Funding needed for Casco library

CASCO — Don’t try to tell Carolyn Paradise that the age of the book is over.

Paradise, director of Casco Public Library, is as busy as she’s ever been in her 16-year tenure. Despite, or perhaps because of, the current economy, the library has not seen a shortage of demand for its services.

It’s in difficult times that people turn to a library for books and movies, as well as job searches on the Internet and resume writing programs. The circulation of items is above 20,000 per year and use of the facility has increased over the last three years.

The Casco Public Library serves all town residents, but to do so, it needs to be adequately funded. The Trustees are grateful for last year’s increase in funding to $64,825 and are requesting the same amount for the 2012 budget. At the June 13 town meeting, the library is not asking for an increase over last year’s amount, even though health insurance costs have risen. The current budget reflects no pay raises or change in services.

Look for the annual appeal, fairy house challenge, Adirondack chair raffle and sale (including children’s chairs this summer), ongoing book sale, author events and a coupon book filled with discounts from businesses throughout the area. All of these and several grants supplement the town’s portion of the overall budget.

The library serves people in many diverse ways and it all costs money and the Casco Public Library will face a budget shortfall if it doesn't receive the community's support at the upcoming town meeting on June 13.