Eby’s BC NDP commit to doubling public library funding if re-elected

The BC NDP have committed to doubling funding for public libraries in the province if re-elected. 

Candidates Will Cole-Hamilton, Sara Lopez and Christine Boyle made the announcement in Courtenay that if they are able to form government again, the BC NDP will permanently double provincial funding for public libraries. 

The increase could bring library provincial funding from $14 million to $28 million a year.

The BC NDP say that with over 60 million visits each year, libraries are an important part of communities across the province, providing free access to information, entertainment and technology; supporting early literacy and lifelong learning; and providing spaces where people can work and connect. 

“Libraries are places where a senior can learn a new digital skill, a student can find a quiet place to study, a parent can bring their child to a free literacy program, or someone looking for work can get online and access the tools they need,” said Cole-Hamilton, BC NDP candidate for Courtenay–Comox. 

“As a former Library Trustee, I know that stable provincial funding means that libraries here in the Comox Valley, and across the province, can plan for the long term and provide more of these crucial services.” 

BC has 71 public library systems, of which one is the Greater Victoria Public Library, and an additional $14 million in annual provincial funding could help libraries accomplish much more than they can now. 

The BC NDP say that this funding increase could help libraries stay open for longer, expand digital collections and reduce wait times, provide more free programing, expand free access to technology and internet access, offer more lifelong learning opportunities and provide more opportunities for newcomers, seniors, students, families and job-seekers.

“Public libraries are essential community infrastructure, and they should be treated that way,” said Lopez, BC NDP candidate for North Island. 

“Permanent funding gives library boards and staff the ability to make long-term decisions based on what their communities actually need. It means more opportunities for people to learn, connect and access information for free.”

According to the BC NDP, the Conservative Party of British Columbia have proposed deep cuts to public spending, which could reduce library funding. 

The current provincial funding for public libraries was frozen at $14 million in 2010. 

In 2022, the BC NDP-led government provided an additional $8 million in grants, and a further $45 million over three years in 2023. 

With those funding extensions and grants expired, the BC NDP say they will make an extra $14 million permanent. 

GVPL on increased library funding 

GVPL says they are aware of the announcement for a proposed increase in provincial funding for public libraries, and acknowledge that provincial funding is an important source of support for public libraries across BC.

“As this is a proposed increase, there are not yet enough details available to determine how any additional funding would be distributed or what it would mean for GVPL,” said a GVPL spokesperson in a statement to Victoria Buzz. 

“Public libraries provide free access to information, technology, programs and spaces that people rely on every day. Public funding helps libraries provide these services to their communities.”

Currently, GVPL’s 2026 budget includes $678,372 in provincial grant funding. It remains unclear how much additional funding would come to GVPL should the BC NDP be re-elected and follow through on doubling library funding.