PA Boosts State Funding for Libraries 23 Percent

-- Library Journal, 8/21/2006

After some deep cuts in library funding three years ago, from $75 million to $47.5 million, Pennsylvania legislators have steadily restored support, and last month added $14.1 million to reach a record amount of $75.5 million. “For Pennsylvania’s public libraries, the news is welcome and joyful but tinged with a bit of disappointment,” declared Glenn Miller, executive director of the Pennsylvania Library Association. The money “will go a long way toward expanded and higher quality library services,” he said and, indeed, local press coverage described libraries as preparing to increase hours, buy more materials, and even dial back increased late fees.

While the 23 percent increase far outstripped the general six percent increase in the state budget, there’s one disappointment for library advocates. The General Assembly chose not to implement a funding formula that would restore important incentives for local funding, a key part of the major reforms that earned then-Gov. Tom Ridge LJ’s Politician of the Year award in 2001. “Instead, the budget negotiators opted for a plan that funds every state-aided library entity at the exact same dollar amount that they were paid in 2002-03, the year just prior to the nightmare, budget-cut year of 2003-04,” Miller said in an email to the library community. However, legislators will consider implementing the formula next year.

“Some damage will never be undone,” observed Miller, given that inflation has its effects. “But at the same time, when you look at the big picture, it is nothing short of remarkable that together we have secured a 100 percent increase back in three budget years.”