ONTARIO—The Billings Township Library is one of 155 throughout Ontario that will benefit from an investment of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) to provide libraries with reliable access to digital resources and in-demand services.
“Public libraries are a critical part of the infrastructure that makes our communities thrive,” said Neil Lumsden, minister of tourism, culture and sport. “This increased investment in public libraries will ensure people across the province have reliable access to the digital services and in-demand services that they require to learn, grow and thrive.”
Uppeka Allani, press secretary and media relations for MTCS told The Expositor that the libraries listed are eligible recipients (in Algoma-Manitoulin) of Internet Connectivity Grant program funding, serve populations of 20,000 or less and are confirmed to have submitted their invoices to the Ontario Library Service for reimbursement: Billings Township Public Library and libraries in Blind River, Hilton, Hornepayne, Manitouwadge, Sagamok, Spanish, St. Joseph Township, Thessalon Public Library, Thessalon First Nation Public Library and White River Public Library.
The funding announcement will increase the support provided to Ontario’s public libraries last year by $122,000, enabling up to 155 eligible public libraries that serve communities of 20,000 or less, in particular, those in small, rural and First Nation communities to be fully reimbursed for the costs of providing publicly accessible internet access.
Ontarians rely on their local public library to access online tutoring and homework assistance, training resources, learn or improve their language skills and build and maintain social connections.
Since 2018, the Internet Connectivity Grant program has provided the province’s public libraries with more than $3 million to ensure the communities they serve have reliable access to the internet.
“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 Michelle Arbuckle, executive director, Ontario Library Association. “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 available for all Ontarians.”
“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, executive director, 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.”
