Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Budget Struggles Continue

You've seen it on the news: local, county and state agencies face money problems if the legislators don't pass a budget soon.

So what can you do about it? Call, write, or email your representatives. Ask them to put pressure on the budget committee to come up with a fair budget and to do it soon. Urge them to support level funding for public libraries, because more people than ever need the resources only a public library can provide.

And don't forget to thank your representative for supporting public libraries in the past!

Names and addresses are below if you need them, or contact the Reference Department at potref@iu29.org and we can help you identify the right person to contact.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Public Libraries Still Need Your Help!

The budget isn't done yet, so we still need you and your voice! A small committee is in the process of deciding the budget, and we need to get our message to that group.

Please write, call, or email your senator and representative. Thank them for supporting public libraries in the past and urge them to contact the budget negotiators. Ask them to urge the budget negotiators to make libraries a priority for level funding in the final budget deal.

Any cuts in library funding will result in libraries cutting down on hours, laying off staff, and reducing services you have come to depend on.

Please help us get the word to Harrisburg that we need level funding for public libraries to preserve services for those who need them the most.

Your voice is crucial to public libraries right now and can make a difference!

29th State Senatorial District -- The Honorable David Argall
Senate Box 203029
168 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3029
Phone: (717) 787-2637
Web: www.senatorargall.com/

123rd State House District -- The Honorable Neal P. Goodman
House of Representatives
G-07 K. Leroy Irvis Office Bldg
PO Box 202123
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2123
Phone: (717) 787-2798
Web: www.pahouse.com/goodman/

125th State House District -- The Honorable Tim Seip
Rm 115-B East Wing
PO Box 202125
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2125
Phone: (717) 772-5771
Web: www.pahouse.com/seip/

Friday, August 7, 2009

What Kind of Computer Classes Should the Library Offer?

The computer classes at the Pottsville Free Public Library are very popular and usually have a waiting list. But we want to know: What kind of computer class would you like to see us offer?

We will continue to offer the basic course (which covers how to use a computer mouse and how to start a program), as well as the basic course about the Internet. But are there other areas you want to learn about?

Some ideas we had were how to use Facebook, how to share photos online, and other topics like that.


Have an opinion? Let us know! We just need your name, your telephone number (if we offer the class you suggest, we'll call you to let you know), and the kind of computer class you would like to take here at the library. All computer classes are free, but you do need to have a valid Pottsville Library card in order to attend.

We can't promise to offer everything that is suggested, but we can't offer the classes if we don't know you want them!


Call the library at 622-8880 or email us at potref@iu29.org to give us your opinion.