League hosting library forum
West Virginia’s public libraries continue to expand as technology centers for communities, providing essential resources for job seekers and support for critical e-government services. As the demand for Internet resources and advice increases, libraries are the starting place for free information. However, budget cuts have forced libraries across the state to scale back drastically on operating hours and access to services, just when resources are most needed.
The League of Women Voters of West Virginia has been studying the issues involved in funding libraries, and the Jefferson County branch has organized a community forum on our local library funding. Representatives of Berkeley County and Jefferson County libraries will give information and invite the public to join in a discussion in hopes of finding ideas that will create a stable source of support for our libraries.
The panel includes each of the local library directors (Gretchen Fry, Boliver/Harpers Ferry: Hali Taylor, Shepherdstown, Dana Jenkins, South Jefferson and Dr. Marcella Genz of the Charles Town Public Library. Pam Coyle, the director of the Berkley County/Martinsburg Public Library, has agreed to explain its fiduciary and supporting role as the designated service library for the Eastern Panhandle.
The discussion will take place 7 p.m. Thursday Aug. 14, at the Byrd Center www.byrdcenter.org/, 213 North King Street, Shepherdstown. Parking is available in the lot behind the building.
The event is free and open to the public.The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that works to inform the public of important governmental issues and encourages citizens to participate in determining public policy.
For more information about the Forum, contact Carolyn Watson, 304 725 8049 or libladyuw@yahoo.com.
For more information about the League, please go to lwv-jcwv.org/ To join, contact anncoulter@comcast.net.