About Us: PLDI
Public Library Development Initiative
In 2006, the Alberta Government announced a program that would provide $20 million in one-time funding over two years. The Government directly distributed to libraries the first round of funding of the two part per capita program. Yellowhead Regional Library agreed to partner with the Government in distributing $12.7 million in per capita and project funding, and signed an agreement to manage the program in June 2007.
When the funds were first announced in 2006, then Minister of Community Development Gary Mar noted, "Public libraries are an important part of the government's vision of supporting learning and community-based initiatives. This funding will give libraries the support they need to enhance library services and ensure they are accessible to all Albertans."
The Public Library Development Initiative provided funding for municipal libraries to enhance literacy and computer literacy programs for new Canadians, people who cannot read conventional print, seniors and children. They could also use the funds to extend their hours, provide programs that meet service needs, purchase computers and equipment that make online resources and services more accessible in the community or to streamline service delivery.
The funding recognizes the changing role of libraries and the growing demand for both traditional and new library services, including interlibrary loans, online services, non-print formats and increased borrowing.
Yellowhead Regional Library distributed the second round of per capita funding in 2007. Other funds were disbursed at the direction of the Department (now Alberta Municipal Affairs & Housing) in 2006 and 2007. Libraries were also invited to apply for special project funding in 2007, and an independent panel adjudicated the applications against the project criteria. These funds were distributed in late 2007.
A report of the funds disbursed is available here. As of December 31, 2007, $13,677 is still available for distribution. It is anticipated that any remaining or returned funds, including interest, will be distributed in their entirety by December 31, 2008.
Questions regarding the program should be directed to:
Kevin Dodds, Director
Yellowhead Regional Library
kdodds@yrl.ab.ca
Bonnie Gray, Manager
Public Library Services
Alberta Municipal Affairs
bonnie.gray@gov.ab.ca