Mystery of library cuts

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
STATE Government has failed to explain its cuts to library funding, according to a Geelong councillor.
Rod Mcdonald, who also serves as chair of Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC), said the response hid the truth behind the cuts.
The Independent reported last week that GRLC faced shortfalls of up to $500,000 in the next four years.
A spokesperson for Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell this week said the government was “absolutely committed to supporting local libraries”.
“The Coalition Government has provided more than $55 million in funding in the 2011/2012 budget for library upgrades, ongoing funding and key programs such as the Premiers’ Reading Challenge,” the spokepserson said.
Municipal Association of Victoria president Cr Bill McArthur said the government response failed to explain the breakdown in funding.
“The figure quoted by the Government includes infrastructure funding, not just operational funding. We’re grateful for the new buildings but we need the funds to actually keep these places going.”