State Budget information: Libraries are community.

When a group of people comes together with the dedication, courage, and vision to improve community access to shared resources, they make the future brighter for everyone.

That’s what librarians and their supporters do.

Every day amazing people come together to make public library buildings and websites examples of welcoming community centers that offer beneficial resources and services to everyone. These libraries are places where information in many formats is collected, organized, and shared; education is provided and expanded to all ages; and the love of literacy, arts and sciences that enhance our society can thrive.

Public libraries are a place where people (regardless of age, income, race, weight, sexual orientation, religion, or politics) are free to ask for information or to borrow books owned by any other community library, to follow specific interests in any topical area, access technology tools to keep up with the rapidly changing economy, and to clear the pathway to leading successful lives.

Are you a library supporter? I hope so.

Budget proposals estimate a soon to be signed 9.1% state funding cut to the public library subsidy in PA.
Read this memo for more on what the budget holds for libraries. Memo

See calculations of 9.1% reduction for public libraries in the three county Capital Area Library District: Estimated calculations for Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry County public libraries as well as the District

And for those of you who want to see the whole state budget, here’s a file for that too. General Fund State Appropriations

The belt tightens a little more, especially for those libraries that do not receive much from local municipal or county funding, but the library spirit will stay strong. You can’t defeat a librarian! Libraries are backed by boards of trustees that know what community needs can be best met by sharing resources.

Good strategic planning allows libraries to make the most effective community impact with the resources they have. Continue to play big, focus on outcomes and results, and thrive within the economy you can control, always knowing that your community is 100% better because there is a public library. Call or email your consultant to schedule a consult or Q & A session on budgeting and planning for your library’s future.