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Having lost his job at a local hospital, the man shifts through the resume and job-seeking resources on the table in front of him while he waits for a computer terminal to become available.

 

“I really don’t know exactly what I will do”, he says “but I know I have to update my resume.”

 

With the economic downturn, the Lima Library staff is on the frontline helping those struggling to get answers---how to fill out an online job application, understand how to go about applying for unemployment online, apply for mortgage assistance, and just how to go about getting by on less.

 

Our community’s population is stressed out and lined up for help!

 

Most people are coming to the library to research new ways to economize.  Many of our citizens are just looking for the fundamental needs of how to begin to search for a job, finding financial assistance in these tough times or look for information on how to keep from losing their home.

 

In today’s world computer access can determine one’s very survival.  The library is the sole source of Internet access for nearly 75 percent of Americans who have no access at home or on the job. You walk into the library these days and you will observe the library filled with people going online to find everything from employment resources to financial assistance programs and even programs which deal with transitional housing.

 

Additionally, libraries ease the loneliness and isolation that can come with these difficult times. Our library has become the hub for people dealing with these uncertain times and an uncertain future, seeking connection with others who have similar circumstances. 

 

Every week the library staff takes books and learning opportunities to our seniors, the homebound and others who find themselves unable to come to the Library.  By providing them a variety of reading materials we keep their minds active and also keep them connected to the community and to the ever changing world around them.   Often it is said by the staff “The people we don’t see at the library are often those who benefit most from its services.”

 

Our library is one or the rare places where professional

assistance is available to everyone, every day for free.

 

By connecting people with the information necessary to meet their basic needs, our library staff is helping people remain self-sufficient.  It is in tough times we find that this type of assistance helps supports the initiative, entrepreneurship and retraining that rebuilds economies.

 

Just when our services are needed the most we find that Library services have become jeopardized due to the turbulent economy.  The first part of 2009 our library director reported the effects of the overall economy had created a 20% deficit to our budget.  Now just months later we are made aware of additional adjustment in which Ohio’s Public Library Fund will be cut $84.3 million over the next two years.  All in all, Lima Public Library’s budget has been reduced more than 30% since the beginning of this year. 

 

Due to these budgetary reductions, the Library now faces, we need to raise a total of

$220,000 in private contributions in order to meet our operating budget.    

 

We are asking for your financial support so please consider making a contribution today.  By contributing you will help us to continue to provide these  and many additional vital services which play such a crucial role in this economic recovery and in our community…because one by one we help people get back on their feet.