Public libraries are vital now more than ever as the cost of living crisis continues to bite
Public Libraries are delivering an S.O.S. to the Victorian Government ahead of the 2023-24 Budget, as many report shorter opening hours, cuts to staffing levels and programs, and reduced investment in collections.
State Government funding for Victorian libraries has been steadily declining in real terms for years, failing to keep up with the growing population and inflation.
With public libraries struggling to meet community demand, they are calling for a funding lifeline to maintain operations when they are most needed.
Public Libraries Victoria CEO Angela Savage said with so many Victorian households under financial strain, public libraries were one of the few places anyone can attend for free.
“When families are having to ditch their home internet so they can put food on the table, libraries are there to provide free access to computers, internet and wifi,” she said.
“The cost of living crisis is pushing up the demand for public libraries as people can’t afford to run their heating or cooling and instead they spend their time at the library seeking shelter, comfort and connection.
“Our libraries play a crucial role in Victorians’ lives, with one in three people a member of their local library.
On any given day, there are hundreds of free programs running and 60,000 people visiting a public library,” she said.
“With so many families hit by huge increases in their cost-of-living, our libraries provide essential services for the community.
Demand for library services is sky high, with Baby Rhyme Time and Story Time in some areas attracting hundreds of people each week.
Our school holiday programs were packed
last month, as well as crucial programs for seniors, tutoring services and jobseeker support.”
Public Libraries Victoria is urging all library users to join the call to Protect Public Libraries by emailing their concerns about library funding directly to Premier Daniel Andrews (daniel.andrews@parliament.vic.gov.au), Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne (me lissa.horne@minstaff.vic.gov.au), and Minister for Regional Development and Minister for Equality Harriet Shing (har riet.shing@parliament.vic.gov.au).
You can support the campaign on social media by sharing what you love about libraries and what’s at risk without adequate investment, followed by the hashtag #ProtectPublicLibraries. Handwritten letters can be delivered to your local library, and we will ensure it reaches the right government department.
Myli is a community library network that serves four regions in Victoria: Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Cardinia and South Gippsland.
As a Myli member, you can borrow books, DVDs and audiobooks, access free online resources, join programs and events, and use Wi-Fi and public computers in any branch. For more information about the Protect Public Libraries campaign or to sign up for your free Myli membership, visit myli.org.au.