WHEREAS public libraries are vibrant community hubs where residents of all ages and backgrounds can learn, work, train, innovate, explore and connect; and,
WHEREAS the Brock Township Public Libraries provide community members with equitable, reliable access to broadband internet; and,
WHEREAS the Brock Township Public Libraries use technology to make resources more accessible and responsive to people’s changing needs; and,
WHEREAS the Brock Township Public Libraries support local economic development through the provision of important business development and job skills programming for adults and youth; and,
WHEREAS the Brock Township Public Libraries works closely with local residents to deliver valued programs and services and shares knowledge and resources; and,
WHEREAS the Township of Brock Public Libraries continue to responsibly manage public resources with the utmost care and is committed to the sustainability of its services; and,
WHEREAS the Township of Brock Public Libraries recognize the opportunity that targeted provincial investment can provide to secure more equitable access to increasingly significant digital resources and library-based services across Ontario;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT the Township of Brock encourages the Province of Ontario to continue to recognize and support the contribution of local libraries within their communities; and
THAT the Township of Brock requests the Province of Ontario to increase its existing funding by at least the rate of inflation for Ontario’s public libraries, and
THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to the Ontario Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries, to the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs, to the local MPPs, to the Association of Municipalities Ontario, to the Ontario Library Association, to the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries, and to Durham Region area municipalities for endorsement.