Budget 2014: Investing in Winnipeg Libraries

Released: November 25, 2013 at 11:37 a.m.
$300,000 increase for purchasing new materials for adults, youth and children

Winnipeg, MB - The City of Winnipeg, which recently began implementing a long-term strategy to replace or renovate city libraries, now proposes further investment in libraries through an increase in annual spending on materials. The City of Winnipeg’s proposed 2014 budget calls for an 11 per cent increase in spending on materials, targeting areas identified through public surveys, borrowing statistics and library trends.

If adopted, the City of Winnipeg will spend $3,084,770 on library materials in 2014.

“Our libraries serve citizens of all ages,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “New materials, including the latest bestsellers, will bring book lovers to library branches throughout the city, while additional e-resources will support the growing number of people in our community choosing to download their reading material.”

Enhancements are proposed in six key areas:

  • An increase in purchases for e-books (53 per cent increase in usage in 2013 over 2012 in the first six months of this year).
  • Additional multilingual and dual language material to address the growing needs of Winnipeg’s diverse communities. The Library collects material in over 30 languages.
  • Purchase an additional online, downloadable magazine service to provide more access to high demand magazines.
  • Increased purchases of high demand material (e.g., popular fiction, bestsellers) to help reduce waiting lists and give library customers quicker access.
  • Increased purchases of material to support the library’s Aboriginal services collections based on increased demand in this area.
  • Increased purchases of library material to meet the needs of adult learners for improving their literacy skills; and increased material to meet the needs of new Canadians where English is not their first language.

This funding proposal will be tabled at a meeting of the Executive Policy Committee on November 29, and is subject to approval by City Council on December 17, 2013.

The 2014 Budget builds onthe City’s long-term plan to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens by renewing our infrastructure, focusing on core services, and building communities through libraries, parks and recreation. Investing in citizens’ priorities ensures that Winnipeg continues to be a great place to live, work and play, now and in the future.

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