BC NDP promises to double library funding to $28M per year if re-elected

The BC NDP announced Wednesday that a re-elected government would permanently double provincial funding for public libraries from $14 million to $28 million per year. The announcement was made outside the Courtenay branch of Vancouver Island Library by three NDP candidates: Will Cole-Hamilton (Courtenay-Comox), Sara Lopez (North Island), and Christine Boyle (Vancouver-Little Mountain).

Provincial funding for public libraries has been frozen at $14 million since 2010. The NDP provided $8 million in grants in 2022 and committed $45 million over three years in 2023, but those commitments have expired, returning the annual grant to its 2010 level. The new funding would benefit all 71 public library systems in British Columbia.

The province says the investment would support longer hours, additional operating days, expanded digital collections, more free community and family programming, expanded free Wi-Fi access, computers and workstations, and expanded learning opportunities. "Libraries are so much more than places to borrow books," Lopez said at the announcement. "They're places where people come together to learn, connect, and access resources they may not be able to afford otherwise."

Cole-Hamilton echoed the theme: "Increasingly, libraries are helping people navigate a world where more information and entertainment is behind a paywall. We believe access to knowledge and community shouldn't depend on how much money you have in your bank account." Library trustees including Nicole Minions, Mayor of Comox, and Wendy Morin, incumbent councillor for the City of Courtenay, were present at the event.