There is a very positive note in Gov. Corbett's budget ("Corbett's bad math on school funding," Sunday) - level funding for libraries. This is welcome news after public libraries were devastated by a 35 percent cut during the Rendell administration.The Pennsylvania Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and the state-funded online POWER databases available through schools and public libraries are also not targeted for cuts after sustaining 50 percent cuts over the last three years.
Libraries are essential community resources, particularly in difficult economic times, when they are often the only lifeline for the unemployed and an economical source of learning and children's programming for families. Pennsylvania's libraries are busier than ever, having experienced 30 percent to 50 percent annual growth in usage since 2008, particularly in the use of materials and free access to computers.
Corbett is to be commended for recognizing the importance of public libraries and the services they provide to Pennsylvania's residents. Our libraries have already shouldered their fair share of budget pain.
Elliot and Evelyn Minick
Philadelphia
eshelkrot@comcast.net
(*) FLP = Free Library of Philadelphia