The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Local News

October 23, 2008

Hermitage, library focusing more on one another

By Joe Pinchot

SHENANGO VALLEY — Interest in the Community Library of the Shenango Valley has increased among Hermitage residents this year, and library officials pledge to do more for the city.

Director Amy Geisinger noted the library in downtown Sharon has added many more adult and child programs than used to be offered and wants to start holding them in the city.

“The library is trying to focus on the community and what we can do for the community, rather than what is in our building,” Ms. Geisinger told city commissioners Wednesday in presenting the library budget and a funding request.

In the doing-more-with-less atmosphere since the library ceased being run as a Sharon city department, the number of full-time staff members has fallen — from about 11 to about seven — but the number of programs has not, Ms. Geisinger said.

“It anything, our programs have increased,” she said.

Funding from Hermitage has increased in recent years, and library officials hope that trend will continue.

Library officials are asking commissioners to contribute $120,000 next year. The city paid $100,000 this year, and $97,000 in 2007.

Commissioners Chairman Duane J. Piccirilli said the request will be discussed at a public budget meeting on Nov. 7.

Ms. Geisinger highlighted the library’s programs, which include story times, computer classes, crafts and programs on historical events and personalities. Hermitage dollars helped fund the expansion in programs, she said.

Officials are seeking locations and volunteers to hold programs in Hermitage, Ms. Geisinger said.

Library officials also have upped their materials acquisition budget, a requirement in securing state funding, she said.

The library went online Nov. 14 with a new site at www.clsv.net that lists the programs, and is more responsive to user needs, she said.

The library lists 5,072 borrowers from Hermitage, an increase of 334 from Jan. 1.

All city residents can get free library cards.

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