State budget cuts could force library officials in the Poconos to shut down one of its branches.
The Lackawaxen Library in Pike County has been open for ten years. Now it could close and community members say they are heartbroken.
This is not a done deal just yet but library officials in Pike County said they have to make up for $50,000 in state budget cuts and one of the options is closing down the Lackawaxen Library.
"I feel sorry for the kids. They are the ones who are the most," said Helen Badoud. Shas worked at the Lackawaxen Library since it opened in 1999 in Greeley.
She just heard state budget cuts could mean her library might have to close it's doors and she is not sure what the community will do.
"This area is very poor. People can't afford computers," Badoud added.
Pike County Library officials said the possible closing of the Lackawaxen Library is just one of the options on the table.
Right now, the library board said, its state funding has been cut by $50,000. To make up the difference they have to make cuts themselves.
Other options include scaling back operating hours at its other branches, including in Milford.
"I am very sad. Devasted. The children go there every Friday," said Mary Ellen Impastato, director of St. Luke's Preschool next door to the Lackawaxen Library.
Impastato said if the library closes people will have to drive almost a half an hour to check out a book.
"They are all going to lose. Look around the area. There is nothing else here. This is the branch," said Impastato.
In the meantime, Badoud said, she's not going anywhere. "Until I find out. I work Sunday, Tuesday Wednesday and Friday," she said.
Pike County Library officials said they expect to make a decision by the end of December on whether or not the Lackawaxen Library will stay open or how else they are going to make up for the money lost in state budget cuts.
The Lackawaxen Library in Pike County has been open for ten years. Now it could close and community members say they are heartbroken.
This is not a done deal just yet but library officials in Pike County said they have to make up for $50,000 in state budget cuts and one of the options is closing down the Lackawaxen Library.
"I feel sorry for the kids. They are the ones who are the most," said Helen Badoud. Shas worked at the Lackawaxen Library since it opened in 1999 in Greeley.
She just heard state budget cuts could mean her library might have to close it's doors and she is not sure what the community will do.
"This area is very poor. People can't afford computers," Badoud added.
Pike County Library officials said the possible closing of the Lackawaxen Library is just one of the options on the table.
Right now, the library board said, its state funding has been cut by $50,000. To make up the difference they have to make cuts themselves.
Other options include scaling back operating hours at its other branches, including in Milford.
"I am very sad. Devasted. The children go there every Friday," said Mary Ellen Impastato, director of St. Luke's Preschool next door to the Lackawaxen Library.
Impastato said if the library closes people will have to drive almost a half an hour to check out a book.
"They are all going to lose. Look around the area. There is nothing else here. This is the branch," said Impastato.
In the meantime, Badoud said, she's not going anywhere. "Until I find out. I work Sunday, Tuesday Wednesday and Friday," she said.
Pike County Library officials said they expect to make a decision by the end of December on whether or not the Lackawaxen Library will stay open or how else they are going to make up for the money lost in state budget cuts.
