Public Library Grants
Independent libraries
The State Library provides cash grants to local governments that operate Independent public libraries. The grant is provided for the purchase of library materials in line with the broad definition of material prescribed by section 70 of the Libraries Act 1988 [new window]. A proportion (up to 30%) of the grant may be spent on discretionary projects. The remaining funding must be spent on new library materials and does not include purchases for corporate libraries. The grant funding is automatically indexed each year for population growth, and it administered under a Service Level Agreement.
Country Lending Service libraries (under 15,000 population)
The State Library provides a notional grant allocation to Councils supporting Country Lending Service libraries. This notional allocation funds the exchange of library materials in lieu of cash grants. The library materials are exchanged four times each year. In addition, a cash grant is paid directly to Country Lending Service libraries that operate 6 hours or more per week. This allocation enables the libraries to self-purchase equipment/resources such as newspapers/magazines at the local level. The notional grant funding is automatically indexed each year for population growth, and it administered under a Service Level Agreement.
Other grants
- Expanding Horizons Grants
- OPAL Digital Literacy Grants
- Other funding programs including facilities - Information for libraries on grant and funding options.
- Other grant sites and funding options.
Public Library Grants Methodology Review 2010
The Public Library Grants Methodology Review 2010 was undertaken to review the existing grants methodology and to determine the most appropriate distribution method for the public library grant during the 2011-2014 triennium.
Synergies Economic Consulting [new window] and stakeholder engagement consultants Rowland [new window] conducted the review. The Minister for Finance and The Arts formally approved the outcomes of the Review, including the recommended adjustment to reduce the threshold age for the proportion of population from age 60 to age 55 to better reflect the impact on demand for library services.
The report is available in either full or summary format:
- Review of public library grants methodology – summary report [new window
757 kb] - Review of public library grants methodology – final report [new window 1627 kb]
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Last updated: 26th October 2011
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