The 2013 drive to support the Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association is underway! If you do not receive a donation card donation card in the mail, they are available at any library, or you can click here to open an Acrobat PDF version that you can print out.

Have you thought about how much money you save by using the library? Click here to find out! Isn't it time to give back?

The drive is crucial because state funding has not been restored to its previous levels. The across-the-board cuts made by the Board have prevented another budget shortfall, but only by continuing at the reduced level of service. Suggested contributions are $25 or more for individuals, families $40 or more, sustainers $100 or more, and benefactors $250 and up. Contributions of any size are welcomed. Local support is one of the factors used to determine the amount of funding provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania--the more local support, the more funding received. Even though state funding is reduced, the formula still applies, so it's more important than ever. Thank you!

Supporters of the Association help provide county-wide library services and the county Historical Society, and are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

Donors help fund the library services provided through 4 locations (Montrose, Forest City, Hallstead-Great Bend, and Susquehanna) and by the county-wide Books-by-Mail/Books-on-Wheels service, and also the administrative services to all locations. Your contributions enable the Association to purchase books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, audio books, electronic databases, and other materials which are available to all residents of Susquehanna County. Many informational resources are available through the libraries. At each location you will find free high-speed Internet access and wireless; online databases that can also be accessed from home with your library card; high-powered workstations with the full Microsoft Office suite, free training programs, and high-speed laser printers (all paid for with grant money); CD-ROM games for children; and a catalog of library holdings across Pennsylvania (which can be requested through Inter-Library Loan at no charge).

Donations also help fund the County Historical Society and its museum, open to the public at no charge. The Historical Society's Genealogy Research Center draws people who are seeking information on their local ancestors not only from the county, but also from all over the country. The Historical Society also publishes a biannual journal, available by subscription, on local history and genealogy. The Historical Society’s website has a wealth of information about our county.

The many programs sponsored by the Library and Historical Society also depend on community support. Open houses, Babies & Books, Toddler Time, Pre-School Story Hour, Summer Reading, educational programs for homeschooling families, guest speakers, and other special events are very popular.

For more information about the drive or any of the Association's services, please explore the website or call 570-278-1881.