From what we hear, the Pennsylvania budget for 2009-2010 is still up in the air, but major cuts for public libraries are a realistic possibility. The Senate's proposal (SB850) calls for a more than 50% cut in state aid to public libraries and total elimination of statewide services like POWER Library and between-library delivery. Technically the budget is supposed to be in place by June 30th, but indications are that it will not be decided by then. Libraries are busier than ever during a recession, with thousands of people looking to us to save money, get access to technology, and improve job skills.

Please help us continue to communicate that public libraries are not the place to cut. Keeping level funding is only three-tenths of one percent of the state budget--a rounding error!--and librarians already stretch a dollar further than any other organization. We are doing another round of letter-writing "bees" at all 4 county locations: July 9th in Hallstead and Montrose, and July 13th in Forest City, Montrose, and Susquehanna. Board members and volunteers will be there with writing paper, envelopes, labels and stamps. You can also drop off letters at any time and we'll mail them for you. A hand-written 2 or 3 sentence letter has the most impact and takes very little time!

The most effective action you can take is to write or call your legislators. View or print our information sheet with contact information, or stop by your local library and pick up adhesive address stickers you can use.

Public libraries are a crucial part of education, since they serve everyone from cradle to grave. Programs like Babies and Books help families start reading to their babies as early as possible. Story hours and services to daycares and preschools keep books in front of children at a crucial age. During the school years, the library provides homework help, services to teachers, and summer reading. Adults turn to the library for computer skills, access to health and financial information, and free entertainment.