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INCREASE PROVINCIAL FUNDING FOR BC PUBLIC LIBRARIES (2025)

2025
Diversity and Inclusion
Education and Skills Training
Local & Regional Government

Issue

The provincial government has not kept pace with inflation and population growth with dedicated additional funding in its annual budget for BC public libraries. These critical public institutions provide meeting rooms for businesses and technical help for job seekers, while also helping new residents integrate into the community.

 

Background

There are currently 71 public libraries across BC with 1.9 million active cardholders who borrowed more than 9 million items in 2023[1]. Provincial funding for public library service funding has been frozen since 2010 ($14 million), and that was a cut from $17 million in 2009[2]. Meanwhile, BC’s population has grown by more than one million during that time period[3]. Although the provincial government has provided one-time grant increases ($45 million in 2023[4]), BC municipalities regularly have regularly increased their annual public library funding[5] while repeatedly calling on the province to follow suit.[6] Meanwhile, BC public libraries face increasing and ongoing costs related to violent incidents[7] and staff safety[8].

The Chamber believes that as a low-barrier social infrastructure, libraries promote belonging, inclusion, equity, and equality for those they serve. Libraries support traditional and technological literacy, and they represent a public face for continuous learning and continuing education. Libraries are essential service providers, and often considered the ‘heart of their community’.

Public libraries provide well-trained and compassionate staff, offering a connection to essential social and government services in a safe, culturally appropriate environment without stigma. Built on a history of collaboration in BC communities, libraries advance collective progress on communications and connectivity, increase sectoral action on the climate crisis and accessibility, and promote meaningful reconciliation through information, cross-cultural learning, and social opportunities.

Libraries, regardless of their size, provide resources often used by businesses, particularly those that are small or starting up – everything from computer and Internet access, to space, to access to information and resources[9]. Libraries also provide resources to support the continuing education and certification needs of community members, helping to create a qualified workforce for a variety of businesses[10]. Libraries partner with local businesses, service clubs and community groups to offer programs, raising their profile in the community and enhancing community collaboration[11].

As representatives of businesses in our communities, chambers of commerce also utilize libraries to support the work of our organizations and members. For example, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce held two events at the Prince George Public Library last year, a networking event to introduce its new executive director and it hosted a session in conjunction with the Immigrant Employment Council of BC looking to collect feedback from employers. Government investment in public libraries is an investment in British Columbians. Increased funding would help these essential institutions better serve their communities and advance BC Government's priorities “on growing BC’s economy and protecting vital public services.”[12] 

 

THE CHAMBER RECOMMENDS

That the Provincial Government:

  1. Immediately increase funding to BC’s public libraries, particularly in recognition of the significant shortfalls experienced by BC public libraries with the 15-year freeze in library funding by the provincial government.
  2. Consistently allocate additional funds to BC’s public libraries in future provincial budgets, to ensure they can adapt to the changing needs of the public and how the costs of providing them have evolved over time.