Governor's Budget Proposal Cuts Libraries, Again

If you have been wondering what is in Governor Corbett's 2012-13 PA budget proposal for public libraries, the wait is over. His proposal once again cuts funding to libraries in the commonwealth, this time by an additional 5%.

For FLCS, this means another $30,000+ chopped from our 2013 budget projection. If we had not gotten a massive cut of $250,000 per year 2 years ago, this would not be a major problem, but a cumulative loss of about 1/7 of our annual operating funds over a period of just 3 years is tragic. We have already cut and re-allocated funds and staff members to the point where many librarians our now doing 3 people's jobs.

While everyone knows money is tight everwhere, haven't we done our share of cutting already? Libraries are the only places where all people can better themselves in a bad economy. Please support the important work of libraries by advocating stable state funding to public libraries.

Thank you.

Libraries to Open on Time...Urge Caution

This morning, January 23, FCLS staff will do their best to have the libraries open on time. We urge caution on our parking lots and sidewalks until the temperature clears the freezing point, which should happen by about 9:00. Please check the conditions in your area before leaving home.

Please be careful this morning on all roadways and sidewalks.

Snow/Ice Delay!!!!

FCLS libraries will delay opening this morning, Saturday, January 21, until 10:00 to check the safety of sidewalks and parking lots for our customers and staff. Please stay home and stay safe until the storm has passed. Sometimes it is even dangerous to approach our bookdrops in icy conditions. We will always given you a grace day if your materials become overdue during winter weather.

Libraries included are: Coyle Free, Grove Family, Besore Memorial, Alexander Hamilton, St. Thomas, and Fort Loudon.

Library Holidays

Our libraries will be closed Friday, December 23, through Monday, December 26, 2011 for Christmas, then will close at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 30, to re-open at their normal times on Tuesday, January 2. Thank you for allowing our staff to spend time over the holidays with their families.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Downloadable Books

This week, OverDrive e-book downloads join One-Click Digital audiobook downloads on our website.

Yes! A new format of the book debuts at Franklin County Library System and Fulton County Library.

Check out the variety of titles immediately available. More will be added on a monthly basis. You will notice they are available in as many as 3 different forms, Epub, Pdf, and Kindle. There are directions through the OverDrive link to help you register and download the format of your choice. These books are on loan from Franklin County Library System for FREE. The advent of the free library e-book download has come to our area.

We welcome your requests of titles at your local library or through my email address bdcrouse@fclspa.org. If you make the request at a local library desk make sure you indicate your format preference: e-book, e-audiobook; Epub, Pdf, or Kindle. Not all titles are readily available through library vendors in any or all formats, so please be patient with us as we build our collection.

We have not and are not abandoning the paper book. Many of our readers love to hold a traditional book in their hands. However, we are forced to remember that at one time literature was on stone or papyrus, so why not electronic devices, too? As always, we will continue to respond to your needs.

Strategic Planning Progress

Our consultant from Tweed-Weber has led discussions of the wonderful survey input you provided with groups of staff and board leaders. The priorities for the next three years are developing out of the suggestions that you have made.

Thank you so much for your compliments to our staff and your overwhelming response that our libraries are important to you and your communities! We value your input and you as customers.

The winner of the Color Nook is being contacted, and we will make a public announcement very soon.

I will also update you when the plan is complete.

Gearing Up

Everyone is busy gearing up for the huge book sale this coming weekend. Don't miss the best selection, brownies and coffee on Friday, starting at 4:00 p.m.