On July 8, 2024, Robert Lambert, Executive Director of the York County Library System (YCLS), key YCLS staff, and their consultants met with Mason-Dixon Public Library (MDPL) Board representatives and its librarian to present the YCLS “Service Optimization Plan” which would have a major impact on the future of MDPL and the Paul Smith Library in Shrewsbury.
The key points impacting MDPL in this plan are:
➢ Change our status from a member library to a “branch” library.
• This would mean MDPL would no longer have a Board of Directors. The YCLS board would now be the library’s board. There would no longer be local control.
• The library would have its operating hours reduced to just 15-20 hours per week instead of 47 hours per week as it is now.
• This would mean a reduction in services, staffing and funding,
which would impact many of the areas that the library
provides, for example:
o Children and youth reading programs (average of 35 families involved)
o Monthly community cultural presentations, book clubs, Summer Quest children’s programs, art exhibitions, author discussions, participation and partnership with South Eastern School district, etc.
➢ If MDPL chooses not to become a “branch” of YCLS, the only other option is to become “independent” – which would preserve current hours and local governance but result in the loss of county ($30,000) and state ($40,000) funding as well as access to shared services (website, IT support, free best sellers, access to materials, etc.).
The reason given for these changes is that YCLS has a deficit that impacts the long-term sustainability of the county-wide system. MDPL has met all of its financial responsibilities to the system and is in a solid financial position with the present state and county funding along with support from our six municipal boroughs and townships and the community. Changing us to a branch does not address the reason given for this change and appears to be more of a move to take away local community control.
Mason-Dixon Library’s board consists of local residents from its six boroughs and townships. The YCLS board does not have representatives from the libraries in York County, but instead consists of financial and business persons. The libraries have been told they are not allowed to attend YCLS board meetings or receive copies of board meeting minutes. A request to meet with their board on the above matter has been denied.
There have been two meetings with MDPL and Paul Smith Library representatives in attendance with Robert Lambert and YCLS executive staff which led to many questions being raised. On both occasions, answers to those questions were not given nor was promised information provided afterward.
MDPL and Paul Smith Libraries are libraries that were built with funding from the local citizens who take great pride in their library buildings, but equally in the services provided to their community. These two libraries serve a rural area in southern York County that encompasses approximately 100 square miles. Our libraries are welcoming hubs for students, families, job seekers and lifelong learners. Our board is not in favor of either of the options presented and would like to maintain the “member” library status that we have held for many years.
We encourage every resident to stay informed, get involved, and make your voice heard. Together we can speak up and show that our library matters and that its future should reflect the voices of the people it serves. Please contact your York County Commissioners who oversee the York County Library System and let them know your opposition to the proposed changes to MDPL. Thank you.
York County Commissioners:
Julie WheelerJLWheeler@yorkcountypa.gov
Scott Burfordsburford@yorkcountypa.gov
Doug Hokedhoke@yorkcountypa.gov
York County Commissioners’ Office Phone: 717-771-9964
