MAGIC HAPPENS HERE EVERY DAY

This year, Cresson Public Library has been a center for activity, education, and fun! From Smokey the Bear’s 80th birthday celebration (complete with forest fire prevention tips and cake!), to doing yoga like an animal, to a visit from a local hockey team mascot who played hockey and read stories with the kids, our library continues to bring learning and joy to all ages.

We’ve offered author readings and book signings, including one with an international journalist, painting workshops, Story Time sessions, sewing classes, and even talks about beekeeping, Medicare, and veterans’ benefits.

Every day, 30–50 patrons walk through our doors, finding a welcoming space full of books, digital resources, and enriching programs.

…and there’s so much more! Like the new book selections arriving each month for all age groups. Bestsellers! Digital books, magazines, movies! And the people love it! How do we know? This past year, social media followers have more than doubled due to growing community engagement.

But we need your support to keep the momentum going.

Many people believe the state funds the library. While the library does receive state funding, the amount has not been increased in 20+ years, – unless you want to count the $113 increase the state gave us for the entire 2024-2025 YEAR (that’s .31/day) – while the list of demands by the state to qualify for funding in 2024 and beyond has increased. This has placed small, rural libraries like ours between a rock and a hard place.

Your support makes a world of difference to our community and our library.

Did You Know…? Cresson Public Library is SO MUCH MORE than a building with books. It’s a powerful economic driver and community asset. Here’s why investing in Cresson Public Library is a smart decision for Cresson’s future.

Economic Impact:

• Pennsylvania libraries provide a ROI of $5.50 in benefits for the community for every $1 invested.
• Libraries attract new residents and businesses looking for communities with strong amenities.
• Without public libraries, Pennsylvania would lose $1.34 billion annually.

Cost Savings for Residents:

• Free access to computers and WiFi, free or low-cost programs, educational talks and activities, crafts, children’s programming, and partnerships with local organizations.
• By the numbers: A patron who borrows 5 books, reads 2 newspapers, and attends 1 program or class, saves $1,224/year according to the American Library Association’s value calculator. Parents borrowing 14 children’s books every 2 weeks to read at bedtime save $5,712/year. Downloading 5 e-books saves $900/year. Teens borrowing 3 books per month for reading competition and advanced reading at school save $432/year. Patrons who listen to 4 audiobooks/month save $456/year.

Community Benefits:

• Library investments increase reading scores by 0.01-0.04 standard deviations.
• The library provides a safe, inclusive space for all ages and backgrounds.

Your Contribution Matters: State funding for libraries has stagnated since the early 2000s, while operational costs have increased by 55%.

Fiscal Responsibility:

• Every dollar from the community is leveraged for additional grants and donations.
• Recent improvements, thanks to a generous benefactor, many individual donations, and a grant from the Terry and Vivian Dunkle Fund and Benjamin Bosler Fund of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, led to a new ADA-compliant automatic door system, demonstrating our commitment to accessibility for all.

Your Support Directly Offsets Operational Expenses:

• Extending operating hours to serve working families
• Upgrading technology with new computers, laptops, projector, and screen
• Expanding educational, creative, and fun programs for all ages
• Maintaining our building – freshly painted interior, clean carpeting

Investing in Cresson Public Library is an investment in our community’s education, economy, and quality of life. Every dollar circulates back into our community many times over.

And now, we need YOU to help us keep the magic alive!

This holiday season, give a gift that truly matters. Your tax-deductible donation ensures that families, kids, seniors, and individuals from all walks of life can continue to experience the magic of the library.

Be sure to stop in to see how much the library has evolved!

Let us know how the Cresson Public Library has made a difference in YOUR life. We’d love to hear your story and have your experience motivate others!