THE services provided by the City of Maribyrnong’s four libraries will receive a small boost in support for their general operations costs in the new financial year.
Libraries and community centres manager Michael Byrne said the Footscray, Highpoint, West Footscray and Yarraville libraries would again receive core funding from the State Government.
“The recurrent funding goes into the operations and total expenditure of the libraries,” he said.
The recently announced $351,315 in funding for 2007-08 is 4.1 per cent more than last year.
Local Government Minister Richard Wynne said the funding would help public libraries build stronger local communities, which helps increase opportunities and reduce disadvantage.
“This year’s funding makes provision for the increasing demand on library services as more people retire from full time work, reflecting the trend towards an ageing population.
“Libraries are no longer places where you go to just borrow books — they are vibrant community hubs where people meet to socialise, hold community meetings and engage in life-long learning,” he said.
