If library officials consolidated, then Palmer said the city would provide a steady commitment of funds toward the renovation of the main library, complete with enough computers and other technology equipment, trained professional librarians, staff, maintenance and security.

He added that students and other residents would have access to safe transportation to the main library.

Palmer said he plans to have discussions with Schools Superintendent Rodney Lofton to gain his support for greater utilization of new libraries at new city schools.

Palmer, like many City Council members, said library officials should discuss all significant matters with them because the city provides approximately $3.5 million toward keeping branches operable.

The $3.5 million represents 97 percent of the library budget.

"That is much more financial support than the city is required to contribute, but right now we are not in a position to maintain operations at our five locations," Library Director Kimberly Bray said.

Bray may praise financial support, but the city's fourth library director since 2001 has never met with the mayor and, except for a June visit to City Council, as a matter of her introduction, has had no extended conversation with the council's members.

Community activist Paul Harris blistered City Council members with criticism.

"When (Bray) came here in June, not one of you asked her a question. We could have discussed the library situation with her then, but nothing. You folks got to step up your game," Harris said.

"The library director has been here since April and she has not even met with the mayor. What does that say about Mayor Palmer and his agenda?" he added.

Harris claimed that the library board informed Bray in April that her budget would be cut by 10 percent, an allegation that does not jibe with an administration account that department directors were given a cut-the-fat directive only several months ago.

The city's library system is approximately $900,000 in arrears.

Palmer, earlier this year, asked every city department head to create a plan that would reduce its operations by 10 percent.

While the library system is an autonomous agency, Palmer said the city will reduce library funding by $350,000 in an effort to fend off a budget deficit that could reach $28 million - a figure that could diminish by $20 million if the state Board of Public Utilities (BPU) approves a selloff of the city's water infrastructure.

"The library board appears so autonomous that it reports only to God," said Patricia Stewart, a 2010 mayoral candidate.

The BPU decision could come as late as January 2009, but Palmer said he cannot hold off on layoffs or deficit exit strategy.

"We've got to move on and many of the changes we plan on making must be made whether we sell off the water (infrastructure) or don't," said Palmer.

Palmer predicted Trenton layoffs within 45 days, the first time in his five terms that city workers will receive pink slips.

The mayor painted a bleak financial future that includes layoffs, cuts and in some cases consolidation of departments.

"I understand like I have never understood before the magnitude of the financial picture," he said.

Bray, six months into her director's position, said city residents have rallied library support with a meeting planned tonight (6 p.m.) at the Academy Street branch.
Residents Judy and Kevin Moriarty head that meeting, hoping to create a Foundation for Trenton Free Public Library organization.

City Council President Paul Pintella said he will extend Bray an invitation to appear before the council next Tuesday.

Bray can expect a reprimand for not informing City Council of the library problems.

"If the four libraries can be saved, then let's do it, but library officials should know that we do expect to be kept abreast of how the city's money is being spent," Pintella said.

Bray said she would press forward with plans for success and an alternative plan to close four branches.

"It's disappointing to learn that Mayor Palmer will cut funding, but hopefully this decision motivates us all the more to find the funding that we need," Bray said.

Bray promised longevity, assuring that she will stay on to revitalize the city library system.

"Despite the challenges and in some cases criticism, I plan on sticking it out. I plan on being here, developing support and working my way through this difficult time to build an exceptional library system," Bray said.

©The Trentonian 2008