GROVE CITY, Pa. - The Grove City Community Library is facing a potential shut down because of budget troubles. The library largely relies on community donations and for the past several years they’ve fallen short. With the money the board currently has in the bank the doors can only stay open until the end of the summer.

“If the town were to lose the library it would lose a cornerstone of the community,” Scott Amon, the Interim Director of the library said. 

The library has been plagued with budget issues over the past few years. Amon said the money problems started when the former director and Grove City Councilwoman Amy Gallagher was arrested and accused of embezzling $26,000 from the library.

The annual amount needed to keep things running is around $220,000. The state, borough and surrounding townships contribute a small portion of that but it’s only enough to last them through the beginning of the year. The other 68% of the budget relies on donations from the community and money from fundraisers. 

  • Department of Education: $38.000/year (17% of budget)
  • Grove City Borough:  $14,000/year (6% of the budget)
  • Surrounding townships - Pine, Wolf Creek, Liberty, Springfield: $20,850 (9% of the budget)

Amon believes those slowed down because of the accusations.

“We’re trying to get the community to trust us again that your money will be spent for library events, for library programs, it won’t be misused or misspent,” Amon said. 

The library offers books, DVDs and magazines to check out as well as access to computers. They are also a space for community programs like kids summer reading groups, adult book clubs and crochet groups. It’s also one of only two places that offers public faxing in Grove City.

“We’re really touching on all different kinds of the community and it’s all happening here in one place,” Amon said.

The board has dipped into their investment account since the donations have dwindled but that’s now near its end. To get them to the end of the year they need to raise $90,000.

Amon said the board is also considering how to cut costs to get to its bottom line including reducing hours and charging for the programs they offer.

The library is accepting donations on its website here or checks can be dropped off directly at the building at 125 W. Main Street Grove City, PA.