LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Fulton township has cut its funding to the Quarryville Library for having LGBTQ+ books in its collection.
"It’s one thing to have an objection with something but to cut the funding, we were shocked, we were disappointed," said Sarah Bower, interim director of the Quarryville Library.
Quarryville Library receives funding from the state, donations and the 10 municipalities it serves including Quarryville borough, Colerain, Drumore, East Drumore, Bart, Little Britain, Martic, Providence and Fulton Townships.
The library was receiving $1,000 annually from Fulton Township. Workers say that loss of funding takes a major toll and is raising concern amongst staff members.
"We serve 10 municipalities, and we rely on that support," said Bower. "If municipalities pull their funding we may not be able to stay open."
With an outpouring of support, members of the community are making sure their doors do stay open.
Including one-big name with local ties.
Olympic figure-skater and Quarryville native Johnny Weir took to social media to show his support, and says he will match the $1,000 annual funding Fulton Township would normally provide to the library.
"Help save the community that raised me and make sure that the library represents everyone, not just a few," said Weir.
"Johnny has done so much for Quarryville as a whole," said Bower. "It's just so nice he recognized the library, our purpose, what we are doing and we are trying to provide materials for everyone."
Fulton Township did not to respond to FOX43’s request for comment on its decision.
The library hopes the relationship with the township can be reestablished and move forward to find common ground. However, library officials emphasize they will continue to serve their purpose.
"We’re not removing materials, we’re not banning books, we don’t censor, we don’t discriminate, we don’t segregate books," said Bower. "We’re not changing our purpose. Our goal is to have something for everyone and to maintain that diverse collection."
A diverse collection they say is essential.
"It's so important for us to have a diverse collection because you don't know what someone is going to come in and need one day, you don't know what anyone is going through," said Bower. "Especially in today's world, there so many different things happening that people may have not thought about before."
They add they will always continue to be a valuable resource for the community.
"We may have materials that don’t align with beliefs or viewpoints, but we’re here for everyone and that’s the main thing," said Bower. "Our purpose, our responsibility is to the entire community."