STATISTICS showed there was a need for early literacy support on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, according to Cr Mark Edwards.
Cr Edwards was speaking about council's decision to continue to give money to the Macleay Island Progress Association to run the island's library.
He said the Australian Early Development Census community profile published last year highlighted that Macleay Island had scope for improvement in children's communication skills and general knowledge.
"The partnership between council and the Macleay Island Community Library, particularly through early childhood literacy programming, seeks to improve early literacy skills for island families and therefore social benefits for the community," Cr Edwards said.
"Early literacy is a key priority for Redland Libraries and ongoing support for the Macleay library will enable the existing partnership work with the community to develop, delivering programs such as the early childhood literacy program First 5 Forever."
Council agreed to extend funding for the library for a further three years.
Mayor Karen Williams said council had been supporting the association for more than 30 years.
"...The decision to fund the association for a further three years will certainly help with the operation of the community-owned library on Macleay Island," Cr Williams said.
"Today's resolution provides $13,225 funding in 2019-20, with provision for CPI increases in the following two years.
"The funding will assist in the library not only continuing to offer a broad range of books for loan and reading programs but also serve as a safe and pleasant place to visit, as well as provide information on community events and support local culture and arts."
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