Improved library access for Indigenous non-residents receives increased funding

An increase of $30,000 from last year sees $700,000 provided in 2017 by the Alberta government to cover non-resident fees to the regional library systems and large urban libraries for Indigenous patrons from First Nations reserves or Métis settlements.

“Our government is committed to ensuring that Indigenous people in Alberta have the same access to library services as any other Albertan.

This funding will ensure that non-resident fees are no longer a barrier for those Indigenous people living on reserve, who want to access their local municipal library,” said Indigenous Relations Minister Richard Feehan in a news release.

The funding is part of $50 million from the NDP government this year to improve access and services at libraries.

Budget 2017 also includes $12.7 million in one-time capital spending to help maintain and renovate the headquarters of six regional library systems and the Edmonton Public Library main facility.

The total operating budget for public libraries is $37 million. Of that, $30 million goes out in operating grants, while the remainder pays for SuperNet service and access to a growing number of e-books and resources though the provincial library network, including those for the print-disabled.