About Public Libraries
Public libraries provide equal access to information and information services for all British Columbians which is as important and crucial today as it was when B.C.’s first public library was established in 1891.
Public libraries serve as a vital point of community life by:
- promoting literacy and enjoyment of reading;
- encouraging life-long learning;
- supporting free access to information for everyone;
- offering programs for a variety of groups, including Aboriginal and new Canadians;
- supporting local and provincial economies through information for job-seekers and business owners;
- promoting local culture, leisure and history;
- serving as community meeting places.
For information on your public library, visit the BC Libraries website
Fast Facts
- There are 241 public library facilities in more than 360 B.C. communities.
- There are 14 million items available to borrow in British Columbia’s public libraries.
- There are 57 million visits to public libraries in B.C. each year
- 71 locally appointed library boards, accountable under the Library Act, manage and direct the public libraries of B.C. Six library federations coordinate regionally focused library services.
- In 2010, library boards contributed to the B.C. economy through nearly $200 million in annual spending.
- Local governments fund the majority of public libraries' annual operating budgets, with provincial funding accounting for an average of 7.4% of library income .
- B.C. public libraries established under the Library Act are eligible for provincially funded annual per capita operating grants. Provincial operating grants to libraries for 2011/12 totalled $9.7 million.
- Total Ministry of Education funding to public libraries and library associations is $14 million in 2011/12.
- In addition to core operating funding, libraries receive targeted funds to support Resource Sharing, OneCard, literacy programs and improving technological infrastructure.
