A $60 million cash injection for New Zealand's libraries will help protect 170 librarian jobs and upskill them to help coronavirus-affected jobseekers.
The major funding package for libraries, part of Budget 2020, was announced today by Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin at Christchurch's impressive $92m post-earthquake library, Turanga.
It will allow librarians to "play a far greater role" in supporting their communities and people seeking jobs as part of the economic recovery from Covid-19, Martin said.
![Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin announced the $60m funding package for libraries in Christchurch today.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/AS62DHDID3RML47BVSI257EOX4.jpg?auth=439e0720981c19bd11347679c8f26e9aa604838a18dc4e874d5482965a129e28&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
The extra funding will mean free internet access in every New Zealand library to make sure all Kiwis have access to online services and information.