Politics & Government

Bethlehem Library's Books Budget Could Be Cut if Lower Saucon Leaves

Lower Saucon Township is considering leaving the Bethlehem Area Public Library system, which it currently supports to the tune of $183,000 per year.

Bethlehem Area Public Library patrons will have fewer new books and other materials to choose from if Lower Saucon Township decides to end its $183,000-per-year support of the library later this year, according to an article published by the Express-Times.

The township has been considering ending its relationship with the BAPL as a supporting member municipality since a study released a year ago revealed that a significant number of township residents use the Hellertown Area Library as their primary library.

The HAL does not currently receive any funding from Lower Saucon Township, and a request made by township officials to allow for a fund-sharing agreement—whereby both public libraries would receive support—was rejected by the BAPL board of trustees in June.

Library executive director Janet Fricker told the BAPL board that if Lower Saucon Township bows out, part-time staff hours will have to be reduced, but other personnel cuts are not being considered, the Express-Times reported.


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