If you are a patron of Moore’s Memorial Library in Christiana, or the Quarryville Library, the end-of-the-year budget crunch time is afoot, along with swirling leaves. It’s the time to let your municipal officials know your views on how much your municipality should contribute to your library.
Quarryville Borough Council members recently heard from Frances Vita, director of the Quarryville Library at 357 Buck Road, www.quarryvillelibrary.org.
“The library is very well used by this small community,” she said, noting there are 1,531 cardholders in the borough. “We are facing state budget cuts and are managing OK, but it will be more of a struggle next year.”
Vita said the library may face a 34 percent cut in state funding, which would trim $46,250 from the library’s operating budget.
“We’re already on a bare-bones budget as it is,” Vita said, adding that the library staff does not want to have to cut hours and services.
“Circulation is on the rise, and we are seeing a huge amount of use,” Vita said, adding that residents on tough budgets find the library is a great way to save money on books, CDs, movies and computer use.
Vita said that since the library’s tutors teach computer and research skills, it is creating “a more educated community” and supporting local schools.
Libraries are the only source of free and equal access to information,” Vita said.
Vita, and Claudia Roun, director of Moore’s, both have asked municipalities to remember their libraries during budget season.
Information about Moore’s Memorial Library, its capital campaign and building project may be found at www.christianalibrary.org.