Funding for Public Library Service
Libraries are a key component of Alberta’s strong communities and the government is committed to a strong province wide public library system. The government’s vision is to create seamless access to information, resources and library services for all Albertans.
This year, the provincial government invested $32 million in Alberta libraries, a $9 million (39 per cent) increase in funding. Of this increase, $7 million will go directly to local library boards and regional library systems to deliver basic library services and respond to community needs. The remaining $2 million increase will be invested in technology, helping further the new vision as well as promoting collaboration and innovation within the library network.
Provincial grants to library system boards are now being based on the combined population of member municipalities and are contingent on a municipal contribution to the library system board. Operating grants for municipal library boards in 2009/10 increased to $17,687,660 from $12,630,658. Funding for library system boards increased to $7,022,360 from $4,767,020. Provincial grants to library boards (serving 3,000 plus) are calculated based on 2008 population figures. Find out what this means for each municipality.
The Public Library Service Grant Program Guidelines document describes the parameters for the distribution of library grants.
Contact: Bonnie.Gray@gov.ab.ca or 780-427-4871
