B.C. government providing $8 million to libraries

Libraries in British Columbia are going to get a bit of a financial boost.

The B.C. government announced Tuesday that it is providing an $8-million investment from its COVID-19 relief and recovery fund.

Libraries will be able to the money to expand digital collections, upgrade, barrier-free spaces, enhanced programming, improved air circulation and 24-hour access to the internet.

According to the province, the funds will be distributed between 71 public libraries, six library federations and three library service partners.

“B.C.’s public libraries have been on the forefront of supporting people during the pandemic through print and digital resources, barrier-free community spaces and reliable internet access,” Nathan Cullen, minister of municipal affairs, said in a press release.

“This one-time boost in funding will have a significant, positive impact on the ability of public libraries to improve access to all types of library resources, services and programs, with the goal of building resilient communities,” added Mike Gagel, president of the British Columbia Library Trustees Association.

The announcement comes a few days after the B.C. government unveiled plans to spend nearly $800 million on replacing the Royal BC Museum.

RELATED: B.C. to spend $789 million to replace Royal BC Museum

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