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Debunking stereotypes of library patrons, workers

Recently, two library stereotypes have been brought up a lot here. I’ve been hearing mentions of things related to the library that may have been true at one time but are not anymore. It’s easy to perpetuate stereotypes. We repeat them enough that they can seem to be true. The library has changed a lot in the last 10 years. Here are two library stereotypes and how they stand up to the conditions of a modern library. Libraries are quiet — I still encounter patrons who, at checkout, whisper to their kids or shoosh them. I’m not sure they do the same thing at Dollar General. I ...

False information on bill addressed

Over the past few weeks, my Senate colleagues have had to continually correct false and misleading statements regarding the recently passed Senate Bill 106. Sadly, the misrepresentations have continued, and it has become increasingly necessary for me as a sponsor of one of the bill’s amendments to join them in their efforts. Senate Bill 106 consists of five different amendments to the Pennsylvania constitution with the subjects being the election of the Lieutenant Governor, legislative disapproval of regulations, voter ID, auditing of elections by the Auditor General and taxpayer ...

The types of readers

I’ve talked about Goodreads often. Goodreads is a social media site where the only drama is book drama. You post the title of the book you are currently reading, what page you’re on, and your friends “like” or comment accordingly. Your friends can recommend books to you and you can even join online book groups. I love Goodreads because I love to see what my friends are reading and it suddenly hit me that there are so many different types of readers in the world. Doing a little research, I’ve identified six and here they are: • Elitist — These readers only read ...

Imagine this scenario: you get a letter from an attorney representing someone. You cannot afford to hire a lawyer. What do you do? Jessica Steinberg, associate professor of clinical law at George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C., says 70 to 98% of state cases dealing with areas of civil law such as family law, domestic violence, landlord–tenant and small claims issues involve at least one unrepresented litigant. Money is often an issue. According to the National Legal Aid and Defender Association, 80% of criminal defendants cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Such ...

Our East Coast ocean fascination

As you scroll through social media this time of year it seems as though every other picture contains something beach related and many conversations center around which beach you are headed to or just came from. It usually is not a question of if you are headed to the beach, but when. Many of our families have returned to the same beach location for many generations. Have you ever wondered why we are so drawn to water? It does not necessarily have to be the ocean, it can be a river, stream or lake. There is just something about water that seems to calm the soul. I just returned ...

Responsible state budget reflects the needs of today and tomorrow

When discussions on the recently passed state budget began five months ago, Republican leaders warned against the dangers of caving to temptation in spending too much while we face so much economic uncertainty. I am glad to say that the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget and related legislation met that goal while still being historic in its scope of helping Pennsylvanians struggling today while setting the Commonwealth up for a secure future tomorrow. Despite having a large budget surplus, I am proud to say spending was kept in check, matching spending growth with our population change and ...