South-west libraries are under threat because of state government penny pinching.
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Corangamite Regional Library Corporation chief executive officer Michael Scholtes said the government’s lack of funding was jeopardising the sustainability of libraries.
“Our four member councils have all upped their contribution by 2.25 per cent, equal with rate capping, for this year,” Mr Scholtes said.
“The state government used to match the contribution of the councils but that doesn’t happen anymore.
“This really hits at the heart of the sustainability of our library service going forward.
“This isn’t just happening to us, it is all over the state, with areas with smaller councils like ours the most vulnerable.
“We will continue to lobby at state government level to get the increase in funding we need.”
The four member councils contribute $2.3 million, with Warrnambool City Council handing over $821,448, Moyne Shire $331,392, Corangamite Shire $444,511 and Colac Otway Shire $709,155.
While the state government has increased its recurrent grant contribution from 1.16 to 1.9 per cent, the $773,202 this equates to is still well short of the combined councils’ amount.
The government’s contribution does not match CPI or the rate cap, he said.
“We would like to see, as a minimum, the state government public library funding grants to all library services at least keep pace with the rate cap set each year, regardless of population movement,” Mr Scholtes said.
The Corangamite Regional Library Corporation has forecast a $50,000 surplus in the 2018-19 financial year.
Moyne Shire councillor Jill Parker said the network of libraries needed to be maintained.
“We see it as money well spent, it is disappointing the state government has come up short,” Cr Parker said.
“The libraries have done a good job to adjust over the years. People can go in and use the Wi-Fi and download what they need and they can also go in and get a book to read.
“People still like a book in their hands. A long time ago television came along and everyone said radio would die but it hasn’t. It’s the same with books, they are a great education tool and a great way to unwind.
“In many cases, libraries are also very important community hubs which we can’t afford to lose.”
Library corporation board chair and Corangamite Shire councillor Ruth Gstrein said she was incredibly disappointed.
“The state government has under funded libraries for years,” Cr Gstrein said.
The state government failed to comment.