Chambersburg District Libraries

RELEASE DATE: November 19, 2003

CONTACT PERSON: Bernice D. Crouse e-mail bdcrouse@fclspa.orgbdcrouse@fclspa.org

SUBJECT: State Cutbacks Cause Local Libraries to Expand Holiday Closings

Five libraries of Franklin County Library System will be closed Friday and Saturday, November 28 and 29, following Thanksgiving due to the 50% loss of state funds. Although library system employees and administrators are saddened to inconvenience the public Coyle Free and Ragged Edge Libraries in Chambersburg, Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library in Greencastle, St. Thomas Library, and Fort Loudon Community Library will close their doors for a long Thanksgiving weekend. The libraries will reopen on Monday, December 1.

With legislation for restoration of full State Aid to public libraries still at a standstill, the library board was forced to make some small adjustments in scheduling in order to keep library doors open during high-usage hours through December. The same libraries will be closed for additional hours on December 26, 27, and 31. Savings in staff and utilities for these short periods will enable the library system to maintain services through the end of this year.

Unfortunately the verdict is still out on maintenance of service in 2004, when another $415,000 in state funding will be cut.

Library advocates may help in three ways. Information on the funding crisis and how to contact local legislators is available on the web at http://www.fclspa.org and at local libraries. State officials need to hear the cry for restoration of public library funds now. Annual Appeal 2003 is winding to a close, but additional undesignated gifts before the end of the year will assist with the shortfall in state funds. Contributions may be made at local libraries or by mailing checks payable to “Franklin County Library System” to FCLS Annual Appeal, 102 North Main Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201. In addition, the employees ask your patience with the inconvenience of the brief closing and the longer lines created by staff shortage. As always, public library staff members will do their utmost to provide quality library services to the public.

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