By Patricia Corcoran

MILFORD – The Friends of the Pike County Public Library held their third Quarterly Meeting on Monday, July 13, at the Biondo Building in Milford.  President Ken Corcoran introduced Kathe Brannon, Coordinator of a petition drive to obtain signatures for the proposed library tax.  Mrs. Brannon explained to the group that an appeal was made by the Library to the County Commissioners to sponsor a one mil tax per household to support the Library system.  The Commissioners requested that signatures of registered voters in Pike County be collected to support a binding referendum.  If enough citizens of the County support this idea with signatures, it would be put on the ballot at the November election, and the people would then vote on it.

Mrs. Brannon requested the Friends to help with the petition drive from August 4 to August 25 in all thirteen townships of Pike County.   The proposed 1 mil tax, which would typically amount to $35.00 per year per family, would allow the existing three branches, namely Milford, Lackawaxen, and Dingmans, to remain fully staffed and functioning.  Future expansion to the South and West sections of Pike County would be assured.  At the present time, reserve funds are running out rapidly and cuts in hours and personnel at the three branches are inevitable.

The Friends voted to lend a hand to the Petition Drive in August. For further information, please call Kathe Brannon at 570-296-5354, or e-mail kbrannon@ptd.net.

Past President Martyn Freed will be honored as the “Volunteer of the Year” at the annual Library Staff Appreciation Luncheon in October. Martyn has worn many “hats” in his long association with the Friends. Luncheon Chairperson Ann Marie Catalano invited all to attend the luncheon at 12 noon on October 22 at the Riverview Inn, Matamoras. At a nominal price of $24.00 per person, the menu includes soup, salad, a choice of four entrees (beef, fish, chicken, and pasta primavera) and dessert.  A cash bar is available.  The public is invited to attend.  Call Ann Marie for reservations at 570-491-2931.

The latest Friends’ Newsletter which announces past and future events is now available at each branch. Some upcoming events include:

• “New York on Your Own” on September 16 and December 16. The $30.00 cost covers bus ride and driver’s tip.
• On October 7, the Friends will re-visit the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse in New Jersey for luncheon and a play.
• November 4, the group will be heading to the Bronx Zoo for a day with furry friends.
• December 1 & 2, the Friends will visit the Brandywine Valley and Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.

These trips are open to the public and are fully described in the recent Newsletter available at all local Library branches, or call Joyce Clark at 570-296-7884.