The Ontario Government is helping everyone in the province to stay connected to the internet by providing funding to local libraries.
In a press release dated Tuesday, February 6, 2024, the government revealed $582,000 in investments for Ontario public libraries this year through the Internet Connectivity Grant program, which will help provide those in the province with reliable access to digital resources and other in-demand services at their local public library.
The announced funding is an increase of $122,000 over last year, which will enable up to 155 eligible public libraries that serve communities of 20,000 or less to be fully reimbursed for their costs of providing internet services to the public. The funding is also more specifically aimed at libraries in small, rural and First Nation communities in the province.
“Public libraries are a critical part of the infrastructure that makes our communities thrive,” said Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
“This increased investment in public libraries will ensure people across the province have reliable access to the digital resources and in-demand services that they require to learn, grow and thrive.”
The release states that the Internet Connectivity Grant has provided Ontario’s public libraries with more than $3-million since 2018 in order to ensure communities who benefit from the grant have reliable access to the internet. Additionally, the government provided $4.85-million in 2020 and 2021 through the Connecting Public Libraries initiative to upgrade broadband services at approximately 55 library branches in unserved and underserved communities, with 20 sites having received broadband upgrades to date.
“High-speed internet is critical for public libraries to offer the residents and communities they serve with access to digital resources and learning tools, subscription-based databases, and government services,” said Dina Stevens, the executive director of the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries.
“Public libraries also provide reliable internet access to Ontarians of all ages who cannot otherwise access or afford it. The enhanced internet connectivity funding from the Ontario government will ensure public libraries serving hundreds of thousands of Ontarians in smaller communities will be able to continue providing access to fast, reliable internet services.”
The Ontario government has committed to maintaining $27-million in annual funding to the public library sector in 2023 and 2024, and said they will work with the province’s libraries to ensure services are delivered in the most efficient and effective ways possible.
“Access to reliable, high-speed internet is more critical than ever in an increasingly digital world and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ontario Library Association executive director Michelle Arbuckle.
“With more services, resources and businesses shifting to virtual platforms, the Ontario government’s enhanced investment in the Internet Connectivity program will support public libraries by helping to make high-speed internet and digital resources accessible for all Ontarians.”
