Earlier this year, library expenses were projected to outpace revenue by about $50,000 for the year.

The library received $100,000 from both Sharon and Hermitage in 2008. Hermitage’s donation was an increase of $15,000 over 2006 while Sharon’s financial woes led to them cutting their subsidy by $140,000 in that same period.

The library relies on private contributions, endowments and local and state government support to survive. Government funding is not enough and Pennsylvania bases its funding to public libraries on community support.

For 38 years, the library has also received help from the Friends of the Library organization which for the past few years has held bi-annual used book sales to benefit the library. The next one is Oct. 22 through 25 in the library basement.

The cooperation between Sharon and Hermitage in funding the library is something to be proud of, Mrs. Perrine said.

Mrs. Perrine said the trustees are also exploring if a countywide library system would help all of the libraries in Mercer County, but the process takes time.

The valley’s library began with one in the F.H. Buhl Club in 1903 and the Sharon Free Public Library was established in 1923, according to research by trustee Tom Rookey, Mrs. Perrine said.

During the Great Depression, library usage increased and the library cooperated in the national defense effort during World War II through a variety of projects.

The current library was built in 1970 with a $100,000 donation by George Henderson for the land. It was renamed the Buhl Henderson Community Library the following year.

In 1981, library hours and services were reduced as Sharon decreased funding. A deficit led to fewer hours and services again in 1991. The first changes to state library funding in 40 years led to significant improvements in library service in 2000.

“The very existence of our library means that our community values education and access to lifelong learning for all of its citizens,” Mrs. Sham’s letter states.

Pledge cards to make a tax-deductible donation are available at the library, 11 N. Sharpsville Ave., Sharon. For more information, call 724-981-4360