PRESS RELEASE:
Lancaster Public Library and Branches to Reduce Hours Due to Cut in State Aid
State aid cuts exceeding 20% have forced Lancaster Public Library to reduce hours at all three of its locations effective November 1, 2009. This will affect Duke Street Library (125 N. Duke Street, Lancaster), Mountville Area Branch Library (2 College Avenue, Mountville) and Leola Branch Library (46 Hillcrest Avenue, Leola). Unfortunately, the cut in state support comes at a time when public library services are being used more than ever. This represents a reduction in weekly hours of 11 hours at Duke Street Library, 4 hours at Mountville Area Branch Library, and 2 hours at Leola Branch Library. The new hours can be found on Lancaster Public Library’s web site www.lancaster.lib.pa.us.
In making this difficult decision, Lancaster Public Library’s management and trustees evaluated the available options to determine the least painful way to cut costs in response to reduced government income. The public can help by making tax-deductible donations to the Library. Donors are asked to contact Joyce Sands, Interim Executive Director.
As the County’s largest library, Lancaster Public Library also serves as the District Library Center for Lancaster County. The District Library Center provides services to 13 other independent public libraries, 3 branch libraries, and members of the public county-wide. These services include: interlibrary loan, reference resources and services, and business reference at Duke Street Business Center. State funding that would normally have been received in July for District services was delayed until October due to the State’s protracted budget process. The amount received is approximately $98,000 less than last year.
The reduction in state funding will also impact other services provided by Lancaster Public Library to the local community in 2010. This includes programs for children and teens, the purchase of materials such as books, CDs and DVDs and public access to Internet and word processing computers.
Lancaster Public Library has already reduced its operating costs by implementing changes including the reorganization of the reference and periodicals functions, reduction in new book orders and elimination of a number of staff positions.
Lancaster Public Library appreciates the support the community demonstrated for public libraries by contacting state officials during the State budget crisis. The Library regrets that it must take this action and understands that the community needs its services now more than ever. We will continue to provide the best service possible with the available resources.
