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by Katherina
I’ve been delving more and more into policies related to social justice, so when I received this request for support to increase the funding for public libraries in British Columbia I knew it is something I need to amplify.
Libraries provide access to knowledge that many of us take for granted. Yes, if I want to know something — like how to register my mother for the handyDART bus system — I can just Google that on my phone or my mac. I can download the registration form and email it off. I can source that book I want to read and buy it using my bookstore points, since I’ve purchased so many books to read and store on my shelves. I can research that charity for which someone emailed me a donation request, to make sure that it is real and not a scam. Not everyone can; that’s where libraries come in.
Libraries provide access to books, study spaces, learning spaces, computers, reading programs, research assistance and more. If you haven’t been to your local library lately, I highly recommend! Sometimes I like to go there simply to be surrounded by books. Ah…
And yes, I did a little research on this, too, and found that library funding offsets spending on social benefits by a factor of five. That is, every dollar invested in libraries provides roughly five dollars in social benefits. Just recently, last year and for the past five, Ontario and the prairie provinces collected evidence on the impact of libraries on society. They’ve published reports and infographics; I posted a couple below in my reference section.
So, what is the call I am trying to amplify? It is this: Please sign the petition below that was initiated by BC Libraries as a request to increase funding for the province’s libraries.
Fund B.C.’s Libraries petition
Provincial funding for B.C.’s public libraries has been frozen since 2010 – while our population has shot up 27% and demand for library services has never been higher.
Our libraries today are far more than books – they’re critical community infrastructure. They provide free internet to help people find jobs, access services, and stay connected. They help people of all ages build skills and community. At a time when disinformation is everywhere, they’re one of the last places people can turn to find information they can trust.
Without more funding, libraries can’t keep up. Workers’ wages will fall further behind. Staff shortages will deepen. Hours will be cut. Programs will disappear. Will you sign the petition calling on B.C.’s political leaders to provide sustainable funding to our libraries?
To: Members of the B.C. Legislative Assembly:
We call on you to increase public library funding to $30 million per year so our libraries can continue to serve and strengthen communities across B.C.
Sign here: http://www.mylibrarybc.ca
References:
Hann, J. McLaughlin, Northview, JA. (2024) Oshawa Library Service and NORDIK Institute. Retrieved July 20, 2026 from https://oshawalibrary.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/108/2025/09/Social-Return-on-Investment-Economic-Impact_FINAL.pdf
Bruun, M. Thøgersen, SH. Andreasen, F. (2026) The Impact of Canadian Public Libraries. Canadian Urban Libraries Council. Retrieved July 20, 2026 from https://culc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Social-Impact-Study-in-English-2026-2.pdf.