“The cuts to libraries by the Liberal/Nationals in this years’ State budget is a real example of the differences between the Labor Party I am a part of and the National Party of Chris Gulaptis”, Trent Gilbert, Country Labor candidate for Clarence said on Sunday. The Liberal National Government is cutting the budgets to the state libraries by 18% ($23.5 million in 2018-19 compared with $28.8 million in 2017-18). This is despite per capita funding for public libraries being frozen for many years. “Labor will double the per capita funding subsidy from $1.85 to $3.70 in its first term of Government and make sure that the new per capita subsidy maintains its value by linking it to the Consumer Price Index”, Mr Gilbert added. This is on top of Labor committing to a $35 million Public Library Infrastructure Fund for public libraries to upgrade their facilities or purchase new equipment. Mr Gilbert further said, “Many communities in the Clarence electorate value their libraries. They give a place for access to books especially for children, often internet services and provide services for senior citizens and provide a space for children in holidays and after school.” “I applaud Labor’s commitment to public libraries and condemn the Nationals for their lack of interest in public community facilities,” Mr Gilbert added. “The library issue is a perfect example of Labor working for a fairer NSW while the Nationals are investing in white elephant stadiums which will never serve the numbers of people our libraries serve now.