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Lycoming County Library System highlights usage, grants and summer programs
Summary
Library system administrator Amy Rush told commissioners the county’s six libraries and three outreach vehicles recorded more than 5,000 computer sessions and about 50,000 Wi‑Fi connections in 2026 and said libraries saved residents an estimated $2.8 million through checked-out materials; branch programming and a $20,000 ALA grant were detailed.
Amy Rush, system administrator for the Lycoming County Library System and chief executive officer of the James Brown Library, presented the library system’s mid‑year report to commissioners on June 8.
Rush said patrons logged more than 5,000 library computer sessions and connected to library Wi‑Fi roughly 50,000 times in 2026 so far, underscoring libraries’ role as a connectivity lifeline. She told the board the system estimates residents have saved about $2.8 million by borrowing physical materials instead of purchasing them.
Rush highlighted branch accomplishments and initiatives: Montgomery Area Public Library won a $20,000 American Library Association grant to support inclusive services; Muny Public Library expanded children’s literacy and STEM offerings; Cona Memorial Library hosted nearly 750 toddler/preschool visits; Hughesville launched a Teen Science Café connecting youth with local industry; and James Brown Library offered fitness, genealogy and fraud‑prevention programming targeted at protecting residents from financial scams (Rush referenced a local case involving an investor who lost $450,000).
Audience members and library trustees in the meeting reiterated libraries’ broader community role. A former commissioner argued summer learning programs support workforce participation for single parents and said the county’s single‑parent family rate is substantially above statewide averages; trustees and staff noted interlibrary lending moves 3,000–4,000 items per month and promotes access across branches.
Rush asked commissioners to continue financial support that allows the system to pursue state grants and outreach work; commissioners thanked library staff and supporters and asked staff to distribute summer program handouts to the public.
