behind a state-wide campaign for additional library funding.
The council resolved at its meeting last week to support a funding campaign created by the NSW Public Library Associations for increased state funding to local government for public libraries.
As part of its support, council will write to local state members in relation to the need for additional funding for public libraries.
It will also write to NSW Minister for Arts, George Souris, calling for reform of the funding system for public libraries and citing the “expected real difficulties” to be experienced at a local level.
The council has also resolved to take a lead role in activating the funding campaign locally and will distribute campaign information through its libraries in Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Laurieton.
Mayor Peter Besseling said the council acknowledged that funding for public libraries had now reached crisis point.
He said an evidence-based submission from the NSW Public Library Associations recommending a fairer, simplified and more transparent method for the distribution of funds hadn’t been acted upon.
Cr Besseling said State Government funding for public libraries had fallen dramatically in recent years and local government authorities were now picking up 93 per cent of the costs associated with operating public libraries.
“It’s a situation that’s simply unsustainable in the long-term,” Cr Besseling said.
“Libraries are increasingly being recognised as community centres and not just places to borrow books,” Cr Besseling said.
“Without additional funding from the State Government, these facilities will suffer and residents of all ages will lose out. When it comes to library services, we are determined to fight for a better deal on behalf of local residents.”
