Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman has announced $189,564 in funding for Upper Lachlan Shire Council under the 2021/22 Public Library Infrastructure Grant program.
Mrs Tuckerman said the grant is part of $6 million worth of funding for 26 public library projects across NSW.
“This significant grant will help the Upper Lachlan Shire Council to refurbish Crookwell and Gunning library spaces, including the provision of new furniture and flooring, mobile shelving for flexible use of the library spaces, as well as a new service desk and signage,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“Good libraries contribute to community resilience with quality facilities, great collections and access to the internet, and we are pleased in assisting in the upgrade of these critical services.”
NSW Minister for the Arts, the Hon Ben Franklin said public libraries continue to grow and provide access to services that help people at all stages of their lives.
“This funding is part of the additional $60M over four years the NSW Government is providing to enhance library services and facilities across the state,” Mr Franklin said.
“The NSW Government is committed to working with councils to enhance library services and facilities across the state.
“This funding allocation brings the total of State Government support for NSW libraries in 2021/22 to a record $38.6 million.”
NSW State Librarian Dr John Vallance said the funds will enable councils to develop or improve library buildings and mobile library services.
“Two years of fires, floods and plague have left the people of New South Wales more in need of strong, safe, well-provisioned libraries than ever before. Public library funding is one of the State Government’s most significant contributions to the health of our communities.”
The Library Council of NSW, assisted by the State Library, assessed the applications for grants under the 2021/22 program.
WENDY TUCKERMAN 