Upper Darby Township & Sellers Memorial Free Public Libraries

At a press conference held today at the Upper Darby/Sellers Library, it was announced that the Prayer Chapel of God Outreach Corp. has received a Big Read grant.  Thoughout September and October, residents of Upper Darby will be reading and attending programs about Zora Neale Hurston’s book

“Their eyes were watching God.”

Programs will range from book discussion groups to musical events to essay contests.  Programming details will be available on this website and on a special UDBigRead site soming soon.  Or you can follow it all on Twitter.

First of all, a big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to contact your state representative or senator regarding library funding.  A significant victory occurred last Tuesday when SB 850, with its draconian 50% cuts, was voted down in the House Appropriations Committee. 

However, the overall fight for level funding continues.  If you haven’t done so already, PLEASE contact our state representatives and senator and urge them to continue to fund libraries at the current levels.  No one is asking for increases, but libraries need to be able to stay open and active to fulfill their mission.

Contact any of the Upper Darby Libraries for more information on our Write Now  efforts.

Summer programs are in full swing at all three libraries.  Check out today’s schedule at the http://udlibraries.org/whats-going-on-the-library  link.

The State Senate has proposed a budget that would make drastic cuts in funding for public libraries.  These cuts go way beyond trimming expenses.  Important services would be eliminated; others would be dramatically reduced.  At a time when library use is way up, this proposal would make it difficult if not impossible to provide the services people need.

If Upper Darby Libraries are important to you, we urge you to contact your state legislators.  Ask them to vote for level funding for libraries.  Tell them how you use the library and how important continued access is to you.  Write or call, but get in touch now. 

For a summary of what the propsed budget will mean for Delaware County Libraries, check the Delaware County Library System web page.

For information at the state level, a summary of the impact statewide, and the latest news on the budget, check the Pennsylvania Library Association website.

Thank you.

Make Sure Cuts Are Necessary, Not Political – editiorial in the June 3, 2009 News of Delaware County.