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Posted
03/26/2025 |
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03/24/2025 |
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Posted
03/24/2025 |
Posted on March 20, 2025 by Tim Bruno
In response to increasing threats to library funding, the Wayne County Library Director, Tracy Schwartz, is urging residents to “Show Up for Our Libraries,” an initiative launched by the American Library Association (ALA). The campaign encourages library supporters to advocate for essential services that libraries provide to their communities and to voice their concerns to policymakers at local, state, and national levels. Schwartz, speaking on Radio Chatskill, highlighted the importance of libraries in rural areas, especially the seven libraries in Wayne County—located in Honesdale, Hawley, Hamlin, Newfoundland, Bethany, Lakewood, and Pleasant Mount. As a collective of nonprofit organizations, these libraries offer vital services ranging from literacy programs to workforce development. The Threat of Funding Cuts A significant concern for libraries, including those in Wayne County, is the potential loss of funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an agency that currently provides indirect federal funding to Pennsylvania libraries. Recent political developments have led to calls for eliminating IMLS, which could ripple down and affect libraries across the country, including local resources like online databases, interlibrary loans, and educational support services. “Without sufficient funding, many of the essential programs we offer, such as summer reading programs, internet access, veterans’ telehealth support, and literacy services for individuals with visual impairments, could be at risk,” explained Schwartz. Currently, Wayne County libraries receive approximately 30% of their funding from local community support, 20% from the state, with the rest reliant on donations. Libraries as Community Hubs Beyond book lending, Wayne County libraries have evolved into community hubs. Schwartz emphasized that libraries provide much more than access to reading materials—they offer spaces for technology literacy, community events, and even social interaction. The Wayne Library Alliance connects seven libraries in the area, allowing residents to share resources, borrow materials from multiple libraries, and access services like delivery drivers transporting books across counties. “We’ve worked hard to maintain these connections and share resources, which not only benefits the libraries but strengthens the entire community,” said Schwartz. Through partnerships with local organizations, such as the Workforce Alliance, libraries also offer digital literacy courses to improve technological skills in the community. Additionally, libraries in Wayne County are participating in a growing trend of offering non-traditional services. From access to crafting and cooking resources online to providing audiobooks and eBooks via platforms like Libby and Hoopla, these libraries strive to meet the diverse needs of their patrons. Advocating for Libraries As National Library Week approaches (April 6-12), Schwartz is calling on residents to show their support for libraries. “Whether you use the library for books, digital resources, or community programs, your voice matters. Tell local and national leaders how libraries have impacted your life and why funding these services is crucial,” she said. The Wayne Library Alliance offers a central website, waynelibraries.org, where community members can learn about the services offered, donate, or sign up for a library card. For those interested in the broader campaign to defend libraries, the ALA’s site (ala.org) provides resources to advocate for library funding and share personal stories. “There’s something magical about a child walking into a library for the first time and getting their library card,” she said. “It’s the beginning of a journey that can lead anywhere. We need to protect that experience for future generations.” |
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Updated
03/19/2025 |
Coming up at the Pleasant Mount Library!
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Updated
03/19/2025 |
Coming Events at the Newfoundland Area Public Library
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Updated
03/19/2025 |
Upcoming WCPL (Honesdale) Adult, Teens, Kids and Fundraising Events!
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Posted
03/10/2024 |
Support a valued WCPL Staff member
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Posted
03/03/2025 |
Wayne Pike Farm Bureau Donates BooksRecently, members of the Wayne Pike Farm Bureau stopped by to present books to each of the 7 member libraries in the Wayne Library Alliance. (As well as 2 for Milford & Dingman in Pike County & 1 will go to Manchester Library).
Each year the group selects an Ag accurate/Ag forward book to donate. This year’s selection is called My Grandpa, My Tree, and Me. Gorgeous pictures and a wonderful story about Pecan farming. The books will be processed and available for checkout soon. Stop in and check one out! Thank you Wayne Pike Farm Bureau for teaching the next generation where their food comes from and so much more with your generous donation! 😊 |
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Updated
03/03/2025 |
Creativebug for March!
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Updated
03/03/2025 |
Upcoming Hamlin Community Library Events!
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Updated
03/03/2025 |
Classes at the Libraries given by the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance
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Posted
03/03/2025 |
Coming in March on hoopla!
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Posted
02/20/2025 |
Coming Events at the Northern Wayne Community Library
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