In the recent NSW state budget it was announced the government would be slashing library funding by 18 per cent. 

Local governments, such as Leeton Shire Council, were already carrying the brunt of funding for local libraries and had been hoping the state budget would see an increase and not the opposite. 

”The cuts to library funding by the NSW state government are appalling,” councillor Maytom said.

“It places additional funding pressure on local councils to maintain this essential service, where budgets are already under strain. 

“Our library is a valuable service for our community. 

“It is used by residents and visitors, with almost 50,000 visits in the last year.”

NSW libraries are already the lowest funded in Australia with the state government contributions sitting at 7.8 per cent of funding compared to Victoria (18 per cent) and Queensland (12 per cent). 

The mayor believes this budget cut will place NSW even further behind the other states.

Over many years, the Leeton library – like others across the globe – has adapted to be not only a place where people can borrow books, but somewhere for residents of all ages. 

The Leeton library is home to various programs for young children right through to senior citizens, as well as being a meeting place for the community and its many charities and organisations. 

Cr Maytom was incensed with the government’s attitude. “Public libraries are essential to communities across NSW,” Cr Maytom said. “More and more services are referring their clients to the local library for assistance. 

“Any reduction in library services would affect the community, particularly already marginalised groups including migrants, young families, the unemployed, seniors and those without access to technology. 

“The NSW state government has demonstrated a lack of understanding of community’s needs and the value of library services, placing them at risk of reduced services.” 

Residents concerned about what this could mean for the Leeton library have been urged to write to, or phone, NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin and Member for Murray Austin Evans. 

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