Dear Editor,

When Isaac Osterhout bequeathed a public library after his passing, he envisioned not only a namesake institution but a “free” library that was open to all. At the time, libraries often required membership dues, limiting access to the privileged few. The Osterhout Free Library, which opened in 1889, fulfilled Isaac’s vision of a people’s university, where anyone could seek knowledge to improve their lives. That mission remains the heart of our work today.

Over time, libraries became so vital to an informed population, that Pennsylvania enacted laws and programs to help promote their success. Right now, many local services have been curtailed due to the continuing state budget delay and federal funding volatility. The ongoing state budget impasse is directly affecting our lib

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