“Public rallies around Lancaster library” reports “A month ago, Lancaster Public Library officials were afraid a cut in city funding would require closing the library’s doors on Fridays…
“With the money from Edward J., the library donations will have exceeded $100,000. Landau said the funding is needed to compensate for a reduction in state aid. The state has cut library funding by a third, or $170,000, in the past two years…”
WATCHDOG: The recent outpouring of funds comes as no surprise to the Watchdog who had served as project manager for the planned renovation and potential expansion of the library which was aborted at the last moment in 2008.
With perhaps the single exception of the YMCA which readily raised funds for its recent expansions, the Lancaster Public Library on Duke Street is perhaps the most popular public cause in the county. This was apparent from a 2007 feasibility study based on numerous interviews of potential donors and community leaders, and the readiness of local construction experts to volunteer their efforts during the planning stage.
What became apparent was that almost everyone had warm feelings for the library because they had or were using it or / and because their children and grandchildren do. Even the combined “Y”s cannot claim 1400 visitors a day!
