Chambersburg District Libraries

RELEASE DATE: October 10, 2003

CONTACT PERSON: Ricky Prado 717-709-0282 x216 rprado@fclspa.org

SUBJECT: FCLS Annual Appeal Continues

The Franklin County Library System Annual Appeal has raised $38,700 since it began in June of 2003. This is an increase of nearly $5,000 over the amount raised at this time last year. The goal for the 2003 Annual Appeal is to reach $75,000 by the end of the year and will help pay for books, furniture, supplies, utilities and various operating costs that otherwise could not be afforded for libraries in Ft. Loudon, St. Thomas, Chambersburg, and Greencastle.

The Annual Appeal takes on more importance this year due to the still unresolved state budget issue, in which the library system stands to lose over half a million dollars of state aid for 2002 and 2003.

“ Public libraries are here to serve the public,” states Bernice Crouse, Executive Director of Franklin County Library System, “Our operating costs are primarily financed through local, state, and federal tax money. It is discouraging to see the costs for library services growing, while state funding is in jeopardy. In recent years the library system made major inroads on reducing our dependence on private giving for day-to-day services through past increases in state funding and continued incremental increases in local library tax revenue. Plans were to turning to direct private donations toward dreams of expanded services and spaces for library users until the state made its dramatic decision to cut back funding earlier this year. Now it seems like we are back where we started from three or more years ago. With inflation factored in we are probably back close to a decade in funding."

In March Governor Rendell approved the current 2003-2004 state budget while blue-lining the entire education portion of the budget, in effect freezing funds until an agreement can be reached by legislators and the governor. While public libraries do not fall under the blue-lined portion of the state budget, they were targeted for a 50% reduction in state funds, a percentage out of proportion with the 10% cut to many other public agencies. Until supplemental funding of the current state budget is resolved and approved, public libraries, educational institutions, and a few other human service agencies are in limbo.

“It’s happening all across the State, and many public libraries are being squeezed from both sides,” states Ricky Prado, District Library Consultant. “Because of dwindling tax revenues and low returns on investments, there are some public libraries in other counties that are losing local revenues as well as state money. We are very fortunate because Franklin County has County Commissioners and patrons who are very supportive of the public library and its mission. However we are nowhere near out of the woods. Donations from our patrons are needed more than ever.”

"We are realistic at Franklin County Library System. We simply expect library patrons to be treated fairly in the state cuts. Meanwhile the system has made more than $70,000 in cuts for 2003 alone. Even so, additional major contributions to the 2003 Annual Appeal are desperately needed to maintain an acceptable level of service until such date that state funds would be restored or increased beyond 2002 levels," Crouse said. "Please consider giving an additional donation before the end of the year."

Donations payable to Franklin County Library System may be mailed to Annual Appeal, Franklin County Library System, 102 North Main Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201.

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