This past week, whenever I picked up a newspaper or turned on the radio, it seemed as if another New York agency was asking for my support in its efforts to maintain current state funding. Unfortunately, libraries are among the many organizations sitting on pins and needles as our elected officials study Gov. David Patterson's proposed budget cuts. Our hope is that the governor and the state Legislature will recognize how much the public libraries actually help communities stretch their tax dollars.

One tip that is frequently found on “...Ways to Save Money” lists in today's media is: borrow books and movies from the library instead of buying them. Of course, users must return items on time to avoid overdue charges. Still, there are many other ways to save money at the library.

One popular money-saving strategy is to reduce the number of household magazine subscriptions by borrowing copies from the library instead. Similarly, students and researchers can save money previously spent on photocopies by saving articles to a portable device such as a flash drive, disc or e-mailing it to themselves. A growing trend by patrons who primarily use the Internet for e-mail is to save money by using the library's computers instead of paying fees for online service at home.

For those who don't want to drive to their library, Web based electronic databases and e-books are also available. This service saves both time and gas. For example, to see what was in the latest copy of Mother Earth News, simply go to www.flls.org on the Internet, select electronic databases, then select newspapers and magazines, choose MasterFile Premier and enter your library card number. Once logged in, just click on “publications” to choose the magazine and month you want to view. Many files have full text articles as well as pictures.

Patrons of all ages can find free programs at the library. Families can save money by taking preschool children to story hours. Libraries also offer arts and craft programs, after-school events and family fun nights. Teens can save by taking advantage of libraries new popular computer “game nights” instead of spending money at arcades.

There is also a wide range of adult events and classes at no charge. At the Lang Memorial Library, we have on-going book discussions, classes on using the Internet and quilting. Other Cayuga County libraries host similar free on-going programs that are often fee-based through other organizations. Special one-time events are offered throughout the year.

Preserving the ability to offer free services is crucial for the public library. Librarians and the New York Library Association are urging the public to ask their state legislators to oppose further cuts in Library Aid.

The governor has already imposed a 2 percent cut in library funding and now wants to add another 6 percent to the reduction. Please let your representative know how important your local library is to you and your family. With your help, we can keep our libraries strong, fun and free.

Libbie Messina is a librarian at Stewart Lang Memorial Library in Cato.