Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Governor’s proposed .3% increase mean for DCLS specifically?

A .3% increase in state funding will result in an increase of just $4,080 for DCLS in 2007-2008.

Does this year’s budget allow the state funding formula that encourages local investment in public libraries run to properly again and recognize existing local effort, like that of Dauphin County?

No, but a 3.5% increase in library funding would allow the formula to run on a modified basis.

Will the hours that were cut as part of the 2003-2004 library budget crisis be restored this year?

Library service hours at DCLS are being reviewed as part of the current DCLS strategic planning process. It is unlikely that DCLS will be able to restore all of these hours due to increases in operating costs, particularly the raise in minimum wage and the escalating cost of health benefits. In addition, library use patterns change over time and it may be that the hours that were offered prior to the cuts are no longer the hours that the majority library users prefer. We are collecting information on library hours use and hours users wish to use the library in the public surveying that is part of the strategic planning.

You might also be interested to know that since the 2004 cut in library hours, DCLS began offering AskHere PA, which does allow you to access a librarian and get answers to your questions 24/7 online. This service is available through the DCLS website.

How can I help?

You can speak up for library service by calling, emailing or writing your State Senator and State Representative today.

• Urge them to support an increase to public library funding of 3.5%--an increase equal to what the Governor has proposed for public school funding.
• Tell them what public library service means to you and your family.
• Explain that making the library funding formula run encourages local support of libraries and benefits everyone.

And let us know what you think! Click here and tell us what the public library means to you and your family.

Prepared by Karen Cullings
Community Relations Director
March 12, 2007