Public Library Services Branch
Our libraries are a great investment in community, learning and literacy. They open doors of opportunity for minds hungry for knowledge and adventure. They are the front lines of the effort to make British Columbia the most literate place in the world. |
The role of public libraries becomes even more significant in the information age. Public libraries offer accurate information that is easily accessible. They have led the way in adopting and adapting new technologies. In the past 25 years, libraries have computerized their cataloguing, streamlined checkout procedures, provided electronic delivery of information, and facilitated public access to the Internet.
Fast facts
- As of November 2008, public library services can be accessed at any one of 243 public library facilities in BC.
- Many electronic services can be accessed from anywhere you can connect to the Internet.
- As of November 2008, 71 locally appointed library boards, accountable under the Library Act manage and control the public libraries of BC and 6 library federations coordinate regionally focused library services.
- In 2007, library boards were responsible for nearly $170 million in annual spending.
- Local governments fund the lion's share of public libraries' annual operating budgets.
- All BC public libraries established under the Library Act, are eligible for provincially funded annual per capita operating grants.
- Provincial operating grants to libraries for 2008/09 totalled nearly $10 million.
