August 16, 2007

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS DYNAMIC LIBRARIES
Funding Support For Innovative Library Projects More Than Doubles

STRATHROY —The McGuinty government has substantially increased funding to the Library Strategic Development Fund, Minister of Culture Caroline Di Cocco announced today.

“New information technologies and resources such as computers and the internet have challenged and expanded the role of public libraries,” said Di Cocco. “By increasing the Library Strategic Development Fund to $599,700, from $226,700 last year, we are investing in innovative library initiatives to keep Ontario on the leading edge of success.”

The Library Strategic Development Fund invests in strategic initiatives that benefit the provincial library system as a whole or serve as models for other libraries. Public and First Nations libraries across the province are eligible to apply for grants. The deadline for applications is November 16, 2007. Applications forms are available on the Ministry of Culture’s website.

The fund supports the ongoing development of a strong public library sector that promotes free and equitable access to information. Examples of projects that received grants last year through the fund include the creation of community web portals and services such as a homework club and a “Library Mobile” to drive rural clients to library programming. The Grey Highlands Public Library is digitizing primary source material on Agnes Macphail, Canada’s first female Member of Parliament and Ontario’s first female provincial assembly member.

“Our provincial public library system is a key partner in delivering on government priorities such as success for students, lifelong learning and strong, prosperous communities,” said Maria Van Bommel, MPP, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.

“Ontario’s public and First Nations libraries are hubs of literacy and lifelong learning, connecting residents and communities to a global information network,” said Di Cocco. “Investing in the Library Strategic Development Fund helps strengthen our communities and contributes to the success of our students.”

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Contacts:

Mark Thompson, Minister’s Office, (416) 325-4071

Guy Lepage, Communications Branch, (416) 314-3497