Manitoba Announces Funding Support for Rural Libraries, Accessibility

October 24, 2021

The Government of Manitiba this week announced plans to provide $700,000 in funding to support public library services with a focus on rural libraries and library content for people with print disabilities.

News Release: Manitoba Invests Over $700,000 to Support Rural Libraries, Improve Services and Accessibility

October 22, 2021

THOMPSON—As part of Budget 2021, the Manitoba government is providing $769,000 to support rural public libraries and library services across the province, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox announced here today at the Thompson Public Library.

“Manitoba libraries are important community hubs and this new investment recognizes their work in encouraging lifelong literacy, providing reading and educational opportunities and supporting the arts,” said Cox. “Today’s announcement reaffirms our commitment to improve services, resources and access for all members of the community. This new financial support will help ensure residents from all walks of life have access to information, services and the Internet, allowing them to broaden their knowledge and expand their horizons through reading, research and community activities.”

New investments as part of Budget 2021 include:

• a new $600,000 investment to be distributed to rural public libraries across the province, based on a per capita funding formula;
• $100,000 towards sector development to support the long-term stability and sustainability of the sector; and
• $69,000 to ensure all Manitoba library systems have access to resources and services through the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA), a non-profit that offers library content for people with print disabilities.

The new rural public library investment includes $19,560 in financial support to the Thompson Public Library.

“We would like to thank the province for the additional funding being provided to public libraries in Manitoba,” said Cheryl Davies, administrator, Thompson Public Library. “Libraries are a hub in a community. They are a place available equally to everyone, with access to knowledge, physical and digital resources and space to study, read or meet with others. Thank you for recognizing the value of community libraries and their role in improving lives.”

The minister noted there are an estimated 125,000 people with print disabilities living in Manitoba.

“Offering centralized support for CELA means there will be a consistent standard of accessible services in all library systems in Manitoba,” said Cox. “This initiative also supports our mandate to sustain our network of libraries as centres of learning and community hubs, now and well into the future.”

The Manitoba government invests more than $7 million annually in the library system. To learn more, visit www.gov.mb.ca/chc/pls/index.html.

Backgrounder: Rural Library Support

Quotes on Support for Rural Public Libraries

“Public libraries are one of the last indoor spaces where anyone is welcome. You don’t need money, equipment or a monthly membership, just a library card and respect for the people around you. Inclusive spaces like libraries are critical to the safety and well-being of our community, especially for our youth.”
— Mayor Colleen Smook, City of Thompson

“Since local libraries act as community hubs, the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) commends the province for increasing funding support in Budget 2021. Today’s announcement further demonstrates how libraries play a critical role in providing community access to vital services, particularly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”
— Kam Blight, president, Association of Manitoba Municipalities

“The public library is an essential part of a healthy, inclusive and democratic community and society. Manitoba’s rural and northern libraries enable their communities’ access to information and technology, allowing for active civic participation in social, cultural and economic activities. The Manitoba Library Association greatly welcomes this news of funding to rural and northern libraries, and applauds increased sector development, including an agreement with Centre for Equitable Library Access – also making more information accessible to all Manitobans.”
— Melanie Sucha, president, Manitoba Library Association

“We are so pleased that all public libraries in Manitoba will have access to CELA’s services and the more than one-million titles we offer. Public libraries play a crucial role in providing accessible reading materials to the one-in-10 people with print disabilities, so that everyone can fully participate in learning, work and community life. Our team is looking forward to supporting Manitoba public libraries as they continue their work to ensure equitable access to reading materials for all Manitobans.”
— Laurie Davidson, executive director, Centre for Equitable Library Access

(Via Government of Manitoba)