Editor:
As a Sechelt Library patron and former treasurer and Library Board member, I am aware of the local government funding inequity between our public library and public libraries in B.C. serving similar populations. Our library receives local government support from the District of Sechelt, the Sunshine Coast Regional District and the Sechelt Indian Government at 59 per cent of the funding received by similar sized libraries – e.g., Nelson, Squamish, Powell River and Prince Rupert. The per capita funding gap between the Sechelt Library and libraries serving similar sized populations is increasing year over year. Only 11 per cent of the library’s funding comes from the provincial government.
The library is raising funds for a much-needed renovation for its 21-year-old facility and would benefit significantly from operating funds that align it with similar-sized libraries. I see a mostly part-time library staff working diligently and utilizing a community of volunteers who provide over 1,000 hours of non-professional assistance to library staff annually.
Each year grants are utilized to hire summer program assistants and digital interns, but this is not enough. After many years of inadequate funding, the library is stretched to the limit and yet in-person library visits increase year over year. Important community services including providing highly valued one-on-one technology assistance, outreach services, adult and children’s programs, computers and online learning products are stretching resources to critical levels.
Our library could be so much more. More books, more music, more news, more and improved access to computers and digital technology, resources for small businesses, and leaders in accessible digital technology education for the community.
Our library is the face of our community. We need to encourage our local governments to support our Sechelt Library.
Lois McCready, Sechelt
