The Dillsburg Area Public Library has been serving northern York County since 1953, when we were founded as a story hour in the office of Dr. Martha Logan Bailey. Our roots are here are deep, as is our commitment to serve the community around us. Now, we need the community’s support to continue our mission.
The Close the Gap Campaign
The Close the Gap Campaign aims to do just that: close the annual budget gap of approximately $25,000. We must raise an additional $25,000 per year to continue to be able to offer the level of services that the community both currently enjoys and needs. Over the last several years the library has been forced to dip into its reserves to cover its expenses. That is simply not sustainable
We are asking for both multi-year donation pledges to provide a stable funding source, as well as one-time gifts to allow the library to provide quality public services well into the future and one time gifts to assist with closing the gap. We need long-term sustainability for an organization that has been serving the community for 70 years.
Why is there a gap? Why now?
There is no secret here: expenses have been rising, and revenue has not. The library receives less from the state now than it did in 2008. County funding has remained flat for several years. Funding from our townships and boroughs has, collectively, dropped significantly. While some new income sources have been identified, they are simply not enough to keep up. with the increased costs of staff, utilities, building maintenance, and the many other costs of running a non-profit organization.
The library has long been underfunded, but we have hit a tipping point. Currently, government support only accounts for around 50% of our revenue, meaning we must raise the other 50% to be able to offer the services that we do. We do that through donations, rental and investment income, and fundraisers. For example, our Giant Gift Card sales have raised tens of thousands of dollars for the library over the past 30 years. Our two annual Friends of the Library book sales have raised close to $40,000 since 2017. Still, there is a gap.
What is at stake?
If we are unable to raise needed funds, service levels will drop significantly. It would mean fewer open hours, books, staff, and programs. It would mean It could even mean a merger to become a branch library.
It means less access for kids needing material for school. It means fewer new books on our shelves. It means less summer programs to help children maintain proficiency. It means less access to computers and internet for those. It means less access to reliable information sources. It mean deferred maintenance to our building and grounds. It means the loss of a community gathering space.
How can I help?
Donations and pledges can be made to the library by mail or dropped off at the library – please include our Close The Gap form.
For information on online pledges or online donations, please visit our Close The Gap website.
