GVPL 2026 Budget Executive Summary

2026 Budget Executive Summary

Public libraries are a vital part of vibrant communities and support building strong local economies. The Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) supports literacy and lifelong learning by providing free and equitable access to information, space, tools, and expertise. There are 12 branch locations within 10 local municipalities serving more than 380,000 residents. The virtual branch at gvpl.ca is open anytime, anywhere.

GVPL’s operating budget is funded primarily by our ten municipal partners, with remaining revenues from provincial and other grants. A key objective is to maintain municipal contribution increases within an acceptable range. As the role of public libraries has expanded dramatically in the past few years, budget increases are necessary to meet the growing needs of the communities we serve. GVPL is committed to supporting the wellbeing of our community by providing safe and inclusive spaces for all.

The Greater Victoria Public Library budget is allocated as illustrated below.

Where does your budget dollar go?

• Salaries & Benefits: 72.04%
• Library Materials: 6.27%
• Supplies & Services: 7.31%
• Building Occupancy: 7.36%
• Other: 4.78%
• Capital Assset Amortization: 2.24%

The Fiscal 2026 Budget will be impacted by a number of factors.

Staffing costs for the 2026 budget reflect a projected reduction in the vacancy rate along with increased service demands and expanded weekend operations. Planned staffing adjustments include increased supervisory support, additional People and Culture and IT resources to maintain weekend operations and strengthened safety and security initiatives such as enhanced training and emergency preparedness. GVPL continuously reviews staffing levels to ensure alignment with community needs. Staff investments are guided by GVPL’s commitment to operational excellence, equitable service across communities, and a safe, sustainable work environment for all employees.

Sunday operations costs, including both branch operations and support service costs, are included in the 2026 budget.

The current collective agreement expired on December 31, 2024, and negotiations are ongoing.

The five-year financial outlook anticipates additional salary and branch related cost increases in 2028 to support operations at the anticipated newly expanded Nellie McClung Branch. There are uncertainties related to the timing and costs of the new Nellie McClung branch development project. Any changes to the assumptions used to create the original estimates may result in unanticipated increases.

Costs related to existing branch service delivery and facilities related requirements are budgeted in 2026 and future years at 2025 service levels. Support costs for providing library services continue to increase due to escalating costs of collections, safety and security requirements and system infrastructure costs.

As with the 2025 Budget, the 2026 Budget utilizes Reserve funds for system and infrastructure projects, security improvements, facility projects and funding the first year of new FTEs.

Key increases:

The cost drivers that result in the 6% increase for the 2026 Total Funded Budget are:

• Salaries inflation, new FTEs and decrease in estimated vacancy rate - $1.63M
• Non-salary inflation and costs - $268K
• Change in other funding sources (Grants, Donations) - $140K
• Offset by increased use in Reserves - $292K

GVPL is committed to operating efficiently and effectively to deliver library services to our 10 member municipalities. The library system leverages more than 100 active community partnerships to expand programs and lifelong learning opportunities for Greater Victoria residents. The Cost per Capita in the 2026 Budget is $61.19, an increase from the 2025 Budget, $57.58.