So. Lehigh Library Facing $20K Shortfall

In its 50th anniversary year, the Southern Lehigh Public Library is facing something that isn't normally part of a recipe for a great celebration.

Library board member Destinee Deeley, who has represented the Southern Lehigh School District for the past two years, told the school board Monday that the library was expected to finish its fiscal year with an approximately $20,000 shortfall.

The fiscal year ends June 30.

Deeley cited state funding cuts as part of the reason for the deficit, which she said was exacerbated by the library's failure to secure some grants it applied for.

Counterbalancing those losses is the fact that the library's supporting municipalities and the school district have maintained—or in some cases, increased—their annual funding support, Deeley said, adding that the library is "grateful" for that support.

Deeley also announced that the library is forming a capital improvements committee to help address some physical needs that have become apparent.

“The library building is getting older and it already needs a couple improvements,” such as HVAC and electrical work, she said.

Some of the library's technology resources are also "grossly outdated," she told the board.

Board member Thomas McLoughlin said he was surprised when he learned of the need for capital improvements at the library, which he said he still thinks of "as a fairly new building."

Ground was broken for the current structure in October 2001, according to an article published by The Morning Call and archived online.

Deeley, who said she is resigning from her board seat because she is moving out of the district, urged school board members to attend the upcoming July 16 annual library meeting, when the capital improvement projects will be discussed further.

McLoughlin announced that one letter of interest in the district's library board seat has been received to date. Additional letters of interest are welcome, he added.

Meanwhile, Upper Saucon Township is poised to appoint a slate of four new representatives to the library board this summer.

The Southern Lehigh Public Library serves residents of Upper Saucon Township, Lower Milford Township and Coopersburg—the three communities which also comprise the Southern Lehigh School District.

Coopersburg and Lower Milford each appoint one representative to the library board.