Library cuts harm education
Gov. Rendell’s budget cuts funding to public libraries by 50 percent; however, he maintains that education is a prime objective in Pennsylvania. Where does one spend time reading to enhance education? In a library. If anything the funding to public libraries should be increased if education is to be fostered.
Literacy, according to the National Adult Literacy Survey, is defined as “using printed and written information to function in society.” This definition includes understanding, interpreting, and applying written material to accomplish daily tasks. This includes oral English, problem solving, research, teamwork and other communication skills. More than 4 million adults in Pennsylvania lack the basic skills needed to function successfully as members of the family, community and workplace. Reading must be encouraged. What better place than at the library?
In Fayette County, based on 1990 U.S. Census data, only 46 percent of our population obtained a high school diploma or GED equivalent, 10 percent had some college training, 4 percent had an associate’s degree and 6 percent had a bachelor’s degree. From 2000 figures, high school graduates increased to 76 percent and bachelor’s degrees to 11.5 percent. But if library funding is cut, where will tomorrow’s students do research? And will the number of graduates continue to increase?
Our per capita income in 1999 was $15,274 and those living below poverty level were 18 percent. Compare this with 40 percent of adults who are at the lowest literacy level and are living in poverty. Where can reading skills improve? At the library. From the National Adult Literary Survey of 1997, high school dropouts earned 42 percent less, on average, than high school graduates, and they were four times more likely to be unemployed. The United States has a drop out rate of 29 percent compared with Japan at 5 percent and Russia at 2 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Education. These figures were based on those who had a reading problem. Where can the information to obtain a high school diploma be gained? At the library.
A study from U.S. Justice Department in 1986 reported that half of all adults in federal and state correctional institutions cannot read or write. Only one-third have completed high school. A typical 25-year-old male inmate functions two to three grade levels below the grade actually completed. How can a life of crime be avoided? Send the children to the library.
According to “The Nation’s Business” magazine an estimated 15 million adults holding jobs today are functionally illiterate. The American Council of Life Insurance reports that three-quarters of Fortune 500 companies provide some level of remedial training for their workers.
Where can skills to compete in today’s job market be obtained? At the library. The library can do so much to move Pennsylvania ahead economically. Libraries foster education. If Gov. Rendell is serious about improving education he must not leave the libraries lacking the financial means to deliver services.
If Pennsylvania is to move ahead economically we must make education and institutions of learning such as libraries a top priority or we will forever be dealing with a high rate of poverty and crime.
Those of you reading this article that have found the benefit of reading skills, write to Gov. Rendell and your representatives. If you need to know how to contact them, get their telephone numbers, e-mail addresses — visit your local library, a center providing information.
Lucinda Vinoski, president,
Brownfield Library Board
Dawson