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Pennsylvania Library Budget Restores Only $10 Million of 50% CutPennsylvania librarians failed in their efforts to convince Gov. Ed Rendell to restore the 50% reduction in state aid to libraries he proposed in his 2003–04 state budget, although the final version signed by the governor December 23 reinstates $10 million of the original $37.5 million cut. The final budget restored 90% of the funds that had originally been eliminated for human-services programs, drug and alcohol programs, and mental-health services. Librarians throughout the state said the additional $10 million would not be enough to stave off cuts in operating hours, materials purchases, and staffing. In reductions already announced, the Free Library of Philadelphia has frozen new book and magazine purchases and delayed hiring replacement workers, and Saturday hours at most of its 55 branches will soon end, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported December 23. The Bethlehem Area Public Library will be closed an additional 14 days next years, the materials budget will be cut by $31,000, and a full-time coordinator and two part-time positions will be eliminated, according to the December 27 Allentown Morning Call. Bucks County Free Library Executive Director Martina Kominiarek said in the December 30 Morning Call that up to 20 workers will be laid off, the $900,000 materials budget will be reduced by half, and hours at all branches will be cut immediately. The Fredericktown Area Public Library’s book budget has already been cut by 38%; now the library will be closed all day Friday and Saturday, the Washington Observer-Reporter said December 30. Pennsylvania Library Association Executive Director Glenn Miller found one bright spot: He said in the December 29 York Daily Record that the delay in enacting the 2003–04 budget has shortened the time until next year’s negotiations. The association hopes to prevent a repeat of this year’s budget debacle: “It is clear that we have a lot of work to do to reach out to our governor and our legislators,” said Miller. Posted January 2, 2004. |
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