Library looks to supervisors for funding help
CUMBERLAND TWP. – During a brief session Monday, the township supervisors heard a plea for funding from a local library to help offset state funding cuts. June Kim, librarian at the Franklin Public Library said state funding for the facility is being cut by 50 percent and that the drop in revenue will force the library to cut back on some programs and even operation hours.
“We need the support from the people in the area. I am desperate for money. With the state cuts I will have to cut programs,” Kim said.
The Uniontown resident and librarian of 16 years said this is the first time she has had to solicit the township for funds and that she hopes the community will help to keep the library fully operational with donations as well.
She said not only is the library in need of funds for operation, but the building itself also needs some upgrades to be able to display its entire collection of about 40,000 books and to start some new programs for the community.
Kim also informed the supervisors that she is trying to acquire a Keystone grant that requires matching funds from the local municipality.
Township Solicitor Dennis Makel said that the building itself is located in Carmichaels Borough, although it serves both the borough and the township, so the grant process would probably have to go through the borough.
Community Development Administrator Marcia Sonneborn said she will review the grant and see if the township can help match the funds.
Township Supervisor James Sokol said the township is providing the library with $1,000 that was already budgeted for the library and will review the situation to see if further financial help is available.
The supervisors also voted for a continuation of the regular meeting until Monday, Nov. 10 when the township will vote to approve a new supervisor to replace Homer Nicholson who died Oct. 14 after serving for 14 years.
Sokol said all applicants for the position must send a letter of request and all correspondence must be received at the township building by Nov. 7.