Northumberland County libraries get reusable bags thanks to League of Women Voters group

Jun. 20—SUNBURY — Seven libraries across Northumberland County now have reusable book bags, thanks to the efforts of the Northumberland County League of Women Voters.

On Thursday, Northumberland County League of Women Voters representatives Sue Johnson and Joanne Cashman met with library representatives from the Degenstein Library, Milton Library, Ralpho Township Library, Shamokin Library, Priestley Library, Mount Carmel Library and the Warrior Run Library to reveal the new reusable bags. The League of Women Voters donated them to the libraries after obtaining a grant.

Cashman, who wrote the grant, said the group chose to help the libraries and raise awareness of voter information.

"We are happy the libraries are able to use the reusable bags," she said. "We plan on continuing to apply for grants to help."

The bags replace plastic bags that people were given with their books.

Degenstein Library Director Melissa Rowse said she already went through the 200 bags they were given.

"People are using them and we are getting them returned," she said. "This saves from so much waste."

The Degenstein Library received 200 bags, while the other libraries all received 150, Johnson said.

"Joanne (Cashman) is doing a great job writing these grants and the state continues to ask her to write more," she said. The recent grant that was awarded in the amount of $2,500 was for sustainable products, officials said.

Milton Library representative Haley Fritzges said the library is thankful for the donation.

"These are great," she said. "These will last a long time."

Johnson and Cashman said they are applying for more state funds for other projects through the National Governor's Association.

Rowse said the group also secured funds for recyclable stations inside the Degenstein Library.

"We are very thankful for everything they do for the libraries," she said.