A great deal has been said and written about the vision and legacy of libraries in this region -- which include those founded by Andrew Carnegie that comprise the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and its branches, the independent Carnegie libraries that bear his name and the community libraries in various municipalities. All of these libraries, regardless of size, have added greatly to the quality of life in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Throughout the steel towns of Allegheny County stand our public libraries with doors open and lights on, beckoning residents to come in and stay for a while. Libraries serve as a calm port in the storm of busy lives. They provide respite to those seeking learning as well as leisure. They offer a gathering place filled with culture, connections and community.

When the steel industry left, our libraries remained. They have held fast through recessions, downsizings, inflation and budget cuts. A more recent footnote to this library legacy is that the Allegheny Regional Asset District and the foundation community has had the foresight to see that a vision needs money to become a reality.

Gov. Ed Rendell has released his budget proposal for the next go-around with our state legislators. His proposed 2 percent increase in library funding is welcomed but not nearly enough in light of recent cutbacks. For the 2003-2004 budget year, the Legislature sliced funding by 34 percent, forcing libraries to make service cuts that are still felt today. Libraries in 2008 are operating on 2004 state funding levels as they struggle to meet demands for new materials and new technologies.

One way to address the rising cost of maintaining vibrant libraries is to improve local funding. If legislators and the governor were to increase the public library subsidy by 5.9 percent, commonwealth libraries could access an incentives-based funding formula. This formula was designed to bring all libraries up to a minimum level of service with state funds while providing incentives for local governments to maintain or increase funding for libraries, too. Our regional libraries not only spend money effectively, they also spin off economic benefits to their communities. Libraries join together to buy in bulk so they can purchase materials -- including computers and high-speed Internet access -- at much lower prices than individual taxpayers could. Libraries also provide employment, work space and meeting space. According to a 2006 study, Pennsylvania taxpayers receive a return of $5.50 for every dollar invested in their libraries. If libraries were to disappear, the economic loss to Pennsylvania users and local economies would be approximately $1.34 billion.

But this only takes into account the economic benefits of libraries. Consider their immeasurable influence on the quality of life for all residents, from preschoolers to seniors. Allegheny County libraries offer all residents, regardless of their personal resources, an opportunity to access all kinds of cultural and educational programs, as well as the latest technology tools in this highly competitive, globally connected 21st century.

Everyone benefits from community libraries, and in Allegheny County a single library card provides both on-site and remote access to all of them: a countywide catalog of resources; shared collections of books, audio recordings and movies; wireless hot spots and educational databases. With adequate funding from the state, the Regional Asset District and our local communities, libraries throughout our county will not have to make a choice between buying light bulbs or putting books, DVDs or CDs on their shelves.

Like precious jewels, each library has a variety of facets. Each brings a unique opportunity or service to its community. Like owners of precious jewels, we must rally to protect our libraries by promoting their value to those with the power to make a difference.

Let your legislators know that you value libraries by telling them about the impact your library has had on you or your community. Let's keep Andrew Carnegie's legacy alive in our county libraries and keep our communities centers of lifelong learning.