Norway triples school library funding to over 103 million kroner

School libraries across Norway are set to receive a significant funding boost, with over 103 million kroner allocated for the upcoming year. This amount represents more than a doubling of the support provided in the previous year.

The increased funding is a direct outcome of a budget agreement reached with the parties Rødt, SV, MDG, and Sp. Municipalities will have the flexibility to utilize these funds for various needs, including hiring additional staff, investing in professional development, and, for the first time, purchasing new books.

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I am very concerned about the students' reading skills and their lack of reading enthusiasm. Good school libraries are crucial for reversing this development.

Education Minister Kari Nessa Nordtun expressed deep concern regarding the declining reading skills and lack of reading enthusiasm among students. She stressed that robust school libraries are crucial for reversing this trend. "Good school libraries are crucial for reversing this development," Nordtun stated in a government press release.

Out of 208 municipalities that applied for the grants, 174 will receive financial support. The minister noted that the high level of interest indicates a clear need within the municipalities. She reiterated that the government's initiative is part of a broader effort to promote reading in Norwegian schools and that this funding is intended to supplement, not replace, municipal contributions.

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The fact that the interest is so great shows that this has been a need in the municipalities.