State Government funding for South Australia’s public libraries is no longer sufficient to maintain existing service levels and staffing, placing increasing strain on one of the state’s most heavily used community services.
The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGASA) has called for a renewed public libraries funding agreement that reflects growing community demand, rising operating costs and the expanding role libraries play across communities.
This includes the introduction of annual indexation to ensure existing programs, staffing and core services remain sustainable over the long term.
Under the current agreement, which requires renegotiation, the State Government’s annual contribution has reduced from $20.7 million to $20.1 million.
The LGASA has called for an increase in funding and the inclusion of indexation in a new agreement, representing close to $3 million over the next two years based on average CPI figures.
LGA President, Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross, said public libraries were essential community infrastructure and required stable, long-term funding.
“Public libraries are trusted cultural institutions that support learning, creativity and connection for people of all ages and backgrounds,” Holmes-Ross said.
“They are also vital spaces for vulnerable South Australians, supporting digital inclusion, social participation and access to essential services, with demand for these services continuing to grow.
“Libraries are not just places to borrow books – they are places where people gather, children attend storytime, residents access technology and communities connect.
“For libraries to remain sustainable, funding arrangements must recognise their value and the services they provide.”
Holmes-Ross said recent upgrades to the One Card network through Public Libraries South Australia demonstrated the benefits of coordinated investment.
“Through this network, South Australians can access free newspapers, magazines, books and digital resources across the state, showing how smart investment delivers shared benefits,” she said.
“Additional investment through a new funding agreement is critical to future-proofing public libraries.”
Local councils currently invest around $86 million each year into South Australia’s more than 140 public libraries, accounting for approximately 84 per cent of total funding.
This supports more than 64,000 programs and services annually, many of them free, delivered by more than 900 library staff alongside volunteers.
Public Libraries South Australia President, Pepper Mickan, said libraries play a key role in reducing digital exclusion and supporting lifelong learning.
“Libraries support children learning to read, people looking for work and residents needing help with everyday technology, online safety and identifying scams,” Mickan said.
“They allow families to borrow learning tools and help older residents stay socially connected and confident using digital services.
“Sustainable, indexed funding is essential to ensure libraries can continue delivering these services into the future.”
