By Madelyn Braho · Staff Writer
The Grove City Community Library has made efforts to raise funds and cut costs to prevent permanent closure.
Funding became a serious problem in 2023 when the previous director was arrested for embezzling $26,000. According to current Director Scott Amon, “That was the first blow.”
The board of directors also depleted the library’s funds beginning in 2020 to cover expenses. By the middle of 2023, it was clear the library was in serious financial trouble and might have to close by the end of the year.
Although that did not happen, the library is still undergoing financial strain. The library has shrunk costs by decreasing hours, reducing program expenses and cutting staff benefits, according to Allied News. The library and local businesses have hosted many fundraisers in support, including a day this summer at Collage Coffee, when all profits went to the library.
The library does not receive direct federal funding, but it gets money from the state, some of which comes initially from the federal government.
So, federal budget cuts will not initially affect them.
“We’re more worried about (the) ripple effect that might take a couple years to take into effect,” Amon said. “If we lose (state funding), it would be a big problem, but it would not necessarily completely shut us down.”
Fundraising has been a larger focus to make up for what is missing. In September, the library hosted its annual book sale and has a spaghetti dinner on Oct. 18 and a soup fundraiser on Nov. 14. Patrons can also buy tickets for raffle baskets available through December, which include themes like coffee, baking, Steelers and Star Wars, among others.
The goal goes beyond staying open through December, though.
“We’ve kind of been having the same issue where we do lots of fundraisers, we have money in the account, and as time goes on, the money obviously drains out of the account. (There are) different reasons: bills, payroll, insurance,” Amon said. “We’re pretty confident we’re good through the end of the year. What we don’t want to do is just keep repeating this year after year.”
To address this concern, the library now encourages pledging monthly.
“Back in April, we started a monthly donor program, where patrons can contribute a set amount each month, and over time that starts to add up,” Amon explained.
As of late September, 47 donors gave monthly, although the library hopes to double that number by the end of the year. Supporters can donate by mailing a check to the library or by using Zeffy, a donation platform linked on the library’s website.
But even for those who cannot donate, they can still support the library in other ways. For example, all students of the college can sign up for a free card to read what Amon said is “a lot more of the popular fiction.”
Students and others can also attend a Dungeons & Dragons group, which runs weekly at the library, as well as monthly book clubs and crafting groups.
“We are looking to expand the kind of programs we do; (we) just have to see what people are interested in,” Amon said. “If people have suggestions, they’re more than welcome to let us know.”
While the library will be able to stay open through December, there is still a long way to go before the library can reach pre-2023 financial stability, for which it has been asking the local community to help.
Those interested can visit the library’s website (www.grovecitypalibrary.org) to donate and learn more information.
