Download PDF Here!

Pennsylvania libraries are asked to contact their state level legislators - Representatives and Senators - to share this ask for an increase in the public library subsidy as part of the state budget. 

Public libraries are asking for an increase of $7.3 million to the public library subsidy.

Currently, the subsidy is $75.47 million.

With more than 4 million library card holders, the current funding is roughly $18.63 per library card holder.

Libraries encourage reading and lifelong learning, with essential access to resources.

Reading materials from books, e-books, and audiobooks for all ages are free with a public library card.

Homeschool and cyber study families are frequent users of public libraries for both reading and teaching materials and community spaces.

Adults sometimes use electronic library materials as their primary access without going into the physical library space. Subscriptions such as Libby and Hoopla are costly but make reading items more accessible.

Seniors often use the library space both for reading, but also as a vital social connection to others through programs and activities. Homebound seniors have access to delivery of library materials through mail or outreach programs depending on their local library services.

Technology support is heavily used at libraries and ranges from computers, Wi-Fi, hotspots, and databases such as NewsBank (free newspaper access), and Ancestry.com, all with helpful library staff.

The need for public libraries is great, but volatility and cuts in funding mean 
fewer materials, and reduced hours.

The number of e-books were reduced by 46% from 2023 to 2024 due to increasing costs, but demand/circulation increased by 20%!

More than 20 non-profit libraries had to stop offering passport application services, a financial loss ranging from 1% to 20% of their annual operating revenue – with no clear way to recover.

Free library cards are available to residents of communities that support libraries through local donors and municipal support. If a community doesn’t contribute to free library access for its residents, an annual subscription fee may be charged to a family or individual. Quite simply – a free public community library is not guaranteed for all PA residents.

Our PA Forward® initiative recognizes: Literacy is POWER, libraries provide the fuel!

Literacy starts with reading – and often that starts at the public library! Will you please add $1.80 per library card holder ($7.3 million) so we can sustain libraries and reading materials in Pennsylvania?

Questions? Christi Buker, Executive Director, christi@palibraries.org, 717-766-0142.