Columbia Public Library outlines growing demand, asks borough to consider higher annual support

Steve Shirk, a member of the Columbia Public Library board, told council on Oct. 7 that the library’s operating budget topped $200,000 this year and that circulation and program attendance have risen: the summer reading program had more than 2,850 participants and the library circulated more than 7,100 items through September.

Shirk said the library received $15,000 in borough support last year but is operating with reduced county funding and rising expenses. “When we figured out the budget, we subtracted what we were going to get from the state, from Lancaster County, and from Columbia Borough. And that left us with about $90,000 to make up,” he said, adding that the county cut its contribution by 17 percent this year.

Shirk proposed the borough consider increasing its annual contribution and suggested a $2 per-resident figure (approximately $20,000 for a borough population of about 10,000). He said the library has pursued fundraising, book sales and partnerships, and that staff delivered expanded summer programming despite near-cancellation due to funding uncertainty.

Council asked about operations, partnerships with the school district, and the library’s use of county and state grants. Staff said the library remains a high-used community resource and that staff and volunteers have helped keep programs running; council will review the library’s request in the budget process.