Restored state funding benefits Besore Library
By PAT FRIDGEN Echo Pilot

Besore children's librarian Sharon Zaretskie helps Jordan Harbold, 4, make a construction paper cow during a farm-themed Story Hour.

The passage of the 20062007 Pennsylvania state budget in July had a direct impact on the services offered by the Lilian S Besore Memorial Library in Greencastle. With library funding restored to the level of three years ago, the local fulltime children's librarian position was also reinstated.

The increased funding added approximately $181,000 to the county system coffers.

"It's wonderful that that happened, but it doesn't take into account inflation since then," said Bernice Crouse, executive director of the Franklin County Library System.

State aid to public libraries took a hit in the 2003-2004 fiscal year, with Gov. Ed Rendell's first budget. Hours and staffing were trimmed to make do with the available dollars. Crouse said most legislators believed libraries had suffered long enough by now, and favored increased assistance. The legislature restored all of the library funding cuts with passage of the general fund budget on July 2.

Besore librarian Sharon Zaretskie returned from parttime to full-time duties on Aug. 1. Crouse said staff positions are almost fully restored at all of the county's seven branches. In addition, she hopes to increase the hours the facilities are open, if citizens so desire. She is polling the public to see what hours they really want. Besore's hours broadened a year ago, opening again at 9 a.m. instead of 10 a.m.

Crouse said the county library system is receiving $852,257 from the state. Franklin County taxes generate a slightly lower amount, and she said federal funding is "not dependable".

While the increased aid is appreciated, she said it doesn't quite keep up with the need.

"The money goes pretty quickly," said Crouse. She cited the salaries of 65 employees, half of whom are full time, and the rising cost of materials and internet service. Keeping up with technology requires a financial investment, as does operating the bookmobile and delivery van.

Crouse just hired a Family Place coordinator, who works with parents of children from birth to age 3 in Franklin and Fulton counties. She plans to use some of the restored money to contract with a fund-raising consultant.

While area representatives Rob Kauffman and Patrick Fleagle, and senator Terry Punt did not vote in favor of the state budget, she said through the years they have been very supportive of libraries. There were other items within the bill that they had issues with, she said, and therefore voted in the negative.