A message from the Association of B.C. Public Library Directors:

B.C.’s Public Libraries: Facing a Breaking Point

Public libraries are one of the last free and welcoming places in BC: connecting people to jobs, government services, learning, community, and shelter from extreme weather. But behind the scenes, libraries are being stretched to the limit after a 25% funding cut in 2009 and 16 years of frozen provincial support.

Since that cut, costs have soared and demand has grown dramatically—but the provincial grant has never been restored. In real terms, that funding has dropped by over 30%.

We’re calling on the Province to commit to $30 million in sustained annual funding - enough to restore 2009 levels and make recent one-time funding permanent. Municipalities are doing their part. Now the Province must do the same.

Without this investment, libraries will be forced to cut essential services that thousands rely on every day. With it, they will continue delivering life-changing support in every corner of BC.

We're Overdue.