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$80,000 in provincial funding for Coast libraries announced

On the lower Sunshine Coast, Gibsons and District Public Library and Sechelt Public Library received $38,271.40 and $41,580.85 respectively. On the upper Coast, Powell River Public Library received $42,407.
Coast Reporter
A child at modern school facility
Among the 71 recipient public libraries of the COVID-19 relief and recovery funding are Gibsons and District Public Library ($38,271.40), Sechelt Public Library ($41,580.85) and Powell River Public Library ($42,407.84).Klaus Vedfelt / DigitalVision / Getty Images

While we’ve hopefully turned a page in the COVID-19 pandemic, its effects linger.

On that note, the provincial government announced $8 million in one-time COVID-19 relief and recovery funding for B.C. public libraries, including more than $100,000 for the Sunshine Coast last week. The funds are to go toward enhancing services and filling gaps created by the pandemic, said a press release. “This may include adapting their physical spaces, delivering computer and virtual technology training, and developing programs that help people build deeper social and community connections.”

Among the 71 recipient public libraries are Gibsons and District Public Library ($38,271.40), Sechelt Public Library ($41,580.85) and Powell River Public Library ($42,407.84).

 “Our government understands the vital role libraries play in our communities and with this funding, more people on the Sunshine Coast will soon be able to access more from their local library, both in person and digitally,” said Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons in a press release.

“B.C.’s public libraries have been on the forefront of supporting people during the pandemic through print and digital resources, barrier-free community spaces and reliable internet access,” said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs in a press release. “I’ve spoken with libraries right across B.C., from cities to our smallest towns, and this funding from the Province will have an enormous impact on their capacity to keep doing what they do: keep us all connected through a love of learning.”

“As we move into the next stages of pandemic recovery, this provincial investment will go a long way to enhancing inclusion, accessibility and will help to tackle the digital divide in B.C.,” said Kevin Millsip, executive director, BC Libraries Cooperative, in a press release.