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Lycoming County Library System reports 50 summer programs, says all residents will have access
Summary
Lycoming County libraries told commissioners they ran more than 50 programs in 22 days, estimate nearly $3 million in annual resident savings from physical materials, and say outreach vehicles with Wi‑Fi and library links will provide 100% county access this summer.
Amy Resch, assistant administrator for the Lycoming County Library System and director of the James V. Brown Library, told the county commissioners on Wednesday that the system offered more than 50 programs across the county in 22 days and expects to reach every resident this summer.
“Lycoming County Library System has already saved residents almost $3,000,000,” Resch said, referring to savings from physical materials access; she noted that figure excludes digital services such as Libby and Hoopla. Resch said that amounts to roughly $26 per resident and that about half of county residents currently hold library cards.
The report argued the programs help limit the “summer slide,” the learning loss students can experience during the break. Resch and library trustees highlighted examples: the Hughesville Area Public Library borrowed 36 Ozobots for coding programs; the James V. Brown Library hosted paleontologists Mike and Roberta Stratka with about 65 attendees; the Jersey Shore Public Library ran a “history mysteries” archaeological dig for children; the W. E. Conkle Memorial Library staged a “budding builders” program; and the Muncy Public Library held a rocket‑science event. Resch said partnerships included Blast IU and Centered Earth.
Resch told the commissioners that outreach vehicles and the library link will ensure “100% of county residents will have access to library service” either at a brick‑and‑mortar branch or via outreach stops, and that each outreach vehicle has Wi‑Fi to help residents in rural areas without home internet.
Commissioners and trustees who spoke in the meeting emphasized libraries’ role beyond books — offering STEM and arts programs, internet access, and community space for social learning. Resch said the system has published a large summer learning insert listing programs and noted the James V. Brown Library’s “summer learning passport” and an upcoming book walk in Lewis Township.
The presentation closed with trustee and commissioner thanks for library staff and volunteers. Resch invited commissioners to contact system staff for program details and distributed printed copies of the summer schedule and a quarterly review covering January–May 2025.
Ending: The system said many programs are free or grant‑supported (Resch referenced IMLS funding for some materials and programs). Commissioners did not take formal action on the report but acknowledged the presentation and thanked librarians for outreach work.
