(27 May 2020) From New Zealand: A major funding package for libraries will allow them to play a far greater role in supporting their communities and people seeking jobs as part of the economic recovery from COVID-19.
“Budget 2020 contains over $60 million of funding to protect library services and to protect jobs,” says Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin.
“This package provides for free internet access in all public libraries to ensure that anyone can access the online services and information they need.
“It also recognises the role that librarians play in providing this support. Half of this funding, $30 million, will ensure around 170 librarian jobs are directly protected” (resulting in at least one “upskilled” librarian in every local authority across the country).
More details can be found from the news here.
