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Funds Continue For Libraries

Member for Morwell Russell Northe has welcomed the continuing support of the Victorian Government for our public library services.

By Russell Northe - 26th June 2013 - Back to News

"The Minister for Local Government, Jeanette Powell, has just reaffirmed the Victorian Government’s commitment to our public libraries," Mr Northe said.

"Across the State over $38 million has been committed to the Public Libraries Funding Program for the 2013-14 period."

Funding provided to library services in the Morwell electorate are –

Latrobe City libraries - $480,957

Wellington Shire Library - $297,422

"This funding is in addition to $4.5 million provided to libraries for the Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund for the purchase of additional resources and $17.2 million provided through the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program to improve library facilities," Mr Northe said.

"Our libraries are an important part of our communities and this commitment by the Minister is good news for all users of library services.

"Importantly for our library service providers this money will be provided to them upfront at the start of the financial year allowing them to plan out their yearly budgets with greater certainty," he said.

Mr Northe said libraries across the Morwell electorate in the towns of Churchill, Morwell and Traralgon provide an important community service, and these services have been enhanced in recent years.

Libraries are more than simply a lender of books; they provide a number of different services including access to computers and the internet along with assisting rate payers with questions on Council activities.

Latrobe City Council’s deputy mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson, said that the funding was welcome.

"Latrobe City libraries cater to all members of our community from pre-schoolers to students to older residents. As such it is important that they are properly funded. Libraries are no longer just about books but they are a portal to all manner of information, resources and facilities for community use," Cr Gibson said.

Media contact: Russell Northe 5133 9088

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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