Profile of Public Library Investments: Outaouais Elected Officials Urged to Take Action

Profile of Public Library Investments: Outaouais Elected Officials Urged to Take Action

As Municipal Elections Approach, Quebec Public Library Investments Highlighted

On the eve of the municipal elections, the Association des bibliothèques publiques du Québec (ABPQ), in collaboration with the Réseau BIBLIO du Québec, is using Quebec Public Library Week to remind candidates that investments in cultural institutions are essential. Public libraries provide inclusive, diverse services that meet the informational, cultural, educational, and literacy needs of all age groups.

The latest provincial report reveals the overall state of library investments, showing that the average score reaches only 68%. Eve Lagacé, Executive Director of the ABPQ, provides full details on these findings.

Library Investment Overview Highlights Challenges in Quebec’s Mid-Sized Regions

The report is divided into five sub-sections corresponding to the indicators used to calculate the overall score of 64% for Quebec’s intermediate regions, including Outaouais, Estrie, Centre-du-Québec, and Mauricie. While municipalities work to improve the quality of life in their communities, current investments in public libraries—though growing—barely reach a passing grade. Significant efforts are still required to ensure the continued quality of these vital cultural institutions.

The Réseau BIBLIO du Québec is a national network that brings together the resources of eleven regional BIBLIO networks to maintain and develop their library systems and represent them in discussions on issues of shared interest. The regional BIBLIO networks are non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting the development, operation, and promotion of libraries in their territories, serving more than 750 municipalities across Quebec.

To view the report, visit: biblioqualite.ca/portrait_investissements