The net present value (NPV) of Ontario’s investment in public libraries has decreased by over 60% in the past 20 years.
This is my calculation. You can use your own NPV calculation if you want.
Prior to 1996 the public Library Operating Grant (our sustainable provincial funding) was $ 64 million per year apportioned by population.
In 1996 it was cut by the Harris government by 50% to $32,000,000
It was not increased at all (despite inflation) since then. There have been one time grants over the past decade that do not make up the difference.
Accounting for inflation, A “basket” of goods and services (http://www.bankofcanada.ca/
1995 $64 million is $95.3 million in 2017 dollars
1996 $32 million is $47.9 million in 2017 dollars
so that means we’re at almost 70% behind on a get even basis.