SAVE LIBRARY FUNDING!

Save Library Funding!

Libraries need your help! Funding for all Pennsylvania libraries, including the Lackawanna County Library System, is in jeopardy in the upcoming state budget. Please contact your state legislators, Governor Rendell, and the PA Department of Education to ask for level funding of all library programs in the FY 2009-2010 budget. (See end of message for contact information.)

Proposed cuts in state funding for libraries range from 5% to 56%. These cuts come at a time when libraries are busier than ever, serving those who are most in need, including the unemployed and families on tight budgets.

Lackawanna County libraries stand to lose anywhere from $45,000 to nearly $1 million in direct state support. In addition, some proposed cuts eliminate popular statewide programs -- including the POWER Library, the Statewide Library Card, Ask Here PA, and Keystone facilities grants -- and drastically reduce others, including State Library operations.

To add insult to injury, the cuts in state funding will reduce Pennsylvania’s eligibility for federal LSTA dollars. Pennsylvania library programs will lose anywhere from $1 million to $3.8 million in federal funds, at a time when we need to secure every dollar we can from Washington.

There are two bills in place at this time. House Bill 1416 cuts library funding for all programs by 5% overall. Senate Bill 850 cuts funding overall by 56%. A request for level funding of all programs will ensure that library services will be available during these hard economic times for the people who need them most.

State legislators are in their local offices this week, so it’s a good time to contact them, in person, by phone, by email, or by letter. Be respectful, but don’t be bashful. Don’t be afraid to show your passion for your local library. Explain why your library makes a difference to you and your family, especially during this recession. Short messages are good. Personal stories are the best.

Help to preserve funding for public library services and programs by contacting your legislators today.

For contact information for Senator Mellow and your state representative, go to: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/session.cfm and type in your zip code in the upper right (“Find Members By Zip Code.”) This will give you the name, address, and an email address.

Please copy your letters or messages to:

Governor Ed Rendell http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Governor/govmail.html

Dr. Gerald Zahorchak, PA Secretary of Education gzahorchak@state.pa.us

Clare Zales, Deputy Secretary of Education mzales@state.pa.us

Ladies Social Tea Fundraiser

EDITORS NOTE: WE REGRET THAT THE FUNDRAISER HAS BEEN CANCELLED.The Valley Community Library will host a Ladies Social Tea fundraiser on Sunday, June 7th at 2 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring their favorite teacup and saucer and encouraged to wear their favorite hat. Along with the tea, traditional high tea fare will be served. There will also be a raffle basket of traditional British food. Registration is required. Tickets are $10.00 and can be obtained at the Library.
For additional information, call the Valley Community Library at 489-1765.

Suggest an Adult Event or Program for Valley Community Library

If you are an patron 18 years and up and would would like to present a talk or event, send an email with a description of your program and a brief bio to Laura Fonash, Adult Services/Public Relations Library @ Valley Community Library or call 570-489-1765.

If you are not a presenter and would like to suggest a program, please feel free to leave a comment in the suggestion box at the Circulation Desk.

Fundraiser @ Uno Chicago Grill

The Valley Community Library is having a fundraiser in conjunction with Uno Chicago Grill.

Uno Chicago Grill will donate up to 20% of a patron’s check to the Library if they present a special coupon. This coupon is available at the Library. The event runs Wednesday, May 13th and Thursday, May 14th.

NEPA Paranormal

The Valley Community Library will host NEPA Paranormal, who specialize in scientific paranormal investigation, on Monday, May 18th at 7 P.M. Come hear members share their stories and findings! For additional information, please contact the Valley Community Library at 489-1765.

Forensic Anthropology Lecture

The Valley Community Library will host a Forensic Anthropology lecture presented by Stephen Phillips on Thursday, May 7^th at 2 P.M. Stephen Phillips is the Research Assistant to the Curator-In-Charge of the Egyptian Section of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. Stephen specializes in the analysis of ancient Egyptian human skeletal remains, mummies, and mummification techniques. The Outreach Lecture Program is funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. For additional information, please contact the Valley Community Library at 489-1765.