Budget Update
March 12, 2007

The Governor’s proposed 2007/2008 budget contains an increase in funding to libraries of three tenths of one percent (.3 %). This very small increase is inadequate to run the library funding formula that is designed to provide critically needed incentives to stimulate greater library funding at the local level.

Due to insufficient funding, this incentive formula has not functioned since the budget crisis of 2003-04, and state level funding has been on a roller coaster ride that has allowed no net progress in funding since 2001:

Pennsylvania State Library Funding 2001 – 2006

2001/2002 $$$ $75.2 million
2002/2003 $$$ $75.2
2003/2004 $$$ $47.7
2004/2005 $$$ $57.9
2005/2006 $$$ $59.3
2006/2007 $$$ $75.5
2007/2008 $$$ $75.72 (Proposed)

The Governor’s proposed budget includes a Public School Subsidy increase of 3.5%.

A similar increase of 3.5% in the Public Library Subsidy would generate $2.6 million which could re-engage the incentive-laden funding formula and allow service improvements all across the state.

The Public Library Subsidy is the only state subsidy that supports services to every Pennsylvanian.

What You Can Do:

Call or write your State Senator and State Representative today. Urge them to support an increase to public library funding of 3.5%. 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.

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

For more information, check out the budget FAQ.

Thank you. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to be your library.

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