PA Public Libraries are assets to their communities. We offer books, magazines, audio material, puzzles, and Wi-Fi hotspots, but we are so much more than that. We’re a quiet place to fill out a job application or to register for classes. We promote childhood literacy, helping children explore their world through Story Hour and year-round programming. We help with research questions and with accessing information and social services. Libraries are also one of the few remaining places that cost nothing to access.
But right now, libraries are at serious risk due to a lack of state aid funding. PA libraries have only been guaranteed 5/12 of their accustomed state aid funding — that’s a shortfall of more than $10,000. That’s why we’re asking patrons and members of the community to help us by calling their elected officials and asking them to fully fund the Public Library Subsidy line in November.
Our calling campaign begins on Monday, the 21st of September, and continues until November. By making our voices heard, we’ll ensure that PA public libraries continue to serve their communities long into the future.
Contact information:
Representative Parke Wentling (R), PA House District 17
395 High St. PO Box 17, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316. Phone: (814) 382-7200
142 Main Street East, Suite 1-W, Girard, PA 16417. Phone: (914) 774-3105
134 High St., New Wilmington, PA 16142. Phone: 1-855-249-2427
162A East Wing, PO Box 202017, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2017. Phone: (717) 783-5008
Website: http://www.repwentling.com/
Contact Page (Form): https://www.pahouseformcenter.com/344/RepParkeWentling/SecureContact
Senator Michele Brooks (R), PA Senate District 50
100 Hadley Rd, Suite 9, Greenville, PA 16125. Phone: (724) 588-8911, Fax: (724) 588-5464
16678 McMath Ave., Meadville, PA 16335. Phone: (814) 337-8132, Fax: (814) 337-5055
99 Erie St. Suite 1, Edinboro, PA 16412. Phone: (814) 734-2783, Fax: (814) 734-2789
Website: https://www.senatorbrooks.com/
Contact Page (Form): https://www.senatorbrooks.com/contact/
Congressman Mike Kelly (R), Federal House District 16
208 E. Bayfront Parkway, Suite 102, Erie, PA 16507.
Phone: (814) 454-8190 | Fax: (814) 454-8197
Website: https://kelly.house.gov/
Contact Page (Form): https://kelly.house.gov/contact-me/email-me
Schedule a Meeting (Form): https://kelly.house.gov/contact-me/schedule-meeting
Sample script:
Hello, my name is [your name]. As a voter in your district, I’m calling to ask [Name of Legislator] to support full funding for libraries in the November budget decisions.
I am a [board member/staff member/a patron] of the [Name of Library]. [Share a story about how your library makes a difference in your life or your community.]
Libraries are at the center of community renewal and transformation. They support the educational and recreational needs of ALL community members; however, they need adequate funding to provide these services.
Please support full level funding for libraries in the November budget decisions to ensure your constituents are well served. Thank you for your time.
