Prince George Public Library Director Paul Burry says the province needs to do more financially to best support such facilities across the province.
In 2009, provincial funding was cut to 14-million dollars, a decrease of about 20 percent for all 71 library systems in B.C. – an amount that has remained stagnant for the past 17 years.
Burry told MyPGNow.com a popular digital database called Hoopla, which provides access to e-books, audio books, movies and music has seen its costs rises dramatically in a short amount of time.
“When we started using that in 2017, we spent about $12,000 on that and then in 2024, that amount was $34,000. That is over a 180% increase in those seven years.”
During the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Victoria this month, delegates will debate a special resolution calling on the province to more than double its core annual funding for libraries to $30 million.
The resolution calls for a dedicated provincial capital fund to help local governments upgrade and expand facilities.
The UBCM conventions from September 22nd to 25th.
Burry noted the one saving grace for their two facilities is the strong relationship they have with the city.
“The City of Prince George not only provides over 90% of our operating funds but in 2021, completed the entrance renovation project on the downtown branch. Right now, we are currently replacing the sky light at our downtown branch.”
“I think there is a good understanding and appreciation for the role library in the community and the municipality is making an investment too make sure we continue to succeed.”
“The library still provides access for free resources in the entire community and to provide a cost-effective way so that everyone has access to the same level of information. Libraries are much more than the buildings and the books and that is something our community understands well,” added Burry.
He noted the province provided $56 million in additional support to libraries since 2020, including a one-time $45-million enhancement grant in two years ago.
Burry said while those were helpful during a time of uncertainty, it didn’t allow for facilities like Prince George to utilize the funding for long-term projects.
“When they are one-time funds, they are great for discreet projects or purchasing new equipment but if you want to plan to increase your services and have ongoing projects then you need more predictability as to what your funding is going to be.”
Other funding streams like the $1-billion Growing Communities Fund has yet to be used by the Prince George Public Library but adds it could be another option down the road.
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