Why We Need Public Libraries

In the 21st century, are libraries a thing of the past? Even on Northampton County Council, Kelly Keegan has stated nobody reads anymore. I personally think libraries are more important than ever, primarily because they have adapted to changing times. They now have extensive digital collections; are accessible by rich and poor alike; usually provide internet access to persons unable to afford this service; and encourage intellectual development. If it were not for the public library, there's no way a person like me would be able to afford to books I enjoy reading.

Northampton Area Public Library's Exec. Director, Veronica L, provided NorCo Council on June 5 with a run down of exactly what a public library does in 2025. She called it the "first point of access for information, self-enrichment, leisure, and social connections." It serves about 44,000 people spread out over 96 sq miles. 

The library operates with a "fun bunch" staff of 12 people. The latest financials reveal that a total of $280,171 is paid in salaries. "Our goal is approachability. ... Please, bother us." 

Its resources include extensive physical and digital collections, including a historical and growing Spanish collection; board games; 500 online continuing education courses; and WiFi hotspots. The library will make homebound and senior center visits as well. It also includes NewsBank, a news content aggregator that contains thousands of news articles from all over the world. It is updated daily.

The library had over 60,000 visits in 2024 and circulated nearly 100,000 items (62,033 were physical, i.e. books). The library also made 525 visits Over 11.600 area residents have a library card.  

The library is 52% funded by the Northampton Area School District, and area municipalities also contribute. The library will be fine free in July. "Just get the books back to us."

Libraries? We Don't Need No Steenkin' Libraries!

Arthur Murphy

An increasing library contribution is making Bethlehem Township think twice about whether it wants to remain among the six municipalities currently participating in the Bethlehem Area Public Library. Thomas Nolan reported to fellow Commissioners at their September 19 meeting that the Township's share of the cost will increase from $372,000 to nearly $410,000.

Six municipalities - Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, Lower Saucon Township, Hanover Township, Freemansburg and Fountain Hill - all help fund the library. All, excepting Fountain Hill, will see an increase next year.

According to the latest census figures, population in the Township has risen 21,171 to 23,730 over the past ten years, and each person is assessed $17.25.

Commissioner Michael Hudak complained that the "library runs on its own, without any oversight." He resents the library "dictating to us what we owe." But the library staff reports to a 14-person board that includes representatives from each of the six member municipalities. Bethlehem Township has two representatives, including Janet Barry and Commissioner Nolan.

Arthur Murphy, President of Bethlehem Township's Board, thinks the Township should start its own library in a portion of the Community Center.

"The last people I know who use the library are young mothers who take their kids down there and read stories and getting mostly stuff like that," noted Murphy, who stated the Township could do that itself. "Just what services do they provide to Bethlehem Township, other than having a big library up there and we're free to go into it and take out books and use their computers?" he asked. Hudak agreed, stating that information is at everyone's "fingertips," thanks to the Internet.

According the the library's 2010 annual report, 46% of the Township's population are cardholders.

Unlike Murphy and Hudak, Commissioner Jerry Batcha believes pulling out of the Bethlehem Area Public Library would be a mistake because the Township would be unable to provide the same level of service on an ongoing basis with $409,000. "Unless the intent is not to provide that service," Batcha pointedly remarked. Nolan agreed with Batcha, arguing that Township officials should instead urge the library to be more careful with their costs.

So with two in favor of leaving and two in favor of staying, that makes Commissioner Paul Weiss the swing vote. He listened.