Don't cut library funding

There is no doubt that we are all in a tough economic boat, and the question becomes how we weather the storm until the conditions change. Libraries are part of the solution.

They are a lifeline to community members who have been impacted by job loss and to senior citizens who are facing diminished investments that were supposed to sustain them in retirement.

Plus, there is the critical role that libraries play in early childhood literacy and in providing a wealth of shared resources to encourage lifelong learning. Libraries are a vital part of a community's health.

Unemployment is up. Demand for library services is up. There is a direct correlation. York County Libraries staff members report a large increase in the number of people who are using public access computers or Wi-Fi at their libraries to electronically apply and file for unemployment benefits. These individuals don't own a computer or do not have Internet access at home. For some, Internet service at home is an expense they had to cut.

Some individuals have never used a computer. Our staff is busier than usual explaining the basics such as how to create an e-mail account and providing guidance as these folks try to navigate their way through creating resumes and submitting online job applications.

Libraries also help fill the void created by the loss of income. Parents, who are struggling to make ends meet, are discovering that libraries are a bridge to providing access to books and quality educational experiences for their children at a price they can afford -- free.

Story times and a variety of programs provide important building blocks for early childhood literacy and lifelong learning.

Sue Coates of York discovered the value of public libraries many years ago. She regularly brought her children, Evan and Claire, to the library, starting when they were toddlers. Now both are in their 20s with successful careers. Claire completed her residency in podiatric surgery this week, and Evan works in bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing. Coates is sure their library background played a big role in their "getting ahead" in school.

Deborah Sullivan is community relations director for the York County Library System.

PLAYING CATCHUP

Pennsylvania libraries are paying close attention to this year's state budget proceedings, which tag libraries for cuts in several line items. Funding to Pennsylvania's libraries currently accounts for three-tenths of one percent of the entire state budget.

Just five years ago, libraries incurred a 37 percent reduction in state funding during fiscal year 2003/2004. For York County that meant a loss of $877,000.

"Librarians had no choice but to cut back on hours, programs for kids, new technology, new books and trained employees," said Pennsylvania Library Association Executive Director Glenn Miller.

"It took five long years to return to pre-funding-cut levels. Services lost due to state budget cuts combined with the failure to keep pace with inflation put libraries in a position of barely making do."

OPENING DOOR

A free library card opens the door to knowledge for anyone with the desire to learn regardless of age or income level.

Here are just a few ways that York County Libraries help local residents.

1. Audio books are used by the visually impaired and by many commuters.
2. Senior citizens and even younger folks are borrowing large print books.
3. Individuals from varying cultures rely on English as a Second Language materials.
4. Students of all ages use POWER Library, Pennsylvania's comprehensive electronic resource.
5. Librarians impart information literacy, guiding patrons to accurate sources on the Web.
6. Programs introduce young children to language at a critical period in their development.
7. The library is a positive place for teens to gather and gain new ideas through activities and books.
8. Entrepreneurs access research data when devising marketing plans.
9. Business people, students and travelers study foreign languages.
10. Students use Learning Express to prepare for college prep tests, GED, civil service exams, the U.S. Citizenship test and more.