Public libraries are a cornerstone of Alberta’s communities, serving as places where neighbours connect, stories come to life and lifelong learning begins. Whether it’s hosting neighbourhood events that unite residents or helping a child discover the joy of their first book, public libraries strengthen the fabric of the province’s communities and are fundamental to Alberta’s position as the best place to live, work and raise a family.
That is why Budget 2025 invests $39 million to support the role public library services play at the heart of Alberta’s communities. This funding is being distributed to 225 public library boards across the province, including seven intermunicipal boards, municipalities, Metis Settlements and First Nations communities.
“Libraries have always played an important role in the lives of Albertans and our communities. Budget 2025 maintains funding for local libraries at an all-time high and in turn helps those who make libraries possible keep up the great work.”
Public libraries are lifelines for learning, connection and discovery, and strong support for local library boards ensures they can keep meeting the needs of their communities. With this funding, public libraries will continue offering vital services like basic computer skills courses, community events and countless other programs that help Albertans thrive.
“The public library community is grateful to the Government of Alberta for another year of stable grant funding, which is indispensable to libraries for serving the nearly five-million citizens of this great province.”
Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.
Quick facts
- Budget 2025 invests $39 million to support local libraries:
- $33.6 million in operating grants.
- $5.4 million in network support and branch operations including:
- Provincial support for sharing public library resources through initiatives such as Alberta-wide borrowing and interlibrary loan (including funding a government courier to move materials around the province).
- Connecting all library services points and all seven regional library system headquarters through the Alberta SuperNet.
- Maintaining the province-wide e-content suite (including the Read Alberta eBooks and eMagazines project).
- Providing libraries with resources for people with print disabilities and leading a project to train Alberta Public Service employees in accessible document creation.
- There are 327 public library branches across Alberta serving municipal, regional and First Nations communities, governed by 225 municipal, intermunicipal, and First Nations public library boards and seven regional library systems.