Victorians To Benefit From Library Funding Boost
Book lovers will benefit from the Andrews Labor Government’s $5.4 million investment in the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program and the Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund, as part of the 2015-16 Victorian Budget.
The Labor Government has also delivered a record $40.51 million in 2015-16 to support ongoing library services for councils, regional libraries and Vision Australia through the Public Libraries Funding Program.
Living Libraries provides assistance to councils and regional library services to refurbish and modernise library buildings and upgrade or replace mobile libraries.
The Premiers’ Reading Challenge is open to all Victorian students and encourages them to read and engage with a wide variety of books.
The Challenge reading list includes more than 7,000 titles, with the Fund providing assistance to public libraries to purchase new books from the list and make them available to their communities.
Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins, said the funding highlighted the Labor Government’s commitment to lifelong learning and the value of education.
Funding for Living Libraries and the Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund has been allocated for the 2015-16 financial year, while the Government examines the recommendations of a recent Ministerial Advisory Council Review of Public Library Support.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins
“Victorians love reading and our libraries are visited more than 32 million times each year, with almost half of the state members of a library.”
“We’re supporting reading and education, and this funding will ensure that libraries can continue to provide accessible and engaging resources to communities across the state.”