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September 13, 2008
Mayor eyeballs private money for libraries
By L.A. PARKER, Staff Writer09/13/2008
TRENTON - Mayor Doug Palmer is reaching out to the private sector for benefactors to bail out the city's nearly broke public library system. And he warned yesterday that tough economic times are coming.
"We're not giving up on our libraries or our children,'' Palmer said. "But make no doubt, this city is entering a new era that will require fiscal responsibility in every city department."
Palmer said public reaction to an announcement by library Director Kimberly Bray that four city library branches could be closed by Nov. 1 is "not unexpected and welcome."
Bray said nearly half of the citywide library staff faces layoffs while the main branch on Academy Street would remain operational.
Bray's announcement produced an uproar throughout the city, particularly by City Council members who called such an action counterproductive to a city that champions education, culture and revitalization but is rife with gangs, guns and drugs.
Palmer met yesterday with staff members to construct a plan of action to handle the library crisis.
City officials said they were caught off-guard by Bray's news breaking information. Palmer said he hopes to find private sector support for the library system and the city's recreation department.
Posted by tumulty at September 13, 2008 4:22 PM
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