Supporting library funding

As a long-time Pike County resident, and having raised my family in local schools, I firmly believe that strong libraries create strong communities. They enhance our quality of life and are uniquely democratic institutions vital to the continuing economic, recreational, cultural and social well being of our county and our country. The Pike County Public Library System is a key component of our county’s educational resources, helping all citizens to enjoy and to prosper in the information age. Our local Library system is facing some tough choices due to increasing demand for Library services, which is dramatically outpacing current Library funding. After careful deliberation, the Library Board has asked the County Commissioners to place a referendum on the November 2009 ballot for a dedicated library tax of 1 mil (which equates to about $35 per year for the average homeowner). The Library is currently holding community meetings in every Pike County township and borough to provide information about the measure. I attended the kickoff meeting in Dingman Township on July 13, where PCPL Board Member Tom Hoff did an excellent job of talking with residents about the referendum and about the future of the Pike County Public Library System. The PCPL has a realistic and responsible plan to expand services county-wide in order to better serve Pike’s growing population. I urge everyone who supports the Pike County Public Library to attend one of these meetings, and to bring a friend to learn more about the future of our Library System. It’s up to you! Without increased funding, the Pike County Public Library System will be forced to begin service cuts in 2010. However, with the proposed tax, at a modest cost to Pike residents, our county will have a flourishing Library System and that will benefit everyone. Chuck Croston Dingmans Ferry