Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea, announced today that the NSW Government is investing a record $60 million into public library services in NSW.
This money will be spent on expanding collections, carrying out major upgrades and extending services. All 370 public libraries in NSW will profit from this investment.
“Local residents will benefit from improved children’s services, public IT, extra events and better access to collections,” Mr O’Dea said.
The role of public libraries as community hubs is continually evolving with more Service NSW kiosks being placed in libraries on an ‘opt in’ basis.
“This historic investment will transform the way NSW’s public libraries deliver much-needed services, especially in regional areas, by enhancing customer experience and convenience,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said this is a landmark occasion for NSW public libraries, ensuring they remain at the heart of every community.
“All Councils will receive an increase in their annual library subsidy funding of between 40 to 50 per cent, by 2022-23. This significant investment demonstrates our Government’s support of all public libraries across the state,” Minister Harwin said.
Under the new investment, the per capita subsidy for public libraries will increase from $1.85 per capita to $2.85 per capita.
“This is the first time the per capita subsidy for public libraries has been increased in over twenty years,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
