Debate resumed, on motion by Mr Hayes:

That this House:

(1)

notes the importance of public libraries in communities across Australia;

(2)

recognises that:

(a)

various state-based research provides clear evidence of the contribution and value of public libraries in terms of the triple bottom line: economic, environmental and social impact; and

(b)

recognises that libraries provide access to information technology, research, educational resources and recreational materials for many people who otherwise could not afford them;

(3)

congratulates public library staff for their commitment to facilitating life long learning in the community;

(4)

supports the wide availability of public library collections as a way to help address disadvantage by ensuring free and equitable access to collections for all community members;

(5)

notes that in 2008-09, 7.7 million Australians visited a library and the total asset value of library collections in this country was $4.3 billion;

(6)

expresses concern over the action instigated by Liverpool City Council to investigate the viability of closing Green Valley, Miller, Moorebank and Casula public libraries; and

(7)

specifically notes the community outrage and concern as a result of this decision, giving regard to the proven benefits of local public libraries as noted above.

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