Local State MPs Stuart Ayres from Penrith and Tanya Davies from Mulgoa today encouraged local councils to apply for funding under the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s new Public Library Infrastructure Grants program.
Minister for the Arts, Troy Grant said the NSW Liberals & Nationals have a strong track record of delivering for NSW public libraries.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals has demonstrated its commitment to supporting NSW public libraries through increased funding to address library infrastructure needs. NSW Government funding to assist the provision of public libraries is a record $27.5 million this year,” Minister Grant said.
“I’m thrilled the Public Library Infrastructure Grants Program will help councils better meet the growing and varied needs of communities and support the 35 million people who visit NSW public libraries” Minister Grant said.
“The NSW Government has increased public library funding in the 2014-2015 NSW Budget to help public libraries better meet the changing demands of local communities and this is a terrific opportunity for our region to improve and extend library facilities,” Stuart Ayres said.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals are working hard to support public libraries and this is a fantastic opportunity for our community to benefit from a boost to our much loved libraries” Tanya Davies said.
“This program will provide an additional $14.96 million over 4 years to assist councils to improve their public library buildings, spaces and informational technology and I encourage our councils to consider applying for this wonderful program,” Tanya Davies said.
NSW State Librarian & Chief Executive, Dr Alex Byrne said libraries are highly valuable and relevant to communities across the State.
“Applications that position libraries as community hubs, including appropriate co-locations with other community facilities, and projects that increase public space and technology, are particularly encouraged under the program,” Dr Byrne said.
The following priority areas have been identified:
· library buildings and spaces;
· mobile libraries;
· major information and communications technology projects; and
· cooperative library development activities.
The deadline for Grant Program submissions is Friday 31 October 2014.
For more information please visit:
http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/services/public_libraries/funding/grants.html
The Public Library Infrastructure Grants Program is administered by the State Library of NSW.
