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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep. Mike Sturla Chairman, Majority Policy Committee |
State Rep. Steve Samuelson D-Lehigh/Northampton Hearing Co-Chairman |
Majority Policy Committee examines Pa.'s public library funding
BETHLEHEM, Aug. 11 – Majority Policy Committee chairman, Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, said the committee held a public hearing in Bethlehem today to consider the status of public library funding in the Commonwealth.
State Rep. Steve Samuelson, D-Lehigh/Northampton, requested the hearing and served as its co-chairman.
"Public libraries are vital to countless communities across the state whether they're urban, suburban or rural," Sturla said. "These institutions are sanctuaries of learning as well as hubs for social interaction and provide useful tools for communication and job searches. Representative Samuelson has been a tireless advocate for our libraries and I applaud him for his passion and thank him for bringing the Policy Committee to the Lehigh Valley to explore the impact funding has on programming."
"Today's hearing was very productive in discussing the challenges for libraries in times of tight budgets," Samuelson said. "Pennsylvania has a unique history as the site of the first library in America opening in 1731. It is a strong tradition and we looking for ways to build on that tradition."
Those testifying at the hearing included M. Clare Zales, deputy secretary for Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Pennsylvania Department of Education; Glenn Miller, executive director, Pennsylvania Library Association; Renee Haines, director, Allentown Public Library; a panel from Bethlehem Area Public Library including Janet Fricker, director, and J. William Reynolds, board member and Bethlehem City Council member; and Jennifer Stocker, director, Easton Area Public Library.
For more information about the Policy Committee and hearing materials, go to www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee.