Tax will help needed library expansion

Pike County needs and deserves a great library system that serves all residents, including those who live in Lehman Township. Currently, however, the Pike County Public Library System is stretched to its limits. It has been this way for several years due to rapid population growth, skyrocketing demand for library services, and stagnant county funding that hasn’t budged since 2000. The Pike County Public Library has a sensible and realistic long-range plan to expand its services geographically to meet the growing needs of all residents. The plan includes three new library buildings including one in Lehman Township, one in the Blooming Grove/Palmyra area, and the new system headquarters in Milford. The new Lehman township branch will be a real resource for the residents of our township. In addition to free books and DVDs, a new library branch would have programs for residents of all ages, special programs for kids, and community meeting rooms. The Library has invited interested residents to participate in the planning for the new branch. This is an opportunity to ensure that Lehman Township gets the library services it needs and deserves. However before these plans can go forward, voters must say yes on Nov. 3 to the library tax referendum question. The alternative will ensure the indefinite postponement of expansion plans-including the proposed Lehman Township branch as well as immediate cuts in existing services. Join me in voting yes to preserve and improve our county library system -including the new Lehman Branch. Gail Rosalsky Dingmans Ferry