Arabic version: تقرير جديد يبرز القيمة الاقتصادية لمكتبات نيو ساوث ويلز العامة
A recent report commissioned by the State Library of NSW has quantified the value of public libraries in the region, estimating their worth at $735 million. The State Library itself is valued at $467 million. According to ABC News, the report reveals that every dollar invested in the State Library generates $4.25 in community benefits.
The research, conducted by SGS Economics and Prescience Research, surveyed 1,900 residents to assess the perceived value of various library services. It found that public libraries provide approximately $86.60 in community value annually for each adult. State Librarian Caroline Butler-Bowdon highlighted that 40% of NSW residents hold a library card, emphasizing the significant engagement with these institutions.
Libraries have evolved beyond mere book lending; they serve as vital community hubs. Lindsay Nunez, who immigrated from Chile, shared her experiences of how the Lionel Bowen Library in Maroubra became a second home for her and her son, facilitating not just language learning but cultural integration as well.
The report also notes the increasing trend of 24-hour library services, with locations like Manly Library and Forestville offering round-the-clock access. This shift caters to a growing number of students seeking quiet study environments.
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey is expected to reinforce the report’s findings in a speech, stating that libraries represent an investment rather than a cost. While the report assigns a dollar figure to these institutions, many, including Ms. Nunez, believe their true value is immeasurable, providing essential social and cultural benefits to the community.
