Alexandra Eildon Marysville Standard, Alexandra VIC (General News) MEMBER for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced on Friday that libraries throughout the region will receive more than $2 million in funding to buy books, update computers and deliver programs to school children. Murrindindi Shire libraries will receive nearly $150,000 in funding as part of the boost which will also be received by libraries in Alpine, Benalla, Indigo, Mansfield, Mildura, Mitchell, Swan Hill, Wangaratta and Wodonga. The Andrews Labor Government is giving our councils and public libraries the resources they need to continue delivering these important services for country communities, Ms Symes said. Country Victorian communities rely on our public libraries, thats why state government is doing more than ever to help continue the many wonderful programs and services they provide. This comes after the state governments budget provided $42.5 million for the Public Libraries Funding Program, a 2.5 per cent increase from last year. The funding comes on top of the $4.5 million Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, which provides grants to build, redevelop or refurbish libraries across the state. The government is also providing $4.4 million over four years for the Premiers Reading Challenge Book Fund, so public libraries can purchase materials to get more children reading. Victoria is home to 275 permanent library branches and 30 mobile library services, with more than 2.1 million library members registered in the state.