February 17, 2011
Province Maintains Financial Commitment to Flin Flon Library Service
– – –Library Services Ensure Equal Access to a World of Information for Northern, Rural Manitobans: Selinger
FLIN FLON—The Flin Flon Public Library will continue to offer a variety of information services to local citizens and nearby communities as the province maintains its financial commitment with this year’s library operating, collection development and technology grants totalling nearly $59,000, Premier Greg Selinger said here today.
“Many people in northern and rural communities depend on libraries to provide hard-copy and online information for research, ongoing education and entertainment,” said Selinger. “Purchasing and maintaining collection resources, up-to-date technology, hardware and software, in addition to operating expenses, are a significant cost and we are happy to partner with them to help ensure equal access to a world of information for northern and rural Manitobans.”
In 2010-11, the provincial government committed more than $5.8 million in total grant funding to municipal and regional public library services. This financial support is provided in addition to municipal funding from local governments.
The Flin Flon Public Library also provides services for the towns of Creighton and Cranberry Portage and the village of Denare Beach in Saskatchewan.
There are 58 municipal/regional library systems in Manitoba and each is eligible for provincial annual per-capita operating grants. In addition to operating funding, libraries receive provincial funds targeted to support local collections and improve technological infrastructure, the premier noted.
“Libraries are a key resource for public information and life-long learning, a wealth of opportunities for recreational reading, a gathering place for networking and community discussion and an important extension of our education system,” said Selinger. “Every dollar we invest in these facilities comes back to us many times over in benefits for all Manitobans and their communities.”
Since 2008, public libraries have also received funding toward sustainable library technology through the Building Manitoba Fund. Annually, $323,000 in technology funding is distributed to municipal and regional libraries to assist with local technology needs and support co-operative library technology projects.
While visiting the Flin Flon Public Library, Selinger congratulated librarian Phyllis Stadnick on her retirement after providing more than 33 years of service to the community.
“The knowledge she has accumulated on the operation and contents of this library will be hard to match but I join the community in wishing her a long and happy retirement,” he said.
The premier is also encouraging Manitoba students and their families to celebrate the pleasure of reading during February, which is designated I Love To Read Month across North America. This internationally celebrated month offers an opportunity to help children develop an interest in reading as well as raising awareness of the value of strong literacy skills.
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