Thursday, June 11, 2015
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
Ontario Investing $2 Million to Improve Public Libraries
Ontario is supporting research and innovation projects in public libraries through the Ontario Libraries Capacity Fund.
The application period is now open for the fund's 2015-16 research and innovation stream, which will help libraries meet the changing needs of Ontarians while strengthening and enhancing the role of public libraries as community hubs. The stream includes $2 million over two years.
This Ontario Libraries Capacity Fund includes $10 million over three years to help public libraries better meet the needs of Ontarians by improving IT resources and encouraging research and innovation.
Helping Ontario's libraries provide high-quality services and information is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
Quick Facts:
- There are over 1,100 libraries across Ontario with nearly 72 million in-person visits each year.
- Since 2003, the Ontario government has provided more than $474 million in funding for public and First Nation libraries.
- Libraries are a venue for over 203,000 community programs every year, including early literacy programs, employment and job skills programs, technology, social media and computer literacy programs.
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
"Ontario’s public libraries offer services and programs that directly impact and reflect the communities they serve. The research and innovation stream of the Ontario Libraries Capacity Fund will help libraries build on this important work by encouraging collaboration and creating new opportunities for libraries to take on important and impactful projects that will benefit communities across Ontario. "
— Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
Media Contacts:
Blane McPhail
Minister’s Office
416-326-9329
blane.mcphail@ontario.ca
Mark Smith
Communications Branch
416-325-8391
Mark.L.Smith@ontario.ca
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