Jan 17, 2017 3 min read

An East Washington council member informed the Citizens Library board of directors Tuesday the borough would not make a contribution this year.

“The reason that we can’t – this year we have been hit with absolutely astronomical expenditures,” said borough council Vice President Mary Taufer. “Everyone on council … wanted to contribute to the library. … We would love to do it, but we can’t.”

On Jan. 9, council postponed a decision about the contribution after several residents spoke out in support of the library. A decision was to be rendered at the next borough meeting Feb. 6.

After the board meeting Tuesday, borough president Guy Tucci confirmed council decided not to contribute.

“That is correct. We had the majority,” said borough president Guy Tucci. “There are three (council) people who would like to do something and four who don’t.”

Susan Martinelli, East Washington’s representative on the library board, said she was told council hadn’t made a final decision.

David Franz, who was selected as library board president Tuesday, said Martinelli will remain on the board until official notification that funding has been cut.

“I’m hoping that we can change their minds,” he said. “That would be wonderful.”

A group of East Washington residents are circulating a petition in support of funding the library.

According to bylaws, municipalities must contribute at least three percent of the previous year’s total municipality funding to have a seat on the board. That would be about $3,000. Last year, the borough contributed $5,000.

Diane Ambrose, library director, and Kathy Pienkowski, circulation services manager, were present for the Jan. 9 East Washington meeting. After that meeting, they said they thought the borough was going to reconsider.

“Their residents are our biggest users,” Pienkowski said.

In 2013, the library received $161,085 from three school districts and 13 municipalities. In 2017, those contributions are expected to decrease to $92,525.

Board Vice President Troy Breese said his biggest concern when municipalities cut funding are the people who use the libraries that don’t have a voice, like children and senior citizens.

“I really think we have to let people know how valuable a resource this is,” Breese said. “As (a former board member) once said, ‘Envision this area without this library.’ It’s not a good vision.”

In addition to financial concerns, the board has been unable to formulate a long-term strategy. Franz and Ambrose said they hope the board can work together to move forward in a positive manner.

“The library does really wonderful things as far as programs,” Franz said. “One of my priorities is getting that out to the public.”

In other library business, two new members were placed on the board. Bruce McDowell will represent Orphans’ Court and Mike Jones, Observer-Reporter regional editor, will represent the city of Washington.