Great Lakes Libraries to Close in Protest Over Lack of State Funding

Source: Great Lakes Council

NSW has the distinction of being the worst funding State in Australia for contributions towards public libraries – by a country mile.

The State’s contribution now stands at around 7% of total running costs of public libraries. This is a sad decline from 1980, when State contributions stood at 24% of running costs.

Now the State Government has cut a further $1.16 million from funds towards public libraries, making a bad situation even worse.

Public libraries have had enough of this disregard for public library needs and many libraries across NSW will be involved in a Day of Action on Thursday 29 November. A key component of this Day of Action will be a rally on the steps of State Parliament.

Great Lakes Council is taking an active and unprecedented role in the Day of Action. The Great Lakes Library Services will be closing its doors for one day on the 29 November and a busload of library staff, Councillors and library supporters will be attending the rally.

“This is an important and determined step taken by Council”, says Manager Library Services, Chris Jones. “It shows how dire the situation has got and how vital it is that we draw the Premier’s attention to our plight.

“This isn’t a move taken lightly and we do apologise for any inconvenience it causes but we hope that the public realise that we’ve been forced into this situation and that ultimately we’re doing this in the best interests of the community.”

The library is keen to hear from anybody interested in joining the bus trip. There is also a petition at all library branches that residents are encouraged to sign.

Contact details
Manager – Library Services
Tel: 02 6591 7256
Fax: 02 6591 7373
http://www.greatlakes.nsw.gov.au
council@greatlakes.nsw.gov.au