If things are really tight, you can read the daily newspaper and get internet access their. These tools will allow you to job search as well. The more hours the library is open, the better the chance you will be able to have time around your daily schedule to visit.
Despite this, I received the following announcement from the library regarding the governor's proposed budget:
Governor’s Proposed 2009-10 State Budget Cuts Libraries, Again
In order to maintain vitally needed library services for constituents in FY 2009-10, libraries are calling for state funding equal to the current year (FY 2008-09)
Pennsylvania’s librarians understand the impact of this current recession. They experience it every hour of every workday. Our staff members serve on the front line:
Providing vital services to unemployed, undertrained and first-time jobseekers including access to the Internet and electronic resources for jobs, education, and training; information on careers and opportunities; and staff expertise to assist with resumes and applications.
Guiding students, families, and business people to the latest books and other printed and computer resources as well as DVD’s and downloadable books.
Offering well-trained, professional staff to meet the informational and educational needs of all library customers.
Demand for library services is up dramatically during this recession. Libraries across Pennsylvania, including the Nazareth library are busier than ever before serving people looking for work, families on tight budgets, and retirees grappling with shrinking savings. Yet the Governor’s budget proposes to cut 5.1% from state support for library services, or $4,790,000, even as the $14 billion Department of Education budget grows overall. Libraries which are part of the Department of Education will receive no increases just more cuts.
Even worse, these cuts not only reduce library services, they also will trigger the loss of nearly one million dollars in federal funds.
It makes no sense to leave federal LSTA dollars on the table at the very same time when Pennsylvania is trying to secure every nickel possible from Washington.
Librarians certainly recognize the reality of added budget pressures during a recession. They have been living with cuts in state aid since the 50% cuts to funding in 2004. But they also recognize the real growing need for library services precisely because of the recession. That’s why Pennsylvania’s libraries have not asked for a funding increase but, instead, level funding in order to meet some part of the rising demand for hours and access to computers, training classes, current books, publications, programs and much more.
In order to maintain vitally needed library services for constituents in FY 2009-10 contact your Harrisburg legislators and ask for state funding equal to the current year (FY 2008-09)
CALL
Rep. R. Grucela 610-614-1312 Senator L. Boscola 610-868-8667
Rep. C. Dally 610-746-2100 Senator P. Browne 610-821-8468
1 comment:
Why am I not surprised?
Funny that Fast Eddie is talking about tightening the belt while in the year leading up to his re-election campaign he was crossing the state handing out six and seven figure checks to organizations as if he were Santa Claus.
Very much like the NASD board, let's spend as opposed to actually saving.
A couple of months ago Philadelphia was on the verge of closing libraries and the citizens rose up and made their voices heard. Would be great if we could do that at the state level, but then again, politicians will do want they want to do and not care what the people think.
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