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Lebanon Community Library requests $38,000 from city after reporting $1.14 million in 2024 community use
Summary
Michelle Hawk, executive director of the Lebanon Community Library, told council the library served nearly 12,000 cardholders and that Lebanon residents borrowed almost 55,000 items in 2024; she asked the city to increase its annual contribution from $37,000 to $38,000.
Michelle Hawk, executive director of the Lebanon Community Library, told the Lebanon City Council that the library had almost 12,000 active Lebanon City cardholders and that residents borrowed nearly 55,000 materials in 2024, representing an estimated community value of $1,140,000, and asked the council to increase the city’s annual contribution to $38,000 from $37,000.
The request, presented during the council’s community updates, was framed by Hawk as a return-on-investment argument: “I hope that you think that’s a good return on your investment,” she said, noting the library’s circulation, public-computer and Wi‑Fi use, and programming.
The library’s update described existing and new programs aimed at residents of all ages. Hawk said the library runs one‑on‑one tech help sessions, technology classes (including cybersecurity, Canva, social media and phone photography), and summer learning tied to a local “Go Lebanon” hiking-and-reading program run with WellSpan. She also reported new fundraising events such as trivia nights and a pocketbook bingo. Hawk said the library recently completed restroom renovations funded in part by a keystone grant and city assistance.
Council members asked about the library’s new seed library. Hawk said Penn State Health provided initial funding for the seed library and that the library will lend mainly vegetable seeds, some fruit and companion flowers, and encourages—but does not require—borrowers to save and return seeds for the following year. When asked whether the library accepts donated books, Hawk said the library accepts donations in good condition and has a “buy a book” program to place commemorative plaques.
Mayor Sherry Alcopello and other council members thanked Hawk for the update and said they would consider the funding request; no formal action or vote was taken on the funding increase during the meeting.
The council and members of the public also praised the library for serving as a seasonal warming and cooling site and for its role as a community hub.
The library’s request will be considered as part of the city’s budget deliberations; council did not set a decision date during the meeting.
