How Important Are Libraries to You and Your Family?

Proposed cuts in library funding will affect important services such as shared databases (POWER Library), interlibrary loan, and Ask Here PA, the state’s virtual reference service.  Additionally, Governor Rendell’s budget proposal (H.B. 1416) cuts will cost Pennsylvania over $900,000 in lost federal funds.  The Senate Republican House budget proposal (S.B. 850) goes even farther, slashing library funding by over $50,000,000 and costing almost $4,000,000 in loss of federal funds. Were this bill to become law, books, DVDs, access to computers, lending between libraries, online databases, programs for kids, and professional staff would be drastically reduced or eliminated.  In short, it would be a disaster for Pennsylvanians who depend on good quality libraries.