A 24-Year Budget Set Back

Where were you in 1986?

The Cumberland County Library System has received its projected Public Library Subsidy figures from the state.

We will be losing at least $105,881. This is actually slightly less ($175) than what we had previously thought. (Gee, I wonder how many books $175 will buy?)

CCLS’s state support in 2011 is expected to be 1,059,571.

This brings us back to state funding levels not seen since the year 2000 — 11 years ago.

Or, if you look at funding from the Statewide Library Card Reimbursement program, which reimbursed us for library use from people who live in other counties (like York, Adams, Dauphin, Franklin and Perry counties), it brings us back to 1986 funding levels — 24 years ago.

I'll bet there aren't many other state programs that have received those kinds of cuts.

And, even more ironically, all of this comes at a time when we are busier than ever with customer requests, programs and services.