Public Library serious about raising money; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2/17/11

Kaitlynn Riely, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; Mt. Lebanon Public Library serious about raising money:

"Faced with funding cuts in recent years and preparing for further cuts in the future, the Mt. Lebanon Public Library plans to hone its fundraising efforts to fill in the gaps.

The library has contracted with a fundraising consultant, who made several suggestions library director Cynthia Richey said she hoped would propel the library toward its goal of collecting $300,000 to $400,000 in donations over the next three years.

"I think more libraries will be doing this as the traditional government funding streams are reduced, because it's a matter of survival," Ms. Richey said."

Libraries strive to keep quality despite cuts; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 11/18/10

Candy Woodall, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; Libraries strive to keep quality despite cuts:

"Their budgets may be getting smaller, but that has only inspired directors of some of the South Hills' biggest libraries to get more creative."

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10322/1104123-55.stm

Open Letters, Cynthia Richey, Director, Mt. Lebanon Public Library; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2/23/10

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; Open Letters, Cynthia Richey:

A call to action

"The critical state of library funding, described in Bob Hoover's article about the American Library Association's study of library use and funding, will have long-term, deleterious effects on our communities and residents if not rectified soon. ("Nation's Libraries Get More Use, Less Funding," Nov. 15)

The article highlights the importance of libraries in our communities. Public libraries offer many benefits to residents: providing technology and the shared resources it gives everyone access to; supporting job seekers, small business owners and distance learners; offering crucial curricular support and lifelong learning opportunities; and helping non-English speakers learn a second language or study for citizenship, to list a few. Public libraries are crucial partners with parents in starting a child's education at the very beginning of life. These services support the state's economy and educational system and are freely available to everyone regardless of socio-economic status.

Libraries have adapted to social changes and remain vital and relevant. But libraries face too many challenges as they struggle to reconcile an increasing demand for services with diminishing resources. Adequate funding for public libraries is essential in a democratic society. ALA's study is a call for action.

CYNTHIA K. RICHEY
Director
Mt. Lebanon Public Library
Mt. Lebanon"

http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/openletters/archive/2010/02/23/a-call-to-action.aspx