ALBION – If you’ve ever read a book from the local library or attended one of the many programs for adults or children, then you have been affected first-hand by the powers of fundraising.
Due to budget cuts from Pennsylvania and a growing need for resources and projects, the Albion Area Library has kicked off the annual fund drive this month.
“Now, more than ever, we count on the community to support the local library,” said Joyce Jones, treasurer of the library, which is located at 111 East Pearl Street in Albion. “Every donation, no matter the size, helps to keep the doors open.”
This year’s fund drive is going to operate somewhat differently from previous drives. Instead of sending the traditional mailers to households in the area, the library is sending postcards in the mail to residents of Albion and Cranesville borough and Springfield Township. The postcards should arrive in the mail within the next few weeks.
“We are trying the postcards this year in a continuing effort to cut costs at the library,” Jones explained.
A large portion of the money that is raised during the fund drive is spent on new material – such as best-selling fiction and non-fiction, children, large print and audio books and DVDs. The funds also are used for utilities and other operating expenses.
Jones explained that the cuts from the state have amounted in a 32-percent revenue loss over the last five years.
“Although conservative as we try to be in our spending, the state funding has been decreasing each year,” she said.
In addition to sending out the postcards, the library also invites local residents to see what’s new at their local library. The shelves in the library are stocked with cookbooks, health and nutrition books, quilting guides, knitting and crochet lessons and needlework books. There are also hundreds of books on do-it-yourself projects, gardening and history.
“Whatever your interests, there’s probably a book on the subject,” Jones explained. “If we don’t have it on the shelves, we can usually have it for you within a few days.”
The children of the community are also invited to visit the children’s library for story time – every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. There is also a summer reading program four Albion youth.
Adults can enjoy the convenience of computers with Internet connection and Wi-Fi service. In the future, the collection of the Albion News will be available in the history room.
The library is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. If you’d like some quick information about the library, check out the newly-designed website at albionarealibrary.org. Any questions about the library or inquiries about volunteering can be directed to (814) 756-5400.
Christopher LaFuria can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at (814) 756-4133.
