Central Coast Council Library Service is set to benefit from a record boost in funding, with the State Government delivering $36.5 million in funding to NSW public libraries in 2019/20.

NSW State Librarian John Vallance welcomed this significant increase announced as part of the NSW State Budget in 2019, which will see a total of $60 million in additional Government funding going to public libraries over four years.

“Public libraries offer so much to the people of NSW including quality collections, comfortable and safe public spaces, high speed internet, as well as events and programs. All this together helps create a literate and informed society,” said Dr Vallance.

Mayor Jane Smith said this financial year’s funding increase of $100,647 for the Central Coast will make a huge difference in helping our library to better meet the growing demands of the community.

“Last year we joined more than one hundred other councils supporting the NSW Public Libraries Association and Local Government NSW campaign to ‘Renew Our Libraries’, and I am pleased that campaign has been a success” Mayor Smith said.

“Libraries have evolved over the last couple of decades, becoming a vital component of our social infrastructure, and need more funding to meet the needs of the community now and in the future.

“Thanks to NSW Government following through on their pledge, $896,536 will now be invested in our local Library Services this financial year.

“This boost in funding is yet another example of the positive outcomes that can be achieved when different levels of Government work together for our community.

“Combined with our own funding earmarked in our Operational Plan, this extra funding will help improve programs and services, expand the collection of books, magazines and other resources as well as continued provision of the latest in computer, tablet and printing technology for library users.”

The Minister for the Arts the Hon Don Harwin MLC said the new funding will provide increases to public library per capita subsidies, and a more transparent model for the allocation of other funds to councils based on local need.

"All councils will receive increases to their annual payments, enabling improvements to public library collections, opening hours and services," Mr Harwin said.

"We are also very pleased the Government has amended the Library Regulation to lock in the per capita increases, giving certainty for councils about per capita funding in future years.” Dr Vallance added.

In addition to the public library funding increase, the Budget allocates $500,000 per annum ($2 million over four years) to the State Library for Vision Australia to enable the provision of expanded services and a greater selection of audio and braille books to the 126,000 people who are blind or have low vision in NSW.

To take advantage of the incredible range or resources and services available through Council’s Library Services offer visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries

ENDS