Cr Bill McArthur, President of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) said the Government’s ongoing contribution was vital to the day-to-day operation of public libraries and a more sustainable funding model was urgently needed.

"Meeting attendees confirmed that the State’s grant agreement should not be signed while negotiations are held with the Government to reinstate the anticipated funding levels that councils budgeted for 2011-12.

"The State’s process was poor, ill-timed and not transparent. We’re supposed to be partners in providing library services to Victorian communities and we hope to achieve a stronger partnership moving forward.

"Councils agree it’s time to move beyond the blame shifting, recognise the incredible value that libraries provide to our communities and ensure a better funding model is negotiated to meet this popular, growing service.

"Some have said the cuts will force them to buy less new books, reduce access to free internet hours, or stop storytime sessions and other free library programs for communities. Other councils, while opposed to the cuts, will look at reducing other programs in order to find the money to keep their library services afloat.

"Libraries are critical. They’re a universal service, much loved by communities and vital for reducing social inequity. They guarantee free and equal community access to lifelong learning, and provide study resources, internet facilities, social meeting spaces and activities.

"Libraries also provide a place to create job applications that lead to greater workforce participation, and they develop literacy skills in children and those with English as a second language.

"Half our population are card carrying library members, but all Victorians will feel the pain if State funding contributions continue to decline. People in lower socio-economic areas will be the hardest hit," he said.

As well as books, newspapers, periodicals, DVDs, CDs, magazines and other resources, public libraries are providing more diverse services such as wifi and internet access; ipads and e-readers; podcasts; bilingual programs; book, chess and scrabble clubs; meeting spaces; talks by authors; workshops, activities and events.

Services have undergone steady expansion over the past decade to meet growing community needs, while the Victorian Government’s recurrent funding contribution has declined. Councils now contribute 74.7 per cent of recurrent operational library costs, with State funding reduced to a new low of 19.2 per cent.

Cr McArthur said that State funding cuts had been fiercely opposed by councils, the Australian Services Union, the Public Libraries Victoria Network, regional library corporations, and Public Libraries Australia.

"Recurrent funding helps councils to cover the daily running costs of public libraries - paying staff, opening the doors each day, ensuring books, CDs and other resources are current, and providing free internet access.

"The common view expressed at the meeting was that the State must reverse its 2011-12 funding cut, and agree to conduct a full funding review to protect the viability of public libraries into the future," he said.

- Ends - 

Note: photos of the meeting are available upon request.