Council welcomes increased library funding

Wagga Wagga City Library is set to benefit from an additional $60,342 in funding as part of a state-wide $36.5M increase in the NSW Government 2019/20 budget.

A cultural facility of Wagga Wagga City Council, the state funding to the library will increase from $155,369 in 2018/19 to $215,711 in 2019/20.

“The funding increases will support our library in meeting the growing demands of our community,” Wagga Wagga City Library Manager Claire Campbell said.

“The library attracts about 180,000 visitors per year and loans more than 250,000 items, as well as being a community hub that hosts a diverse range of workshops, events and activities.

“Libraries are more than books and provide important services to the community including free access to the internet, science programs, Storytime sessions, Home Library, computer classes, author talks and Language Café classes that help new residents settle into Wagga Wagga.”

The NSW Government also announced a capital grants program of $24 million over four years. The State Library will work closely with councils and libraries across the state, including Wagga Wagga City Library, on capital improvement projects as this funding is allocated.

“Public libraries offer so much to the people of NSW including quality collections, comfortable and safe public space, high speed internet, as well as events and programs. All this together helps create a literate and informed society,” NSW State Librarian Dr John Vallance said.

“We are also very pleased that the government has amended the Library Regulation to lock in the per capita increases, giving certainty for councils about per capita funding in future years.”