"A room without books is like a body without a soul," read one sign.
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"Literacy is a way of life," said another.
A third simply stated, "Library funding is overdue."
Local residents rallied in support of libraries and in opposition to proposed state budget cuts at Lancaster Public Library on Saturday.
John Havrilla, Duke Street Library board member and vice president of the Lancaster Library System, said that many people use the computers, books, and Internet services. The business library, he noted, helps people find jobs.
"People take us for granted and assume we'll always be here, but we need your help now. We need to take it to the streets!" he said to applause from both young and old, gathered along North Duke Street with signs and balloons.
Maxwell Lester, 7, and his 3-year-old sister, Miriam, had their summer reading lists in hand. They had just finished them Saturday and were at the rally with their parents, Matt and Marla Lester, of Lancaster. They use the library "all the time," and come at least two or three times a week.
"The important thing about the library is it's available to everyone," Marla Lester said. "It's where the public comes together."
The Lesters use it for nonfiction books, DVDs, and children's books, which Max reads to his younger sister.
"Today is just the beginning," said John Kain, of Washington Boro. He has done research for the library on its decreasing budget, and had charts and graphs available so that people could see its desperate financial situation.
"The issue is not operating expenses," he stressed. "We are extremely underfunded."
The state budget is looking to cut library funding by 50 percent. This would affect programs, staff hours, and the inter-library loan system, explained Kain.
Connie Webster, of Lancaster, said libraries become underfunded gradually. "Libraries are tied to our civilization. When the funding for our libraries goes away, it's a sign, and there should be concern."
Glen Miller, executive director of the Pennsylvania Library Association, and spokesman for state public libraries, said, "We are at a critical stage with the libraries of Pennsylvania.
"Libraries are essential for children and those out of work," he said. "They provide essential services. We need to sustain these essential services."
Nancy Harnish, of Quarryville, agreed, saying libraries "need to keep books in children's hands."
Thaniel Wenger, 9, and and his 12-year-old sister, Katia, live nine blocks away from the library and are homeschooled by their mom, Kristina Wenger.
"They love to read, and with homeschooling, we use so many books," she said. "I think the librarians groan when they see us coming!"
"This doesn't just affect the budget, but it's thousands of people in Pennsylvania that are affected," Wenger said.
Strasburg Library Director Kristin Fernitz said this is not only a Lancaster city concern, but one for the county, as well. "It's very unstable," she said. "We are hanging on a string."
Attendees were encouraged to write their senators and governors.
Fernitz pointed out the 75-foot banner of postcards that will be hand-delivered to the state Capitol on Tuesday. Postcards read, "Please don't cut library funding." Signers can add their own comments. More than 1,000 cards have been distributed, and rally attendees filled out even more.
"Libraries are a cornerstone of democracy," Miller said. "It doesn't matter what color your skin is, or how much money you have; education is found behind these doors, and we cannot let them close."
Mandy Stoltzfus is a Sunday News staff writer. E-mail her at mstoltzfus@lnpnews.com.
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