Representatives
of Potter County’s public libraries met with the Potter County Board of
Commissioners last week to express their appreciation for the county’s financial
support and to seek continued funding in the 2020 budget. Leslie A. Wishard,
administrator of the Potter-Tioga Library System, assured the commissioners that
the annual contributions are not taken for granted. She pointed out that county
governments are not legally required to support libraries. However, support from
the two counties has enabled community libraries to expand their services in
ways that affect thousands of lives, including proven programs that support
childhood development and literacy. In Potter County, Wishard noted, the
commissioners not only make an annual allotment to the two-county library system
itself, they also provide a $2,500 restricted-use grant for each library in
Potter County to support educational programs and/or children’s learning
activities. She added that she is unaware of any other Pennsylvania county that
operates a similar mini-grant program.
Wishard presented a statistical summary from the Potter-Tioga Library System
for 2018: 19,900 registered users; 165,000 visitors; circulation of 170,000
items; 500 children’s programs with attendance of more than 6,500; young adult
program participation of 765; and nearly 500 adult programs with attendance of
6,545. “Due to our rural location, we have become the social centers for many of
our communities,” she said. “We collaborate with local businesses, civic
organizations, medical facilities and many non-profit agencies to help us better
serve our patrons.”
Teri McDowell, director of the Coudersport Public Library, pointed out that
local libraries provide a broad range of services beyond the traditional book
loans. Computers with free internet access, research archives, literacy support
for children and adults, training activities and community functions are among
other roles local libraries are playing. She also pointed out that public
libraries are increasingly filling the gaps created by public school districts
cutting back on their library resources.
Commissioner Doug Morley praised the dedication of library directors and
staff. He pointed out that libraries are one of the few enduring institutions
that hold together communities through the generations and they’re particularly
important in rural America.
