Pennsylvania Governor Proposes Big Boost in Library Funding

Staff -- Library Journal, 2/2/1998

Governor Thomas Ridge of Pennsylvania has proposed boosting state funding for its beleaguered public libraries from $35 million to $46 million a year, nearly a one-third increase. The initiative, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, would include $7 million for Internet and computer technology; $2 million to a statewide interlibrary loan program; and $1.25 million for online periodical subscriptions. An additional $882,000 would provide a 3 percent increase in basic state aid to libraries. Separate from Ridge's technological focus, five bills have been introduced in the legislature to reform the state's library system--Pennsylvania does not require towns or counties to support their libraries, and the state thus ranks 49th in the nation in local library support.