By JONATHON HOWARD
SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council libraries will receive a financial boost as part of the 2013/14 budget.
The library service budget to buy resources is made up of the public library grant allocation from the State Library of Queensland of $163,623 plus a $30,000 contribution from council.
The budget covers the cost of all library stock in various formats, such as standard and large print books, audio books, music CDs, magazines, children’s books and jigsaw puzzles.
The fund will also be used to introduce some of the many online services now available including free online training, access to a range of magazines online and access to the Project Gutenberg free ebook database.
Council’s director of business and community services David Tuxford said council was continually looking for ways to improve library services.
“The new online services to be introduced will mean that residents will have other avenues available for them to explore, enjoy and learn,” he said.
Residents who have a library membership card will also be able to download an app which will give them access through their own internet devices external to the library.
