In early June, The BC Public Library Partners 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 2027 and to commit to inflationary adjustments every year. Find out more.
Today, the Report on the Budget 2027 Consultation has been released and includes a recommendation for increased annual provincial funding for BC public libraries, indexed to inflation. (see below for excerpts)
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.
We will continue our advocacy at the UBCM Convention this fall, and in ongoing meetings with politicians and government officials.
Thank you to everyone who works in public libraries – the impact you have every day is the best advocacy possible, and we hear that whenever we speak to decisionmakers.
Excerpts from the Housing, Local Government, and Libraries Sections of the Report
Public Libraries (page 52)
The Committee heard about the critical role public libraries play in communities across the province including by serving as community hubs, cooling and warming centres, and access points for social services. The Committee received a significant volume of input about the need to increase core funding for public libraries. The BC Library Association noted that provincial funding has remained at approximately $14 million annually since 2009, while libraries have significantly expanded the services and programs they offer. The BC Libraries Cooperative added that BC’s population has grown by 28 per cent over the same period, increasing demand for library services, while wages have fallen further behind, leading to staffing challenges, reduced hours, and risks to community programs. To address these pressures, organizations recommended increasing annual core funding to $30 million, with some also recommending that this amount be indexed to inflation, as part of a call for a more sustainable provincial funding approach.
Reflecting this broader funding concern, two organizations called for the Library Act and provincial funding framework to be reviewed and modernized. The Board of Vancouver Public Library stated that a ministerial advisory body under the Act would support proactive engagement and help steward long-term provincial investments in BC’s public libraries. Also focused on strengthening the sector’s long-term sustainability, the Prince George Public Library recommended developing a provincial framework to encourage public-private partnerships and community investment in library services through matching grants and sector-wide fundraising initiatives.
In addition to changes to the overall funding framework, a few public libraries emphasized the need for dedicated capital funding and new revenue tools to support facility renewal, service expansion, and community-responsive programming. The Board of Vancouver Public Library and Vancouver Island Regional Library recommended establishing a dedicated capital funding program for local libraries, noting that sustainable capital tools are critical for the future growth and renewal of libraries. The Prince George Public Library stated that a dedicated BC Library Innovation and Community Resilience Fund would help libraries develop and expand programs that respond to changing community needs without increasing pressure on municipal budgets.
A few participants also identified targeted funding opportunities to expand access to library services, local publications, and literacy initiatives. The Magazine Association of BC recommended allocating a portion of existing public library acquisition funding to support BC publications, along with investing in a Read Local BC campaign, noting this would expand public access to local stories while helping publishers reach new readers. One participant also emphasized opportunities to reduce costs for smaller public library systems by exploring joint purchasing agreements for physical and digital library materials.
Committee Discussion, page 59
Regarding public libraries, the Committee recognized their role as essential community hubs and safe third spaces particularly for seniors, youth, and those living in poverty. The
Committee emphasized the need for consistent, sustainable funding to support staffing, planning, and service delivery and acknowledged the request to increase annual funding for public libraries to $30 million. In addition to funding, Members also considered the need to modernize the Library Act to ensure public libraries are able to respond to growing demand for digital materials, update their systems, and maintain accessible services for all clients.
Recommendations, page 59
Increase core annual funding for public libraries and index it to inflation.