If it's budget time, it also must be time to discuss the Bookmobile service in Ben Avon. At Tuesday's council meeting, officials said the cost of the service will increase from $9,115 this year to $10,000 in 2011.

Finance chair Judy Konitsney was absent, but council member R.J. White said she told him she was not going to put it as a line item in the budget. However, White said he has heard from many residents who want to keep it.

Council president Lloyd Corder said usage has increased as much as 25 percent since the location of the Bookmobile has been moved near the building that houses the coffee shop, the fire department and NorthWest EMS.

Council member Sue Weiss said she would try to keep it because it is one way the borough can support the intangibles of the quality of life. But she, and all council members, believed Konitsney should be present for the discussion, and the subject will be discussed again at the November council meeting.