We thank all of our supporters who called and wrote to PA government officials in support of level funding for libraries. Thank you to The Wellness Point, LLC, who spearheaded our advocacy postcard campaign and thank you to Fisher Business Forms for donating the postcards.
After 100 days of a state budget impasse, a deal has finally been reached. We thank our patrons who worked hard to advocate for keeping level funding for public libraries. Although this did not happen, the cuts weren't as deep as they could have been. This summer, we were fearing public library state subsidy would be slashed in half. This couldn't have happened at a worse time for library patrons. When the economy is down, library use is up.
As of today, public library funding will be cut by 20.1%. State library services such as PowerLibrary, AccessPA, and Ask Here is PA are going to be cut by close to 60%. What this means for you, we don't quite know yet. But, we'll keep you informed, and do our best to service your needs.
How can you help? Please consider giving to your library.
Donate your time, money, or help with fundraising. Your monetary contribution can be used to purchase a book, DVD, CD, or audiobook for our collection, or you can choose to support the general operating fund.
Purchase Amazon.com products through our website. As an affiliate, the libraries will received a percentage of the sales!
Your donation is a commitment to support lifelong learning and will impact local lives now and in the future!
Continue to advocate on behalf of libraries to your local officials and state officials.
Use our online calculator tool to demonstrate the value of libraries to our communities!
state officials
The budget proposals this year in Harrisburg recommended cuts for local libraries between 10% and 55%. Worse yet, these cuts will result in the loss of matching federal funds--millions of lost dollars!
Pennsylvania's libraries are a lifeline for our unemployed, our kids, and literally millions of citizens striving to improve their own lives. Our libraries did not seek an increase but simply level funding in order to meet some part of the rising demand for hours, computer access, current books, publications, and DVDs.
Library funding represents about three-tenths of one percent (0.3%) of the entire state budget.
Important Messages:
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Thank your Senator, Representative and the Governor for her/his past support of public libraries.
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Because libraries are a lifeline for the unemployed and their families, urge her/him to support library funding as one of the priorities for funding
- Tell her/him that public libraries all across Pennsylvania are busier than ever (If you can, offer some specifics about just how much the library means to you in these tough times.) during this recession serving those looking for work, many without Internet access at home, and hundreds more of their constituents and families who need the library open
- Remind her/him that the state funding cuts will force library service cutbacks and possibly even closings at a time when their constituents need libraries to be fully open and equipped to serve.
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