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December 15, 2008

League says save, we say 'Shush!'

Jersey Journal Editorial

Monday, December 15, 2008
T he barbarians are at the gate, or at least the front door of public libraries.

This may be how librarians view the League of Municipalities' recent recommendation that funding for free public libraries be cut in half during fiscal year 2009.

State law requires municipalities that have set up libraries by public referendum - which includes most of the state's 300 libraries - to dedicate a fixed amount of local tax dollars to the library. The league wants that fixed amount slashed by a half.

Statewide, the amount averages about 33 cents on a property assessed at $100,000, according to Pat Tumulty, executive director of the New Jersey State Library Association.

The League argues that since the 1944 law mandating a dedicated library tax, the value of real estate has skyrocketed and that the amount contributed far exceeds the needs of public libraries. At its Atlantic City convention, the League approved a resolution calling for a library tax reduction.

League Executive Director William Dressel argued: "In these fiscally distressed times, why should this particular service be sacrosanct over other services, like police, fire and senior services?"

Library officials say the League has previously attempted to cut the contributions local governments make to libraries. Carmine Borzelli, president of the Bayonne Public Library Board, said: "We've turned them back a couple of times in past years, but now they're at it again."

Public servants who attend the League convention should understand some simple principles. There is a long-standing belief that public libraries are "the people's university." A library is a place of learning for all ages.

Libraries serve diverse communities, help businesses, provide recreation, allow socializing, reach the public on important public matters, whether health or civic, and much more.

While real estate values have increased, so has the cost to run libraries. The grants, donations and government revenue streams libraries receive may never be enough to help these institutions weather the demands made on them. The League recommendation should be shelved.

Posted by tumulty at December 15, 2008 9:41 AM

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