Demand for passports is at record level at Sinking Spring library

by Steve Reinbrecht

The Sinking Spring Library issued more passports in January than ever, and the library is considering how to keep up with the demand.

The library processed 244 passports that month, beating the previous record of 225 in April 2014.

One reason for the spike is that people want a passport now simply to fly within the United States, fearing that a Pennsylvania driver’s license soon won’t be accepted as airport ID.

“Pennsylvanians hoping to board commercial flights in 2018 could shell out hundreds of millions of dollars on passports if the state continues to shirk federal identification requirements, according to an aviation trade group,” TribLive reported earlier this month.

The Sinking Spring Library is there to help. Processing passports makes good money for the library, director John Nelka said. But the library is offering an important service at convenient times, Nelka said, and the service might attract people to the library who might otherwise never enter.

Issuing passports is burdensome – staff must get federal training, pass an exam, get certified and undergo inspections.

“It’s a serious document,” Nelka said.

And he never wants general library service to suffer because staff are tied up with passports. People who need passports often need a lot of help understanding the process and what documents they need.

The library is considering expanding passport-processing hours and offering passport photos, Nelka said.

Prospective travelers can also get passports at the Adamstown, Kutztown and Boyertown libraries and at the Berks County Courthouse. Sinking Spring has evening hours, Nelka said.

If you want a passport, make an appointment. The library meets with people for passports Monday through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.