In 2017, voters in Southwest Greensburg voted to financially support the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library through a ballot referendum, showing our children that the adults in this community support their access to reading and learning.
In 2022, a referendum question appeared on the ballot again, introduced by the Southwest Greensburg Borough Council. And again, voters chose to protect the funds that support the library.
Two years later in 2024 — here comes that referendum question again, approved at a “special meeting” in July, as a singular agenda item.
In my opinion, the council is spreading misleading facts, trying to convince folks that the library doesn’t need our financial support. And this simply is not true. The borough council is overlooking the intricacies of the library budget, something one would hope they would understand better as budget managers themselves. There are grants, bequests and endowments — one-time revenue sources. There are restrictions, as with any budget, on utilization of funds. There are investments that fluctuate. There is a beautiful, historic facility that needs repairs — which requires revenue.
When localities contribute to the library, the state matches those funds. If we pull our support, the state decreases theirs. Average local funding in Pennsylvania is 61%. Greensburg Hempfield Area Library’s local funding is 22%.
Our library is a positive asset. Its mission to enrich our community, promoting literacy and fostering lifelong learning succeeds with our support. Please — vote “no” on the referendum question this Tuesday, and continue to support this important mission.
Lynna Thomas
Southwest Greensburg