Funding for Public Library Service
Funding for Public Library Service
Libraries are a key component of Alberta’s strong communities and the government is committed to a strong province wide public library system. Our vision is to create seamless access to information, resources and library services for all Albertans, regardless of where they live.
Alberta Municipal Affairs provides a grant program to support the delivery of public library service.
In 2012-2013, the provincial government will invest $32.3 million in Alberta public libraries. Provincial operating grants to municipal library boards (serving 3,000 plus) are calculated based on 2010 population figures. Operating grants for municipal library boards in 2012/13 will increase to $18.4 million from $18.2 million.
Provincial operating grants to library system boards are based on the combined population of member municipalities and on a municipal contribution to the library system board. Funding for library system boards will increase to $7.3 million from $7.2 million.
In addition to operating grants to library boards, the provincial government also contributes funding for provincial resource sharing, $2.2 million for SuperNet connectivity for public libraries, $1.5 million to the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network (APLEN) and $250,000 to The Alberta Library (TAL). Contact: Bonnie.Gray@gov.ab.ca or 780-427-4871.
