On June 17 The BC Public Library Partners (made up of representatives from BCLA, BC Libraries Coop, BCLTA, and ABCPLD) presented virtually to the BC Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, asking the province to permanently increase annual funding for public libraries to $30 million in 2026, and commit to inflationary adjustments every year. (Minutes/Transcript of the June 17th Committee session: HTML or Audio)
The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services (the Committee) is comprised of several MLAs who, as part of the annual Budget Consultation process, meet to listen to budget requests from British Columbians and to make recommendations to the Legislative Assembly based on what they’ve heard. The Committee has now released their Report on the Budget 2026 Consultation. It includes references to the presentations made on behalf of the Library Sector and endorses our ask.
The Report lists the members of the Committee, outlines their role and summarizes the committee’s discussions, recommendations, and priorities for fiscal health, economic growth, and environmental protection.
Excerpts of what the Committee reported regarding Public Libraries:
- PUBLIC LIBRARIES (pg. 16 -17): “The Committee heard about the significant role that libraries play in the communities. Several organizations, including the [ABCPLD], BC Library Association, the BC Libraries Cooperative, and the BC Library Trustees Association, recommended increasing the core annual provincial grant for libraries to $30 million. The Nelson Public Library also highlighted the key role public libraries play, including offering core services and supporting family literacy. CUPE Local 374 emphasized that libraries also provide community warming and cooling spaces for vulnerable people as well as offering tools to lower-income and unhoused people. Fort St. John Public Library and the CUPE Local 402 similarly emphasized the role public libraries play in providing space, technology, and programs for communities. The Kootenay Boundary Patient Advisory Committee and Community recommended funding libraries to improve internet speed and to create private telehealth spaces. Additionally, the Vancouver Island Regional Library stated an advisory body per section 52(1) of the Library Act should be established to review library funding and make appropriate recommendations.”
- Committee Discussion(pg. 17): “Regarding public libraries, the Committee recognized the challenges libraries face due to insufficient funding, including aging infrastructure, lack of staffing, and limited technology and further reflected on the importance of libraries in our communities. Committee Members recognized the important roles libraries play in communities and noted they are relied on for a variety of services including access to technology.”
- The Committee’s Recommendations (pg. 18): [That the provincial government] “provide increased stable annual funding for libraries to address capital and operational issues, including infrastructure, technology, and staffing”.
We have received similar recommendations in the past and it hasn’t resulted in an increase to our annual funding, but it is still a positive indication of political support for increased funding for public libraries.
The Partners will be continuing our advocacy at the UBCM Convention in September in Victoria, participating in a study session presentation on public libraries at the convention and holding an reception at the Greater Victoria Public Library.
Thank you to everyone in public libraries – your work is the foundation on which our advocacy is built, and it is being seen and appreciated both locally and provincially.