An extra $23.5 million will be distributed across NSW, on a per capita basis, through the Public Library Funding Strategy’s subsidy adjustment.
It equates to an increase in funding of about $42,000 combined for Berrigan Shire’s libraries, and about $36,000 extra for Murrumbidgee Council’s libraries.
But senior managers from both councils said there is a long way to go before the NSW Government is back to the equal contribution Local Government NSW has been campaigning for.
Berrigan Shire director for corporate services Matt Hansen said the increase through the strategy brings the NSW Government contribution in the shire to $82,000.
But he said it’s only about 20 per cent of the total spend required for the shire’s library services.
‘‘We need to put the government funding in context to our own contribution (from council),’’ Mr Hansen said.
‘‘That stands at an overall budget of $600,000.
‘‘While the increase is welcome, the fact is that 30 years ago there was a 50:50 split (between the state government and councils to fund libraries).
‘‘Now we’re looking much closer to an 80:20 split with the government which, at the end of the day, is not enough.’’
Murrumbidgee Council general manager John Scarce similarly said while the funding increase would be put to good use, it was only a portion of the support libraries need.
‘‘The 20 per cent increase is negligible when you have building and vehicle expenses come around,’’ Mr Scarce said.
‘‘We have an exchange and turnover system to buy new things and cover any other various expenses we face, so Jerilderie and other Murrumbidgee libraries will see the benefits of this funding.’’
Mr Hansen said Berrigan Shire’s funding increase would add to a consolidated library funding pool, which he said it spent evenly across the four shire libraries.
‘‘Some of the money will be spent on collection development or going out to purchase more materials, periodicals, books, ebooks and DVDs.
‘‘Some of the additional funding will also be spent on services such as our online databases on the computers, and some will be spent on additional training for the staff on how they can help patrons utilise these databases.’’
The increase follows a campaign lead by Local Government NSW, in which the local councils were involved.
It called on the funding for public libraries from the NSW Government to be doubled.
11°C