Province Helping Libraries to Improve and Expand IT and Digital Services
Ontario is helping people stay connected by increasing access to technology, digital services and training opportunities at public libraries in towns, cities and Indigenous communities across the province.
Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport was at the Burlington Central Library today to announce a new investment that will give people better access to resources like Wi-Fi hot spot lending programs, computers, printers, e-readers and technology-focused training.
Improving digital resources and services in rural, remote and First Nation public libraries was one of the top three ideas selected by people during Budget Talks, the consultations for the 2017 Ontario Budget. This idea received the second highest number of votes. Ontario is expanding on what was heard during the budget consultations and extending this support to all public libraries in the province.
This investment builds on a commitment in Ontario’s Culture Strategy to support Ontario’s public and First Nation libraries as essential spaces for people to access cultural experiences, technology and community life.
Investing in Ontario’s public libraries is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.
Quick Facts
- Ontario is investing $3 million through the Improving Library Digital Services fund and will support up to 307 libraries and library organizations across the province. This includes $1 million for rural, remote and First Nation public libraries through Budget Talks.
- Libraries will determine how their funding will be used, based on specific local needs.
- Every year, Ontario’s 1,134 library service locations receive more than 72 million in-person visits and 108 million electronic visits.
- Since 2013, the Ontario government has provided more than $136 million in funding for public and First Nation public libraries.
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