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This past month I have been advocating for what we do in the library and the services we provide. I was able to present to the Jefferson County Commission during their budget sessions, and I spoke for our three county libraries - Shepherdstown, Bolivar-Harpers Ferry and South Jefferson. I have included the majority of our presentation here so you can get an idea of what we asked for.
All three libraries provide essential services to our community, which includes programming for all ages from babies to seniors. Resources available include books, movies, periodicals, online databases for research, e-books and audiobooks. These are available throughout our system which we continue to curate and purchase for. We support our communities with computer use, tax resources, meeting room use, homework help, storytimes, book clubs, kid and adult crafts, and reference services. We are always introducing new programs and initiatives that meets the needs of our communities and helps to expand our mission as centers of literacy and information.
Our main revenue comes from the state which is a per capita amount. Currently we each receive $101,215 over the fiscal year from the state. This funding must be matched with local funding, which includes Jefferson county, Board of Education and our own local municipalities. A rise in inflation continues to impact how we are able to support the needs of our patrons in regards to books, resources and programming. We are requesting a continuation in our current funding plus a 3.4% increase to help with funding for materials and an increase in operating expenses. Shepherdstown is also requesting an additional $2,000 to offset a continuing rise in operating expenses of our new facility.
Our communities are growing, and new housing is rising around us. As families move into the area one of the selling points for them is our public libraries.
A price cannot be set for the joy of seeing a child reading together with a parent in the library. Or the fun of a storytime song being shared with a group of two years olds. Or the bright eyes of knowledge as a student completes an assignment. Or the comfort of community when old friends meet together. This is what our libraries do, and we ask that you help us to continue to meet the needs of Jefferson county through an increase in funding for our next fiscal year.
Warm regards,
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