Libraries across B.C. are trying to stave off yet another round of provincial budget cuts with the launch of a new website designed to reinforce the importance of libraries in people’s everyday lives.

The website, “BC Libraries Change Lives,” asks people to share both written and video stories about how public libraries better their lives. In the three weeks since its launch, about twenty stories have been posted.

“We can’t afford to take any more hits,” said Andy Ackerman, president of the British Columbia Library Trustees’ Association (BCLTA).

“We had cuts last year and we know that it’s possible again. We’re trying to keep libraries in the fore — to make people aware how they are important.”

The website was launched in a collaboration between the BC Library Association, the Association of British Columbia Public Library Directors and the BCLTA.

Last year the province cut library funding by 22 per cent in an attempt to control the ballooning provincial budget deficit.

The cuts forced the Greater Victoria Library to cut hours, scale back new collections purchases and cancel programs like the Books for Babies program, which saw newborns in the province receive backpacks containing children’s books, a growth chart and literature stressing the importance of reading in a child’s life.

UVic student Kaari Mullen says that the reduced hours have made it more difficult for her to access resources from the public library.

“I use the public library more for fun reading but it’s annoying that they don’t really have hours that work with my school or work schedule,” said Mullen.

Ackerman says that the response to the site, both from the public and libraries around the province, has been positive, and he hopes that thIStranslates into political pressure.

“When the economy is bad and the government is cutting funding, we see an increase in library use,” said Ackerman, who hopes to be able to meet with provincial officials to plead against further cuts.

“It runs counter from what they should be doing in the province during a tough time economically and socially.”

Donna, a Victoria resident, posted about her childhood desire to read every book in the children’s section before age 12, when she “graduated” to the adult section.

“Public libraries are as essential to a healthy society as public education,” she posted.

“I urge British Columbians to support public libraries by letting our politicians know how much we value our libraries and want them to be funded appropriately and adequately.”

Check out the website at bclibrarieschangelives.ca.