Dec 5, 2023 By Brad Hundt 3 min read

If you see a local librarian who looks a little nervous, he or she has reason to be.

Money that would have flowed to the state’s public libraries has been caught in a legislative logjam in Harrisburg. Even though the commonwealth’s $45 billion budget for 2023-24 was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro in August, the $70 million slice of the budget carved out for public libraries has not been released because lawmakers have not yet agreed on so-called “code bills” that allows the money to be distributed.

This has left local libraries that rely heavily on state funding wondering if they will have to cut hours, halt the purchase of new material or even take out loans to fill the budgetary hole if legislators do not reach a deal when the state House and Senate reconvene next week.

“It hits you in the pit of your stomach,” said Amanda Gabeletto, director of the Monongahela Area Library. Right now, she said, it has not yet affected her library, “but it is worrisome.” She pointed out that almost a third of the library’s $125,000 annual budget comes from the state.

Lawmakers have been at odds over the Educational Improvement Tax Credit, which is included in a bill that provides money for libraries, as well as educational support units, community colleges and public schools. The GOP-dominated Senate approved the bill, with several Democrats also voting in favor, while the Democratic-controlled House removed funding for the tax credit. Lawmakers in the lower chamber argue that the tax credit, which provides scholarships for lower- to moderate-income students so they can attend a private school, would divert money away from public schools.

“The money can’t flow without a code bill,” according to Chad Gump, district consultant with the Washington County Library System (WAGGIN).

Gump noted that most libraries operate on lean budgets and don’t have a lot of money in reserve. In some extremely small locations, state aid will make up almost 60% of an annual budget.

WAGGIN, which serves libraries in Washington, Fayette and Greene counties, has been in a holding pattern during the standoff, Gump said, maintaining basic services but not adding anything and being conscious of expenditures. WAGGIN has also had to take out a loan in the absence of state aid, and the cost of paying it back would likely be a line item in next year’s budget.

Lori Barron, director of the Brownsville Free Public Library, said there is the possibility that hours and programs at her library could be cut if the impasse is not resolved.

“I don’t know what our board has decided,” she explained. “We’re going to wait a little bit and see what happens.”