Walcha Library is asking local library lovers to join a state wide call to stop the ongoing reduction in funding from successive state governments and protect the future of their library.
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Libraries are often the most well used and valued public facilities in the community, but the ability of Walcha Council to maintain service levels at Walcha Library may be at risk due to deteriorating state funding, according to council’s general manager Jack O’Hara.
“Expenditure on public libraries from the state has decreased as a proportion of total public library expenditure from 23 per cent in 1980 to only 7 per cent in 2013. This has and will continue to impact on the ability of local libraries to meet the needs of their communities,” he said.
“This is an historic issue that has now reached a crisis point.”
The library is seeking the support of all library lovers in Walcha. They need as many signatures as possible on a petition requesting increased and sustainable library funding to be tabled in the Lower House of the State Government. These petitions are at Walcha Council Administration building and at Walcha Library.
The library also wants to identify local library champions to assist them in the state-wide campaign to highlight the funding crisis and the need for a more sustainable funding model for public libraries from the state government.
Contact Donna Garrad on 67742550 for more information about how you can help or visit www.nswpla.org.au .
“Our local public library plays a very important part in our community life. Libraries bring people together, facilitate learning, connect us with information and ideas and provide a wonderful source of recreational pleasure,” said library manager Donna Garrad
“Libraries have evolved to become vibrant hubs that are seen as safe, welcoming spaces that serve a very important community-building role. There is no doubt libraries improve the quality of life of everyone who uses them.”