Libraries Busy During Recession

In 2008, the public libraries in Franklin County circulated almost 45,000 more items to patrons than they did in 2007. Wow! We have always heard that people flock to public libraries when times are tough, but now our own statistics prove it.

There have been some great local and national news items about how busy the libraries are today, CNN Headline News, local Channel 27, the Record Herald, and Herald Mail to name a few.

One thing is for sure, that the public library is a great place to learn new job skills, to discover great bargains, and to enrich and entertain your life. We are here to help you through thick and thin.

Come inside to find great programs for all ages and to find a wonderful book, magazine, CD, or video with which to curl up during the cold days yet to come. Keep visiting our webpages for a myriad of resources your can access from your home computer, and don't forget that with your library card number and a PIN, you can now renew and reserve materials from your own computer, as well.

America's Most Historic Videos

• If you are between the ages of 14 and 24, want to have some fun using a DVD camcorder, and have any interest in life in America, please contact me at bdcrouse@fclspa.org, subject American Album.




• If you are 50 or older and have a favorite story to tell from your childhood or young adult years, WE WANT YOU!

"An American Album" is a federally-funded project, under my leadership to share American stories in two ways:

1. 100 book discussion totebags containing 10 copies of a book about American life, a discussion guide, and either an audiorecording or videorecording of the book, or a magnifying glass to be used by groups in Franklin and Fulton Counties for book discussions




2. a collection of DVD recordings of personal "oral" history accounts from people right here in Franklin and Fulton Counties.

Later this spring we will be holding a contest for the young people who record and edit these videos, 1st place will receive $50!

What's Old and New With Library Funding?

The good news is that through your support, the foresight of our County Commissioners, and a lot of dedicated work by our library staff, you will not see any real cuts in library service until at least July. Pennsylvania did cut our January State Aid payment by 0.8% (about $6500), but that will not have significant ramifications, thanks to the 2008 0.2 mill increase in county libary tax.

However, it is the 2009-2010 Pennsylvania budget that most concerns us. With the economy continuing to slump, we may expect more cuts in state funding to public libraries by July. How much, we have no idea at this point. We are already receiving information about contacting our state and federal officials to let them know how important public libraries are to people in economic distress. A reporter from the Hagerstown Herald Mail is currently working on a feature article on that subject. Please stay tuned to our website for ways you can help your library survive the crunch.

Happy New Year!

Have you noticed our new Mango Language resource on the webpage? You can learn new language on your online with your library card. 85 users have already taken advantage of this great resource in less than 2 months.

For the geneology researchers we are also adding Heritage Quest to our website.

You will notice some improvements on the website courtesy of our webmistress-librarian.

Buy Cool Gifts, Help the Libraries

Did you know that you could purchase your Christmas gifts at one of your favorite libraries and help them raise money for their projects? Try out these wonderful and economic gifts:

Coyle pewter and stained glass ornaments

Grove cookbooks and clothing

Plus notecards and totebags at Besore, Grove and Coyle.

Everything is $15 or less. I also have some copies of Franklin County Reads Northwest Wilderness Adventures books for adults and teens left in stock. Contact me at bdcrouse@fclspa.org for the remaining booklist.

Updates, Updates, Updates

• FCLS's new Preschool Book Buggy has hit the road under the management of Lisa Skiles


• 12 FCLS employees received Community Emergancy Response Team (CERT) and CPR training in Septmber and October


• Yesterday FCLS held in-service training for 60 library staff members from Franlin and Fulton Counties, including 3 hours of training for mandated reports of child abuse


• Chambersburg/Franklin County Reads Northwest Wilderness Adventures has attracted more than 1400 people to programs and activities, but one focus of the program is literature -- Shelley Gill's visit was especially popular -- visit the "Recommended Reading" list on http://www.chambersburgreads.org/ today to select a book for purchase or library check out -- there will be book discussions on November 20 at Grove and Besore Libraries, on Call of the Wild and Jason's Gold, respectively -- sign up at the libraries today

I, and several other librarians will be in King of Prussia the first half of next week for the Pennsylvania Library Association conference. We always bring back wonderful ideas for new programs and collection development.

College Intern Needed

I need one additional English or American Studies major to intern at Franklin County Library System in the coming fall or spring 2009 semesters. The intern would be working with me on book discussion guides for the "American Album" program, creating book discussion totes on American themes for groups of senior citizens, teens and adults. The intern might develop the discussion questions, lead discussions, assist teens in interviewing and recording senior citizens, and in editing videos clips for addition to the library collection.

If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact me at bdcrouse@fclspa.org.

Thank you.