The Perry County Library System has been under financial duress for some time. Perry County is missing out on Pennsylvania public library matching grants simply because it hasn't raised enough per person (or $5 per capita) funding to meet state standards. As a result, it is one of the last Pennsylvania counties that does not meet state requirements to receive state funding.
That means that fifty-four percent of residents in Perry County do not have the free access to books, videos, audiotapes, computers or magazines available to other Pennsylvania citizens. As a result, over half our population remains "legally unserved." A 1998 comparison of 14 other rural PA counties with similar populations shows that per capita revenues averaged $7.50, or 150% higher than Perry County.
So What can Perry Countians do?- An immediate increase of county subsidies to the library system so that we will reach the minimum needed for additional state support. If successful, additional staff, extended hours, wider variety of programs, newer reading material will result. Additionally, an increased subsidy would also be the stepping stone for additional buildings and grants.
- Meet with governing bodies of each Perry County municipality to discuss current library subsidies and recommend appropriate action for where deficiencies exist.
Why do we need libraries?
How would this tax affect me?
How do libraries add value to the community?
What do others have to say?