47th!

With the release of the 2008 national library statistics, Pennsylvania dropped to the 47th position with regards to local government support of libraries. 47th!! Only 3 states with worse local funding. (I have to find out who is worse; I'm sure we can "guess".)

What is it with Pennsylvania? Afterall, Pennsylvania had the very first public library. Ben Franklin must be spinning in his grave.

Is it our 2,000 + "kingdoms" (aka townships/municipalities)?? Everyone wants "their own" library, but they expect the state to foot the bill with state aid to libraries. Not every town can have their own hospital, why do they "expect" to have their own library; their own fire company; their own police force... So, as a taxpayer in one of these "kingdoms" what is all that money going for (tax dollars AND local share dollars). You may never need the services of the fire department; what is there to "do" until your house burns down? Does the local library have the adequate local support it needs to provide "quality" library services or is it just getting by? I'm guessing that the ranking of 47th gives us the answer.

For the past two years, we have been moving toward a more "unified" system of libraries... working at getting everyone "singing the same song" and recognizing the benefits of a regional network of libraries. We know that we can do more if we work together and move in the same direction. The library directors know this and we are "working on" the boards. Since 2007 with the Michael Kumer board trainings we have been "working on" the boards...and yet...

Until library boards are comprised of members that actually "care" about the future of the library and show that in both word and deed...I fear that we will struggle to maintain our ranking as 47th...