HARRISBURG — The 263-year-old Pennsylvania State Library is facing drastic cutbacks under Gov. Ed Rendell's budget.

The library, next to the Capitol in Harrisburg, was founded by Benjamin Franklin.

Under Rendell's budget, its appropriation would be slashed by more than half to $2.3 million for the year that starts July 1.

Library Commissioner M. Clare Zales says she can "keep the lights on," but may have to scale back the current Monday to Saturday operating schedule.

Officials say the cuts are likely to force deep cuts in the library's 56-person staff, so it would take longer to fulfill requests and answer citizens' questions.

Rendell spokesman Chuck Ardo says the proposed cuts are simply unavoidable at a time the state faces a $2.3 billion projected shortfall.

By The Associated Press