In April 2020 the BC Ministry of Education announced a project-based $3M grant to assist the public library sector to achieve the priority outcomes detailed in the Province’s Strategic Plan for Public Library Service.

Of that $3M one-time investment, $1.2M was allocated directly to public libraries to increase access for people to technology and information through public libraries. Public libraries are encouraged to leverage, wherever possible, the Coop’s grant funding pool under this project, existing infrastructure, expertise and services to maximize benefits and outcomes for library patrons.

The remaining $1.8M grant was allocated to the BC Libraries Cooperative (the Co-op) in support of digital licensing initiatives and connectivity projects. This funding is focused on furthering equity between communities and is to be used by the Coop to help libraries enhance their digital services, broadband connectivity and online collections.