Library representative urges continued county support for technology services during budget hearing

Eileen Mathis, representing the Krogan Free Library, told the Lewis County Board of Legislators during a public hearing that the county's funding for library information-technology costs is essential to daily services.

"Access is what it's all about," Mathis said, describing public computers with high-speed internet, Wi‑Fi service, and a regional collection of e‑books and eaudiobooks that expand access to materials for residents across the county.

Mathis outlined how modern library services go beyond lending print books: libraries run food pantries and hygiene item distributions, provide story times for families, technology education for seniors, and serve as cooling or warming spaces in extreme weather. She said county funds specifically support public computers and network infrastructure that enable those services in rural communities where residents may otherwise lack reliable internet or printing access.

The comment came during a public hearing on the tentative county budget for the fiscal year beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The board thanked Mathis and left the hearing open for additional public comment before moving to other business.

The testimony did not include a specific dollar amount requested; Mathis asked the board to continue supporting the information-technology line in the county budget so libraries can maintain internet access, digital collections and public-computer availability for Lewis County residents.

The next formal step was the board's consideration and adoption of the county budget later in the same meeting.