Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell has today announced $500,000 in funding for Upper Hunter Shire Council under the 2021/22 Public Library Infrastructure Grant program.
The grant is part of $6 million worth of funding for 26 public library projects across NSW.
“This significant grant will go towards the Upper Hunter Shire’s new library which will provide the Scone community with a larger and more centrally located facility,” Mr Layzell said.
“The funds will contribute to the fit-out of the library, including furniture and shelving.”
“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 COVID-19 pandemic have left the people of New South Wales more in need of strong, safe, well-provisioned libraries than ever before,” Dr Vallance added.
“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.
Attached photo courtesy of Upper Hunter Shire Council – Dave Layzell MP with library users Don and Lorraine Gardiner, librarian Elizabeth Walter and Cr Lee Watts, Cr Sue Abbott & Cr Alison McPhee.
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