A New Fahrenheit 451

 

Many of us remember Ray Bradbury’s cautionary tale of censorship in Fahrenheit 451 and the loss of books and knowledge.  Today when you go to the library, you can find the items you’re looking for easily.  But will the library have the books, DVDs, and other materials you need tomorrow?  While I don’t believe there is a movement to censor what you read and learn, proposed budget cuts in Harrisburg will have a similar effect—far fewer choices in the library. 

 

We know from past history that deep budget cuts result in the purchase of fewer books, large type materials, audios, videos, magazines, newspapers and more.  Just compare.  In 2007, Pennsylvania’s public libraries purchased 2.8 million items (at an average cost of $16.15 each.)   But in 2004, in the wake of a 50% funding reduction, libraries purchased 2.1 million items—25% less! 

 

With the proposed cuts of library support in next year’s state budget, access to books and other materials will be slashed (H.B. 1416) or burned (S.B. 850) when combined with expected cuts in local funding as well.  Currently, if your local library doesn’t have what you need, there is a good chance that another public library nearby does.  By sharing materials, public libraries can quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively, satisfy your needs.  But if state support of public libraries is cut—along with funding cuts for interlibrary loans—there is a real chance you will not be able to borrow what you need.

 

Everyone -- Children, Parents, Teens, Adults, Job Seekers, Seniors, and even public librarians –is asked to speak up in support of these valuable library resources.  Please contact your elected state officials and ask that library funds be level-funded in next year’s budget so that books and other materials will still be available for you to learn from, to laugh or cry about, and most importantly , to meet whatever need you and your family may have.

 

 

Adams County Legislators:

 

Hon. Dan Moul
30 West Middle Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325

 

Hon. Will Tallman
1157 Eichelberger Street
Suite 3A
Hanover, PA 17331

 

Senator Richard L. Alloway II

37 South Main Street
Suite 200
Chambersburg, PA 17201

 

Please send copies of your personal notes, personal letters and emails to state legislators to:

 

Governor Ed Rendell

225 Main Capitol Building

Harrisburg, PA  17120

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

 

 

PaLA Legislative Information Committee and Rob Lesher Director, Adams County Library System