SMALL towns say their libraries are community hubs which mean more than just “books on a shelf” and have expressed disappointment about funding cuts.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
It was revealed this week the NSW government was set to cut more than $5 million from its public library budget.
Disappointment in the decision has grown, particularly in the region’s small town’s which say their libraries are vital to the community.
READ MORE:
Chris Hietbrink, at Guyra, said the local library was critical for many facets of the community.
“It’s not just a place where someone pulls a book off a shelf,” Mrs Hietbrink said.
She said the Guyra library gave internet access to a lot of the community, as well as being a meeting place for a number of groups.
“The library, The Hub are the only two true community spaces,” she said.
“We have a lot seasonal workers and backpackers working here and it’s one space those people can go and access information.”
She joked the only other building all community members had access to was the hospital.
Liverpool Plains mayor Andrew Hope said council and the community would disappointed in funding for libraries was lost.
Cr Hope’s shire has two libraries, Werris Creek and Quirindi, and said potential funding cuts weren’t in the council budget.
“It’s a service the community expects and rightly so,” Cr Hope said.
“It’s a nil-return service, it’s just a cost to the council bottom line, but the social importance can’t be overestimated.
“The funding you get is important because it assists in balancing the books and ensure you provide a good level of service.”
Cr Hope said the Quirindi Library was scheduled to receive an upgrade at the start of 2019, which was made possible with a state grant.
“We’ve got plans on the books for a big expansion of Quirindi’s library, we’re investing quite a lot money to turn it into a hub in the main street,” he said.