Lancaster, Pennsylvania, October 1, 2025
News Summary
The Library System of Lancaster County is confronting severe financial difficulties, with a proposed grant increase of 6% necessary to offset a $360,000 funding cut. Executive Director Karla Trout communicated that without the grant increase, significant service reductions and potential staff cuts may ensue. The library has already faced challenges, including a decrease in programming and services due to past budget constraints and a recent flooding incident. Community support is urgently needed to sustain operation amid these financial challenges.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania – The Library System of Lancaster County is facing significant financial challenges, prompting plans for cost-cutting measures in the upcoming 2026 budget. The executive director, Karla Trout, informed the board at a recent meeting that the library system is seeking a 6% increase in its annual grant, proposing a new total of $1.9 million from county commissioners. This increase is essential to alleviate the impact of a $360,000 funding cut from the 2025 budget, which had already decreased the grant to $1.8 million.
Without the proposed grant increase, the library will be forced to make difficult decisions, including the potential elimination of a staff position, selling a delivery van used for daycare programs, and launching a new fundraising campaign to cover its operational costs. Even with the proposed increase, the library system anticipates being $260,000 short of its funding level from 2024, which reflects ongoing budget pressures and service cuts made in previous years.
Trout emphasized that the request for increased funding does not fully restore previous funding levels. Instead, it indicates a commitment to stewardship and shared sacrifice in light of the county’s financial situation, which has remained challenging. The county’s budget for 2025 maintained a flat property tax rate for the twelfth consecutive year and relied on $5.4 million in cash reserves.
In 2023, the county commissioners made cuts to grants for five entities by 17%, which influenced the library system’s ability to maintain programming and services. As a result, the library has already made significant cuts to its offerings, such as eliminating movie licenses for screenings and scaling back a summer reading program.
Moreover, the Lancaster Public Library is still recovering from a flooding incident that occurred six months ago, resulting in the temporary closure of their business center and a notable reduction in the availability of public computers. The flood has contributed to a 25% decrease in circulation due to the unavailability of many adult collections. To mitigate financial losses tied to funding cuts, library leaders are urging community support through donations.
Recent public discussions regarding the 2026 budget were limited, with little evidence of commissioners’ stance on grant funding. Typically, a budget plan is introduced in November, followed by detailed breakdowns in December. The community’s engagement and understanding of the library’s needs will be crucial in the upcoming months, as the system navigates funding shortfalls and operational cutbacks.
Overview of Funding Situation
- Current annual grant from the county: $1.8 million
- Proposed increase for 2026: 6% to $1.9 million
- Funding cut from 2025 budget: $360,000
- Projected shortfall with the proposed grant: $260,000
Impact on Library Services
- Potential staff cut: 1 position
- Sale of delivery van for daycare: Yes
- New fundraising campaign: Planned
- Service cuts enacted: Yes, e.g., movie licenses and summer reading
FAQ
What is the current funding situation for the Library System of Lancaster County?
The library system is currently experiencing a $360,000 funding cut from the county’s 2025 budget, which allocated $1.8 million.
What request is the library system making for 2026?
The library system is proposing to county commissioners a request for a 6% increase in its annual grant for 2026, raising it to $1.9 million.
What are the planned cost-cutting measures?
Without the proposed increase, the library system would have to cut a staff member, sell a delivery van used for daycare programs, and initiate a new fundraising campaign.
Key Features of the Library Funding Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Grant | $1.8 million |
| Proposed 2026 Grant | $1.9 million (6% increase) |
| 2025 Funding Cut | $360,000 |
| Projected Shortfall | $260,000 |
| Potential Staff Cuts | 1 Position |
| Sale of Assets | Delivery Van for Daycare Programs |
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Additional Resources
- Lancaster Online: Library System Plans for Tough 2026
- ABC27: Lancaster Public Library Disappointed in Funding Cuts
- WGAL: Lancaster Public Library Faces Funding Loss
- EPGN: Lancaster Public Library Holds Firm Against Funding Cuts
- Google Search: Lancaster County Library Funding
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