Boost For Book Lovers During Library Week
Libraries and Information Week is an opportunity to celebrate the role libraries play in our local communities, Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins, said today.
Visiting her own local library in Sydenham, Ms Hutchins said the Labor Government recognised the importance of libraries by providing a record $40.51 million in 2015-16 for the Public Libraries Funding Program, to support ongoing library services for councils, regional libraries and Vision Australia.
$5.4 million in funding would also go to the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program and the Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund, funded in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget.
The Living Libraries Program provides assistance to councils and regional library services to modernise library buildings and upgrade or replace mobile libraries.
The Premiers’ Reading Challenge encourages local students to choose and read from over 7000 titles, with the Fund providing assistance to public libraries to purchase new books from the list.
Libraries and Information Week is celebrated from 25 to 31 May 2015.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins
“The Andrews Labor Government’s funding boost recognises that libraries are at the heart of our communities.”
“This funding demonstrates the Labor Government’s commitment to libraries and their role in supporting a love of lifelong learning.”
“It’s a pleasure to visit the Sydenham Library again and see just how much local residents are using and engaging with their local library.”