Senator Catryna Bilyk
Labor Senator for Tasmania
Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety
MEDIA RELEASE
Senator Bilyk welcomes Public Library Membership Drive
Senator Catryna Bilyk today welcomed the Public Library Membership Drive, launched by Arts Minister Simon Crean as part of the National Year of Reading 2012.
Senator Bilyk called on all Tasmanians to join or reconnect with their local public library, now part of LINC Tasmania.
“Almost half of all Australians are members of public libraries, but there is still more work to be done to increase access and participation,” Senator Bilyk said.
“That’s why I am pleased that Minister Crean has announced the start of Library and Information Week, the launch of the National Year of Reading Public Library Membership Drive.”
Senator Bilyk said the Labor Government had invested heavily in public libraries to ensure all Australians, regardless of where they live, were able to appreciate the joy of reading.
“Through the Building the Education Revolution program, we have invested more than $3.6 billion to build or refurbish nearly 3,000 libraries in schools across Australia,” Senator Bilyk said.
“We have also provided more than $66 million to upgrade and expand library facilities, invested in literacy programs in schools and workplaces, and have provided more than $1.3 million to support the National Year of Reading campaign.”
“We are also rolling out high speed broadband through the National Broadband Network, which will be a great enabler for the information services of public libraries.”
As part of the Public Library Membership Drive, a new app has been launched to help connect members of the community with their local library.
“The Love2Read library app is free to download and will enable people to locate and interact with their nearest library,” Senator Bilyk said.
The National Year of Reading Public Library Membership Drive runs until 25 August 2012. For more information visit www.love2read.org.au.
Senator Catryna Bilyk Labor Senator for Tasmania Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety
