Concern over public library funding

Harden Library along with 54 other libraries across NSW Australia, most in country areas, are set to receive less funding than they did last year. Public Libraries NSW-Country, the peak association representing public libraries across rural and regional NSW, has expressed concern over the continued decline in the value of state government funding to public libraries. Chairman of the association, councillor Graham Smith said Minister for Arts Virginia Judge, has confirmed this year's allocation of funds to local councils for public library purposes, and once again the total amount of state funding has remained almost static. "There was a minuscule increase of $10,000, which we believe was caused by a drafting error in the budget papers," Cr Smith said.