Libraries
Today’s public libraries are about more than just books – they’re interactive hubs where people can access information, learn new skills, and engage with others in the community.
What’s more, the right to free and equitable access to basic information is a cornerstone of our democratic society. Public libraries provide that access.
As well as being safe and convenient community spaces, public libraries are centres for learning, literature, heritage and cultural activities critical to the function of well-informed, vibrant communities.
The role of LGNSW
Local Government NSW (LGNSW) strongly supports and advocates for the NSW Public Library Network, which comprises 360 local public libraries, plus the State Library of New South Wales.
We also represent the views of our member councils through the Public Libraries Consultative Committee (PLCC), which is a sub-committee of the Library Council.
Renew Our Libraries campaign
In the lead up to the 2019 state election, LGNSW partnered with the NSW Public Libraries Association for the Renew Our Libraries campaign. This campaign called on the NSW Government to increase funding to public libraries and create a sustainable funding model to build the libraries of the future.
On 24 August 2018, the NSW Government announced a $60 million boost for libraries over four years. The first tranche of this funding was confirmed in the 2019-20 State Budget on 18 June 2019.
LGNSW continues to urge the NSW Government to commit to a more sustainable, long-term funding model via an additional $94 million in funding to NSW public libraries over four years, indexation of the funding, and legislation to protect the funding into the future.
More information on public library funding allocation is available from the State Library of NSW.
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