WAYNE COUNTY, PA — Did you know that there are seven different libraries spread throughout Wayne County? 

Each of the seven libraries (Bethany, Hamlin, Hawley, Newfoundland, Northern Wayne, Pleasant Mount and Honesdale) are part of a federated library system called the Wayne Library Alliance (WLA). According to their website, the WLA was created in order to coordinate and manage services and operations between independent libraries for the benefit of their patrons. 

Multiple representatives from each library that participates in the WLA attended the April 11 meeting of the Wayne County Commissioners to receive a National Library Week proclamation. There to speak was WLA board chair Amanda Schmalzle. 

Libraries are broadly recognized as an essential part of a community, offering free access to information and education and providing a space for social interactions and connections. 

“Whether it’s for books, tech help, story time, internet access, a safe space or just a friendly face, our libraries remain welcoming, inclusive places where everyone belongs,” Schmalzle began.

In 2024 alone, over 134,000 people visited these seven libraries, according to the WLA. The Hawley library had the most visitors at 49,196 and Honesdale had the second most with 42,198. Additionally, this past year there were close to 19,000 public WiFi internet sessions and nearly 8,000 uses of public computers. 

While the number of visits stood out as impressive, the faceless numbers aren't the full reflection of the libraries' usage, as Schmalzle also wanted to emphasize how there is a story behind every one of these statistics. 

One such story was shared at the meeting. The week prior to the meeting, certain libraries asked their patrons what draws them to the library, responding to the 2025 theme for National Library Week, "Drawn to the Library."

"I'm very grateful that we have the library here," the patron responded. They went on to explain that they do not have a computer at their home, so they use the library computer to upload their medical information, thus allowing them to visit their doctor remotely rather than driving two hours, especially during the harsh winter months. “Thank you so much for all the services you provide,” the response ended.

“Thanks to [the commissioners’] ongoing support, the seven member libraries of the WLA continue to meet the evolving needs of our communities…” Schmalzle continued, “We are seeing firsthand how our libraries are changing the lives of the people in our community.”

Each of the commissioners recognized the importance of the libraries to the community, and thanked all of the staff and volunteers who help make the libraries the best they can be.

“I’m looking at the percentage of the population who have library cards in some of these districts and I’m blown away. In some cases, you have a better percentage than we have of voter turnout in a smaller election,” Cramer laughed. “Thank you all for being here, and thank you for what you do.”

The proclamation ended with the commissioners encouraging county residents to learn about all the services and programs that the libraries have to offer. To learn more about each library and their services, visit https://www.waynelibraries.org/.

In other county news:

Two county employees were celebrated at the April 11 meeting. First, Stacey Welsh was recognized for her 15 years as the human resource director.

“She’s one of the hardest workers in the county,” said Chief Clerk Andrew Seder. “She truly has the best interest of our employees at heart… the county is in pretty good hands with Stacey in charge of HR.”

Next, Robert ‘Bob’ Morcom celebrated his retirement as a deputy coroner. 

Born and raised in Lackawanna County, Morcom “dedicated his life to public service and the people of the United States of America and Wayne County,” according to his certificate of congratulations from the commissioners.

Throughout high school, Morcom volunteered as a member of the Covington Fire Department and the Moscow Ambulance Co. Upon graduation, Morcom joined the United States Air Force where he served 18 months in the Sahara Desert and a year in Vietnam.

 After the service, Morcom continued his work in the public sector, becoming a volunteer member of Hamlin Fire and Rescue, while also becoming a certified EMT instructor and teaching CPR classes for 25 years. In 1993, Morcom secured his job as a deputy coroner, and has worked in that role for the past 32 years. 

The commissioners thanked Morcom, saying, “We express our congratulations and appreciation to Mr. Robert Morcom for decades of dedicated service to the citizens of Wayne County and wish him the best in future health and happiness.”