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February 27, 2009

Web site offers help to job seekers

STAFF REPORT • February 26, 2009

CENTRAL JERSEY — The tough economic climate has created a buzz about the free help and resources that are available at your local public library. But what happens when your library is closed, you aren't able to make it to the library building, or it's 3 a.m. and you need some answers so you can finally get some sleep?

Did you know that there are librarians who are up too, online and ready to assist you?

QandANJ.org is a free online service that allows users to chat live with a librarian for help with job searching, resumes, or just general questions. The service is available to anyone in New Jersey any time of the day or night.

QandANJ.org is supported by the New Jersey State Library, managed by South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative, staffed by member libraries in the New Jersey Library Network and funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, an independent federal agency whose mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas.

Posted by tumulty at 6:11 PM | Comments (0)
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Hunterdon County Library Director: More Customers, Fewer Librarians

by Warren Cooper/Hunterdon County Democrat
Friday February 27, 2009, 10:34 AM
Three unfilled job vacancies at the main county library are hurting services there and could affect the safety of children, according to Library Director Mark Titus. He wants the Freeholders to allow him to fill at least one of the spots, despite a county-wide hiring freeze.

The Freeholders did not replace a children's librarian who left in July or a reference librarian who left in September due to the "modified" hiring freeze imposed midway through 2008. But a jump in library use due to the recession as well as a steady increase in circulation over the years has made the employees' loss more difficult to overcome, Mr. Titus told the board at a budget meeting on Monday.

Attendance at library programs swelled to more than 25,000 in 2008, he said. And circulation throughout the system has grown steadily during the past decade, jumping 21% in 2008 over the previous year. That was the largest increase of any library in the state, he told the Freeholders.

That means there are more people in the library at any given time. Self-checkout systems donated by the Friends of the Hunterdon County Library for the Route 12 main library in Raritan Township and at the North Branch library in Clinton have helped divert some activity from the circulation desks. But already-tight staffing makes it impossible to shuffle workers, he said, and some work done by the full-time librarians cannot be done by other staff even if they had the time.

The loss of the children's librarian means that two weekly story time sessions at the Ringoes library have been cancelled, as have monthly programs for youngsters and teenagers, and a twice-monthly school group visits. It also has limited one-on-one interactions between children and adult librarians, he said.

And after shifting library workers to cover for the missing staff, he has had to close the periodical room in the evenings.

Importantly, he said, there are fewer eyes and ears to be on the lookout for a child in trouble. He said more and more residents view the library as a cost-free place for family fun. Without proper staffing, the danger of a lost child or abduction increases, he said.
The Freeholders said they might break the hiring freeze to replace the children's librarian, but made no promises.

Posted by tumulty at 6:09 PM | Comments (0)
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Library Ôdo over' doesn't add up

Friday, February 27, 2009
Once again, Washington Township Council has reneged on the library project.

Spurred by new Mayor Matt Lyons, the council voted to cancel its contract to purchase the Education Information and Resource Center, leaving library patrons in the lurch.

Based on state guidelines, the Margaret E. Heggan Library is about half the size that a town of 23 square miles, 48,500 residents, and six ZIP codes should have. After years of scrambling for a larger building, officials found an ideal location in the EIRC building on Delsea Drive.

Now, what seemed like a marriage made in heaven has ended with a broken engagement. The Heggan library came with a dowry of surplus funds that could have financed the multi-million dollar EIRC purchase and renovation.

Before former Mayor Paul Moriarty left office, the township had introduced a $4.6 million bond ordinance and signed a contract with EIRC owners to purchase the building. Officials assured residents that the bond could be paid down with the library's annual budget allocation at no additional cost to taxpayers.

Before Lyons took office, Council President Michelle Martin urged the council to hold off on the library for reasons that were never made clear. Was a better building suddenly available? Was it a tactic to reduce the EIRC price?

But, the contract was finally OK'd. Then Lyons came in, and his recommendation to delay briefly the bond ordinance seemed prudent: By financing other township items at the same time, taxpayers could be spared the cost of a separate bond issue.

This week, the situation took a turn for the weird. Lyons said a new Assembly bill would nix the library deal. The bill would let New Jersey towns reduce library allocations that are now dictated by a strict financial formula. The mayor said that should the bill pass, it could affect current library operations and make it "impossible" to pay for the EIRC building.

In a word, balderdash.

The bill in question was just introduced, has only one sponsor (no co-sponsors) and lots of opposition. And, it would merely permit, not mandate, lower library allocations.

The reasons for canceling the EIRC purchase sound like excuses. If there's a really valid reason, the public should be told.

Posted by tumulty at 6:02 PM | Comments (0)
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February 26, 2009

Library celebrates anniversary

February 26, 2009
c-n.com

SOUTH AMBOY — Sadie Pope Dowdell Library will host its 95th anniversary celebration on Monday, March 9 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The Dowdell Library of South Amboy is a place where the community can enjoy free children’s programs as well as access to the Internet, magazines, movies and books.

At 7 p.m. that evening, the library will announce the winners of the community’s Bake-Off Competition while attendees enjoy the goodies from the Bake-off. Additionally, Gail and Joe Tanski’s photographic exhibition will be on display.

Entry forms for the community’s annual Bake-off Competition can be obtained at the library.

The Dowdell Library is adjacent to the South Amboy High School. For more information, contact the library at 732-721-6060 or comments@dowdell.org.

Posted by tumulty at 9:40 AM | Comments (0)
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Library addition project complete

Gloucester County Times
Thursday, February 26, 2009
By Siobhan A. Counihan
scounihan@sjnewsco.com
WESTVILLE After nearly three years, the project to double the size of the Westville Free Public Library is complete and the library will soon reopen for regular business.

Construction of the 1,270-foot addition, which Mayor Russell Welsh Jr. said has "been a long time coming," was largely completed by the end of 2008, and interior renovations have now been finished as well.

"Obviously, we're excited to be able to expand the library for our residents and our young residents in town," Welsh said. "We're glad it's done."

The library will hold an open house on Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m., allowing the public the first official opportunity to visit the newly-refurbished facilities.

"We're really excited about it," Library Director Gwen Carotenuto said. "It's been very busy the past couple of weeks, getting things together, but we're looking forward to it."

The library will reopen for normal business, and resume its normal hours, on March 3, she added.

"We're really excited it's back open for business on Tuesday," Welsh said. "It's been closed for a while, between construction and not having a (Certificate of Occupancy). Our residents are looking forward to it opening back up."

The library has been closed since late June, when construction of the $283,757 addition began. The addition has nearly doubled the size of the library.

Carotenuto said the library is expecting a few more pieces of furniture, but all of the shelving has been installed and most items are in place.

The extension is a great addition to the library, Carotenuto said, and patrons will definitely enjoy it.

"We're very pleased with it," Carotenuto said. "It looks very nice. Our patrons, I think, are going to appreciate the extra space."

A larger portion of space has also been dedicated to the children's section, she added.

"It's certainly going to make a difference during our story hour," she said. "We're very pleased with the outcome."

Posted by tumulty at 9:31 AM | Comments (0)
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February 25, 2009

Millville Library inundated

nj.com

Wednesday, February 25, 2009
By JASON LADAY
jladay@sjnewsco.com
MILLVILLE - The more residents cut back on their personal spending in a weakened economy, the more they come to rely on municipal services that may had previously been taken for granted.

At least that's what Irene Percelli, the relatively new director at the Millville Public Library, says.

It seems she's right.

Between October 2007 and December 2008, the public library here has acted as a kind of barometer for the state of the economy for all those who knew where to look.

According to Percelli, computer use at the library has jumped 523 percent from late 2007 to two months ago, as people turned to its free public Internet access to seek jobs.

"There's been an enormous jump in demand for our services lately, and it's taking a lot of staff time and energy to meet all of this demand," said Percelli, who signed on as director at the library in May of last year.

"People realize they can apply online for jobs; the elderly come in more since they learned they can save on postage through e-mail.

"In times of economic stress, people go back to their libraries."

The Millville Public Library, located on Buck Street, is also seeing up to 60 to 70 people per day taking advantage of its on-site GED classes.

"They know they can't get jobs without that kind of education, and they're all just coming in, taking the classes," added the director. But can the current facility support the skyrocketing foot traffic?

There are leaks in the roof, and limited shelf space has meant the building is no longer able to accomodate newer releases.

"For every new book we bring in, we have to take another one away," said Percelli. "Currently, we are at a point of no return.

"We either have to fix what we have or go to something new because we don't have the space to deliver all the services people are expecting of us."

To help answer that question - whether to renovate, move or reorganize - library officials have begun organizing focus group meetings and have announced a public "town meeting" for Thursday, at 6 p.m., to provide residents an outlet to explain what they want their library to be.

The focus groups - there have been three so far, as of Tuesday - have solicited the ideas of city educators, library volunteers and fundraisers, as well as area business and civic leaders.

However, Thursday's town meeting, to be held at the library, is aimed at the opinions of average residents.

"It's to help generate support for the library, but also to help determine what our priorities should be," said Percelli.

As part of what library officials are calling their "strategic planning process," they have also hired a consultant to help them map out their future.

"This is not just about what we're going to be doing tomorrow or next month," added the director. "This is looking toward developing a plan for today and 20 years from now."

Posted by tumulty at 6:25 PM | Comments (0)
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Central Jersey's libraries show 'snapshot' of services, impact on residents' lives

By JARED KALTWASSER • Staff Writer • February 24, 2009

CENTRAL JERSEY — Hundreds of libraries across the state last week took a snapshot — literally and figuratively — of their daily impact on the lives of New Jersey residents.

Feb. 19 was the New Jersey Library Association's first-ever "Snapshot" day, an effort to quantify the value of libraries by tallying visitors, asking patrons to complete surveys, and photographing a typical day in the life of a New Jersey library.

Pat Tumulty, executive director of the New Jersey Library Association, said the state has approximately 309 public libraries and about 60 academic libraries. All of the association's members were asked to participate.

"We're looking at ... in these difficult economic times trying to figure out what would happen if we had no libraries in New Jersey by taking a snapshot of the incredible things that go on every day in New Jersey libraries," Tumulty said.

Tumulty said library patronage goes up during tough economic times as patrons borrow instead of buy books and DVDs, use library computers for job searches, or utilize the knowledge of reference librarians to understand what state and federal programs can help those struggling financially.

Part of the survey at the Hunterdon County Library Headquarters in Flemington was a question asking residents to check the reasons they visit the library, such as to use the Internet, to do homework, or to check items out. Terry Edwards, a senior reference librarian at the library, said it was difficult to create a comprehensive checklist of possible library uses.

"I kept thinking of more things every time I thought I had made a complete form, and then when I gave it to our staff, the staff thought of more things," she said.

One Hunterdon County Library patron, David M. Kiefer of Raritan, wrote that the library was a reason he lives where he does.

"One of the primary reasons we haven't moved is to stay close to this particular library," he wrote.

Though many area libraries are seeing an increase in visitors, financial constraints also are taking a toll. At the state level, Tumulty said library funding has remained stagnant at $16 million for the past 20 years. This year, she said, library officials are simply hoping to avoid a cut.

The New Jersey Library Association also is fighting a proposal being pushed by the New Jersey State League of Municipalities that would cut in half the minimum funding level municipalities must give their libraries. That measure was introduced in the state Assembly on Feb. 9 by Assemblyman Vincent Prieto, D-Hudson. Tumulty said she will meet with Prieto next week to discuss the bill, which she says would be devastating to municipal libraries.

At the Edison Free Public Library, Public Relations Coordinator Geri Post said the library had to cut hours and increase the workloads of some staff members in order to deal with an $85,000 cut in the library's 2008/2009 budget.

"They're looking at money, and say, "Oh, we can cut this,' and people don't realize that at the lower end of the (socioeconomic spectrum), this (the library) is where they go," Post said.

Post said Edison's Plainfield Avenue branch had 1,018 people come by on Feb. 19, and she said the library's visitors regularly include "latchkey" children and the homeless.

Jim Hecht, director of the Somerset County Library System, said his library system has not faced the type of cutbacks some municipal libraries have, but he said good facilities, helpful staff and a wide range of materials will sustain libraries.

"I think our library system, just like other library systems, are going to rise to to the occasion and continue to provide excellent library services that people are going to be looking for in this economy," he said.

The New Jersey Library Association has asked libraries to submit their statistics by today. The results will be put online at www.njla.org.

Posted by tumulty at 9:19 AM | Comments (0)
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February 24, 2009

Library plans are put on hold

Tuesday, February 24, 2009
By Jessica Beym jbeym@sjnewsco.com
WASHINGTON TWP. Plans to buy a new library building here are in limbo, after a bill was introduced earlier this month in the state Legislature that would cut the minimum required funding for municipal libraries in half.

Mayor Matthew Lyons said that reducing the state-mandated funding would not only make buying the Education and Information Resource Center building on Delsea Drive impossible but would also affect current operations at the existing Margaret E. Heggan Free Public Library.

For about the last 100 years, municipalities have been required to tax their residents one third of a mill on every $1 of assessed valuation, or about $33.33 for a property assessed at $100,000, for library funds.

The bill, A-3753 introduced by Assemblyman Vincent Prieto of Bergen County calls for cutting that minimum in half, to one-sixth of a mill. However, towns could still raise more than that to support their libraries, as is allowed in the existing law.

Approximately 63 percent of the state's municipalities fund their libraries at more than the current state minimum, according to the New Jersey State Library.

But Washington Township isn't one of them.

The Heggan Library, which is only 10,000 square feet for a population of more than 50,000, is funded at the exact state minimum.

In 2008, the township taxed its residents $1.7 million for library services. That number is expected to increase to $1.77 million in 2009, based on property values in the town, said Business Administrator Mary Breslin.

After years of advocacy and many months of planning, last year the township took a step toward a new, larger building. Former Mayor Paul Moriarty signed a contract in December with the EIRC owners to purchase the 20,000-square-foot building. Prior to that, a $4.6 million bond ordinance was introduced by the council to pay for the purchase and renovations.

The plan was to pay down the debt of buying and renovating the building by using the library's surplus fund along with the additional money set aside each year for library services.

Last year, it seemed that the council would approve the purchase only if it came with no additional taxpayer expense.

But the bond ordinance was never finalized.

Prior to being sworn into the mayor's office, Lyons had said that he wanted to hold off on the bond so the township could look into expanding the dollar amount for other projects an effort to save some money by borrowing all the funds at once.

At the time, there seemed to be no hurry as long the bond ordinance was settled by the deadline in the library contract, which is sometime in March.

Lyons wouldn't give a specific date.

In light of the bill, he said, the township is re-evaluating its contract with owners of the EIRC building.

"I am concerned," said Lyons. "The library board of trustees' president has made it clear to me that [the legislation] would make it impossible to meet the debt service on the new library. I have a fiduciary duty to the township and library board to monitor that before I dig a hole that we can't get out of."

Victoria Rosch, deputy director of the library development bureau at the New Jersey State Library, stressed that even if the bill passes and the minimum funding is lowered, it's still just that a minimum.

Several towns in Gloucester County including Pitman, Westville, Woodbury and the townships of Franklin, Monroe and West Deptford all fund their libraries above the current state requirement, Rosch said.

She pointed out that, so far, the bill only has one sponsor the assemblyman who introduced it.

Nobody else has signed onto this bill, which is unusual," she said.

Spokesmen for both the New Jersey State Library and the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) said the bill seems to be a reaction to the economy and to hard budget times for municipalities. Both organizations pointed to another bill that may a better solution one in the state Assembly that would allow library funding to be exempt from the cap on tax hikes.

Pat Tumulty, executive director of the NJLA, said that more than 120 library boards, including Washington Township's, and about 13 municipalities have passed resolutions opposing the reduced funding bill.

"We know there's a lot of opposition," Tumulty said, adding that the NJLA also opposes it.

If the bill passed and municipalities were to reduce the tax collection and library allocation to one-sixth of a mill per $1, it could have a detrimental impact on library services, said Rosch at the state library.

She said the current minimum funding amount is evidence that state officials value libraries and recognize that they need funding.

"They realize how important libraries are in these difficult financial times," she said. "People come in to use the computer, ask for job search help ... When things are so bad is when libraries are needed more than ever. At half the funding for the library, many libraries would just close and would never open again."

Mayor Lyons said if the bill were approved, there would be pressure to reduce the rate in Washington Township, which is already predicting a double digit tax increase.

"I'm concerned in this time of financial crisis that Trenton could use this as a way to claim that they're providing relief to local towns," Lyons said.

He said the township still has a good relationship with the EIRC owners and plans to "explore all options."

"I'm going to proceed with all caution to try to get the library issues resolved and get a new library for the residents of Washington Township," Lyons said.

The township council will meet Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the municipal building, 523 Egg Harbor Road.

Posted by tumulty at 3:34 PM | Comments (0)
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February 23, 2009

Funding given to NJ public libraries

c-n.com

February 23, 2009

NEW BRUNSWICK — The New Jersey State Parent Information and Resource Center (NJPIRC), a program of Prevent Child Abuse – New Jersey, has awarded grants to 15 public libraries which will allow them to purchase books and educational materials that will enable parents to be effectively promoting in their children’s learning and educational success.

Award recipients receive funding to purchase a range of educational materials appropriate for their community and host events that will promote parent involvement in their student’s education. The books, materials and events cover a vast variety of topics, including effective parenting, summer learning, “Hooked on Phonics,” child discipline, special education, school success and more.

The libraries selected to receive this award are Carteret Public Library, New Brunswick Free Public Library, Piscataway Public Library and Plainfield Public Library.

Families living in communities where the 15 awarded libraries are located are encouraged to visit and learn from their new parent involvement themed-collection. For more information about NJPIRC, a program of Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey, visit www.preventchildabusenj.org or call 800-CHILDREN.

Posted by tumulty at 2:39 PM | Comments (1)
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Residents Flocking to Libraries During Tough Economic Times

The Coaster, Feb. 18, 2009

When times are tough economically, there is one place residents in every town can go to find not only free entertainment but practical help as well – the public library.

It is typical in recessionary times for people to turn away from buying books and movies and head to their local libraries.

In Neptune, Library Director Marian Bauman said she has noticed more and more people coming in to use the library’s computers to apply for jobs.

“This week we had about a dozen young men in here early in the day applying for jobs,” she said.

Bauman said now that most larger employers use only online applications, those who don’t own a computer often go to the library where they are available for free. And for those who have never used a computer help is available.

Bauman said she has seen an increase in 40 to 50-year-olds seeking help.

They are too old to have had computers in school, she said.

“They have never held a mouse,” she said. “There aren’t many places they can go where someone will help.”

Bauman said one of the library workers will actually walk through the entire process with someone applying for a job online. For those with no email address for employers to respond to, they will help set up an online account with yahoo or hotmail.

In fact, she said the library has had a 200 percent increase in patrons applying for jobs or unemployment benefits online since September.

For those with laptops Bauman has seen a 300 percent increase in people using the library’s wireless connection.

“They come for several hours at a time, and many of them plug into our power to save their battery.”

Bauman also said the library offers about 30 computer classes for free in addition to Microsoft Office classes in Work or Excel with a certified Microsoft Trainer.

“They want to be able to put that on their resume,” Bauman said of students.“Those classes are really doing well.”

The library also offers to print resumes and cover letter for free when patrons bring them in on a flash drive. There has been a six percent rise in those looking to the library for entertainment purposes, with 8623 movies rented in 2008 over 8169 in 2007.

“People come in and say I just gave up my NetFlix account, I lost my job, and they rent a movie,” Bauman said.“We have the newest DVDs.”

Bauman said the cost to rent a movie is only $1 which goes into an account to purchase new ones.

“It’s a self sustaining thing,” she said.

And it allows the library to have the newest releases.

Other patrons come in looking for the latest best sellers.

“They tell me they can’t afford to go to Barnes and Noble anymore to buy the hardcovers,” Bauman said. “For your entertainment dollars it’s a great deal.”

Parents, she said, are looking for inexpensive entertainment for their children as well, and the library is a safe place.

She has seen a 21 percent increase in children’s programs and a 61 percent increase in attendance with 412 children in 2007 and 665 children in 2008.

In Ocean Township Assistant County Librarian Neva Pownall said, “We‘re mad busy here.”

Pownall who has worked at the library since May said many patrons come in to fill out applications and print resumes.

“They’re not going out, they’re renting movies and taking out books,” she said.

“Looking up information on the Internet looking for jobs, that’s the biggest thing.”

Robert Stewart, director the Asbury Park Library, said the Department of Labor, which is being overwhelmed with job applicants needing to use its computers, has been sending the overflow to local libraries.

“Employers only accept applications online. Even Family Dollar, minimum wage jobs,” he said. “A lot of people come in for that.”

Stewart said use of the libraries computers is free to card holders and $3 per hour for non members.

Overall, Stewart said he has seen more people using the services the library has to offer.

“Business is up,” he said.

In Avon, Librarian Sheila Watson said she has seen a big leap in Internet usage as well as best sellers and books on CD.

“It’s been very positive for us, people are seeing what we have to offer,” she said.

Watson said even those who might buy books at discount places like Costco and BJ’s are now forgoing the $10 or $20 and coming to the library where they can get it for free.

The rise in computer use, Watson said, is a direct result of people letting their Internet service at home go.

Another example of the computer age is many patrons taking advantage of the inter-library loan service, which allows the librarian to order a book online from other public libraries.

“There has been a lot more resource sharing with other libraries,” she said.

Watson has also noticed many people coming in to take out the 52 magazines she keeps in stock as well as daily users who have cancelled newspaper subscriptions and read the paper on line.

Attendance at children’s program has also increased as parents are foregoing purchasing books and are enrolling their children in library programs.

“They used to create libraries at home, children’s’ books were cheap, but now they are not buying books for their kids,” she said.

Another area are books on CDs, which Watson said are very expensive.

Watson said some people also come in to check their emails if they are out of work and have applied for a job on their Monster account.

In Bradley Beach, Library Director Karen Klapperstuck, said she has seen a major increase in the amount of materials being checked out from 2007 to 2008 with an increase of over nine percent.

Movies and DVD rentals have increased by 15 percent after taking a dip from 2006 to 2007 in both books and movies, Klapperstuck said.

“It’s so expensive to go to the movies now,” she said.

Klapperstuck also said she has seen many younger people coming to the library to work on or print resumes.

“Our computer usage has always been high, but I have noticed more people coming in for help with resumes or to post them on job sites.”

Those who may have a computer at home but not a printer can use the library’s printer at a cost of 10 cents per page.

Klapperstuck said she has already seen an increase in 2009.

“Using January and February statistics alone for 2008 and 2009, our overall circulation is up by 31.5 percent and our video/DVD circulation is up by an astounding 78 percent,” she said.

Klapperstuck said she can’t say for sure the increases are solely due to the economy, but admits it would make sense.

She did say the increased use of patrons posting and searching on jobsites appears to be directly connected to the poor economy.

Inexplicably The League of Municipalities recently moved to cut funding in half for libraries, with the state assembly introducing a bill this week to do just that in an effort to control costs and tax increases.

Neptune Township is drafting a resolution to counter the attempt Bauman said.

Posted by tumulty at 10:28 AM | Comments (0)
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Millville library seeks public input

The DailyJournal.com

By JOEL LANDAU • Staff Writer • February 23, 2009

MILLVILLE -- City residents have an opportunity to shape their library's future.

Millville Public Libra-ry has scheduled a town meeting Thursday for all local residents. Those who attend will be asked to state what they like and don't like about the Buck Street facility, and what types of services they want the library to provide.

The library hired a Philadelphia-based firm, Library Development Solutions, to develop a feasibility study for the facility that includes plans for fundraising, space and a new facility, according to Library Director Irene Percelli.

The firm will conduct the meeting and collect the public's responses, she said.

The library also will invite people to attend nine focus groups representing different demographics of its customer base, including children, teenagers, senior citizens, educators and city officials, Percelli said.

"When you plan for a library, you plan for what people will want for the next 20 years," she said.

The library hopes to approve the plan by summer, and in September submit a letter to the American Library Association to update the organization on its progress.

Percelli said there's hope the new federal stimulus bill will include money for libraries, so the Millville facility wants to be in position to move ahead with a new project.

Meanwhile, the city is working to bring a new hotel along the riverfront near the library.

The city's economic development director, Don Ayres, said that project would not impact the library, but a hotel could spur more development along the riverfront.

Ayres said a developer could then make a proposal on the library's site, which the city owns, and include a new building for the library in the plans.

"We'd all like to see a new, state-of-the-art li-brary," he said, although he added there are no current plans to build a new facility

Posted by tumulty at 10:05 AM | Comments (0)
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February 22, 2009

Bids abound for Haddonfield library revamp

By LAVINIA DeCASTRO • Courier-Post Staff • February 22, 2009

More than two dozen companies are lining up for a chance to revamp the Haddonfield Public Library.

The borough received 34 proposals from architectural firms in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York that included cost estimates for the renovation and expansion of the historic library.

"We're still going through them," borough administrator Sharon McCullough said. "There's a wide variety and lot of interest in doing the work."

Companies had until Feb. 12 to submit a proposal that included three conceptual drawings: One showing how they would make the current library handicap accessible, another showing a 7,500-square-foot addition and a third showing a 15,000-square-foot expansion.

"This isn't necessarily a complete design," McCullough said. "It's just a preliminary concept."

Cost estimates given by each firm varied greatly. Livingston-based Feitlowitz & Kosten estimated the lowest projected cost of $12,500, but it is unclear if the estimate includes the expansion price. Rodier Ebersberger of Williamstown's estimated cost of $152,600 for a 15,000-square-foot addition was the highest in the list of submissions the township released.

Commissioners will meet with library officials to narrow down the proposals to five by the end of March, McCullough said.

Borough and library officials will use the proposals to decide whether to renovate and expand the current library or demolish it and build anew.

"What the commissioners are hoping to get out of this is, Can the library be expanded?" McCullough said.

According to a report by Library Development Solutions released in January, a new 22,000-square-foot library would cost roughly $8.2 million, McCullough said. The estimate includes demolition costs, she said.

It took the Princeton-based company about a year to complete its study, which assessed what programs are needed to serve Haddonfield's population and how much space is needed to provide them.

Firms that submitted proposals were asked to refer to the study in order to craft their conceptual designs.

McCullough said the borough will take into consideration each company's experience renovating libraries and working with historic buildings before deciding which five firms to consider.

"We want to get the best library for the best price," McCullough said.

Ultimately, the library's fate is in the hands of borough voters.

During the November elections, Haddonfield voters approved a measure requiring a public vote before any funds can be spent to build or renovate the library.

A group of five residents concerned with the cost of the project and its impact on local taxes collected 729 signatures on a petition to place the measure on the ballot.

Reach Lavinia DeCastro at (856) 486-2652 or ldecastro@courierpostonline.com

Posted by tumulty at 9:51 AM | Comments (0)
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Long Hill, Bernardsville join federation of Morris, Union libraries

Agreement means patrons can access expanded collections
Special to the Daily Record • February 22, 2009

LONG HILL -- Members of the Long Hill and Bernardsville public libraries can now tap the resources of seven other public libraries in neighboring towns in Morris, Union and Somerset counties.

The two libraries have joined the Morris Union Federation of Libraries, according to a press release announcing the agreement.

Both of the libraries already have some affiliation with federation members. Bernardsville has a reciprocal services agreement with the Bernards Township and the Morristown/Morris Township libraries, and Long Hill is a member of the Morris Automated Information Network, a consortium made up of 37 public libraries and the Morris County Library.

The newest agreement expands the number of libraries where their residents may have access. The federation also includes the libraries of Summit, Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Madison and the Chathams. In addition, the libraries at the College of St. Elizabeth, Drew University and Fairleigh Dickinson University cooperate in the venture, providing a greater variety of subject matter than usually available in municipal libraries.

For more information on the federation or a copy of a brochure listing the addresses and hours of all federation members, call the Long Hill Public Library at (908) 647-2088 or the Bernardsville Public Library at (908) 766-0118.

Posted by tumulty at 9:50 AM | Comments (0)
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Haddonfield wants library plan ready for any stimulus aid

Feb. 21, 2009
By Cynthia Henry

Inquirer Staff Writer

Haddonfield is positioning its library to be "shovel-ready" for renovation or new construction in case federal economic stimulus money trickles down to public libraries.
The borough is sorting through 34 architectural bids to assess whether to renovate the 1919 building on Haddon Avenue, or tear it down and build a new one for about $8.3 million, as consultants recommend.

The final decision will be up to voters. In November, they approved a ballot question requiring a vote on any taxpayer expenditure for a library expansion.

Stimulus money has been designated for school - but not public - library construction, said Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the American Library Association's Washington office. However, Gov. Corzine could divert state money after receiving discretionary federal funds, she said.

"The more ready we are, the more apt we are to be at the top of the list," said Ann Kearney, president of the Haddonfield Library board of trustees. Despite the downturn in the economy, she said, "it was our belief that we should keep plugging along."

The board is proceeding with private fund-raising, led by Nancy Weber of Oak Ridge Consultants of Haddonfield. Weber recently helped Haddonfield United Methodist Church raise the last $5 million of its $9 million capital campaign. Donations are up to about $1 million for the library, Mayor Tish Colombi said.

"We need to create a vision of what's going to happen inside the library," Weber said at a hearing Thursday. "Donors don't give to bricks and mortar."

About 50 residents at the informational hearing questioned consultants Leslie and Alan Burger of Library Development Solutions of Princeton Junction, N.J., about their recommendation to build a 22,355-square-foot library. Their report is available on the library's Web site, www.haddonfieldlibrary.org

Leslie Burger, director of the Princeton Library and former president of the American Library Association, showed examples of library design trends - open spaces, movable furniture, natural lighting, computer training rooms, and cafes with fireplaces - from Princeton, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Santiago, Chile.

"You have the benefit of taking the best of any library you have seen," she said.

Commissioner Edward F. Borden Jr. said the borough should evaluate the building it has "before we move on to the next and possibly much more expensive step."

The borough's three commissioners expect to award a contract by April from architectural bids that range from $12,500 to $158,000, said Borough Administrator Sharon McCullough.

The architect will determine whether the historic building, which has a leaky roof and lacks handicapped-accessible restrooms, is structurally sound and can be brought in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The architect also will price 7,500- and 15,000-square-foot expansions.

The architect also may look at alternate sites for a new building, such as the borough-owned land behind the Hadrosaurus statue near the PATCO High-Speed Line, McCullough said.

In 2003, after several years of discussion, Haddonfield rejected spending about $7.5 million for a library expansion exceeding 40,000 square feet.

"It was too large and too expensive," Colombi said. "We hope this time, if there's a reasonable plan and a good-faith effort raising money, it will be a deal-maker."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact staff writer Cynthia Henry at 856-779-3970 or chenry@phillynews.com.

Posted by tumulty at 9:39 AM | Comments (0)
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February 19, 2009

Herald News editorial: Library funding must be maintained

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Herald News
Public libraries have become more indispensable than ever. Local libraries, large and small, urban and suburban, serve everyone from latchkey kids to people who have lost their jobs. The latchkey children use the libraries as a safe place to do their homework. The unemployed, especially those without computers at home, use the libraries’ resources to search for work.

Nevertheless, if a bill moving through the Legislature is approved, library service could be severely diminished.

The General Assembly bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Vincent Prieto, D-Secaucus, has the backing of the powerful New Jersey League of Municipalities. The organization sees the legislation as a way to provide relief to taxpayers and to municipalities struggling to balance budgets during dire financial times. Under the legislation, the base funding formula for libraries, which stands at a third of a "mill" tax on every dollar of assessable property, would be cut in half to a sixth. A mill equates to a tenth of a cent. As it stands today, a house with a market value of $100,000 would pay $33 to support the local library. The League argues that the current formula is archaic and flawed: It fluctuates along with taxable properties. It is a process, League leadership argues, whereby "many municipalities are collecting monies in excess of the needs of their public library system."

Library advocates dispute that. They say the formula, which has been in place since 1937, is self-correcting, even efficient; it rises and falls with property values. Moreover, the advocates say, libraries provide essential services, especially in economically depressed times. No matter how you slice it, the public library remains a vital resource for all residents, regardless of class or income.

"Right now, we need strong communities," said Norma Blake, the state librarian. "And the one public entity that is going to preserve the quality of life for residents is the public library."

Still, it never fails that when budget cuts are looming, it is quality of life institutions such as libraries and public parks that always seem to take the first hit.

After all, Trenton powerbrokers usually aren’t the people who use and rely upon libraries and parks the most.

William Dressel, executive director of the League of Municipalities, says that he is all for libraries in principle, he just wants local municipalities to have greater flexibility in funding them. If this bill is passed, and this thinking is allowed to prevail, we can rest assured that some libraries in New Jersey will cut services and others will cut staff. Some might be forced to close altogether.

Consequently, the General Assembly bill should not pass.

Public libraries have become more indispensable than ever. Local libraries, large and small, urban and suburban, serve everyone from latchkey kids to people who have lost their jobs. The latchkey children use the libraries as a safe place to do their homework. The unemployed, especially those without computers at home, use the libraries’ resources to search for work.

Nevertheless, if a bill moving through the Legislature is approved, library service could be severely diminished.

The General Assembly bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Vincent Prieto, D-Secaucus, has the backing of the powerful New Jersey League of Municipalities. The organization sees the legislation as a way to provide relief to taxpayers and to municipalities struggling to balance budgets during dire financial times. Under the legislation, the base funding formula for libraries, which stands at a third of a "mill" tax on every dollar of assessable property, would be cut in half to a sixth. A mill equates to a tenth of a cent. As it stands today, a house with a market value of $100,000 would pay $33 to support the local library. The League argues that the current formula is archaic and flawed: It fluctuates along with taxable properties. It is a process, League leadership argues, whereby "many municipalities are collecting monies in excess of the needs of their public library system."

Library advocates dispute that. They say the formula, which has been in place since 1937, is self-correcting, even efficient; it rises and falls with property values. Moreover, the advocates say, libraries provide essential services, especially in economically depressed times. No matter how you slice it, the public library remains a vital resource for all residents, regardless of class or income.

"Right now, we need strong communities," said Norma Blake, the state librarian. "And the one public entity that is going to preserve the quality of life for residents is the public library."

Still, it never fails that when budget cuts are looming, it is quality of life institutions such as libraries and public parks that always seem to take the first hit.

After all, Trenton powerbrokers usually aren’t the people who use and rely upon libraries and parks the most.

William Dressel, executive director of the League of Municipalities, says that he is all for libraries in principle, he just wants local municipalities to have greater flexibility in funding them. If this bill is passed, and this thinking is allowed to prevail, we can rest assured that some libraries in New Jersey will cut services and others will cut staff. Some might be forced to close altogether.

Consequently, the General Assembly bill should not pass.

Posted by tumulty at 3:12 PM | Comments (0)
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February 16, 2009

'Wall Street Journal' Librarian Laments Shutdown

Editor and Publisher

By Joe Strupp

Published: February 11, 2009 1:00 PM ET

NEW YORK The librarian who operates The Wall Street Journal's news research library -- which is set to close with the elimination of her job and another staffer's -- said in a memo to other librarians that the shutdown is both a personal difficulty and a hit to news coverage.

"When I asked who will do research for the reporters, I was told, 'No one,'" the memo from Leslie A. Norman, posted on a librarian list serve last week, stated. "The reporters will probably be using a Lexis product called Due Diligence Dashboard (you know how your moms told you 'if you can't say something nice...')"

She later adds that it cannot replace the "knowledge about how to research using all the tricks we've learned over the years. We figure that the reporters will probably spend 10 times our compensation trying to do their own research."

The library cutback is part of a 14-person newsroom job reduction announced last week by the Journal, which also includes news assistant Ed Ramos in the library. Norman and Ramos plan to remain on the job until at least March 23, the memo stated.

Asked to comment on the library closing and Norman's memo, Journal Spokesman Robert Christie stated in an e-mail to E&P: "Yes, we are closing the library. It is regrettable. Our reporters do have access to multiple databases including Factiva and this migration to digital databases as you has been happening for many years."

Officially an assistant librarian, Norman has been running the library since 2007 when the previous librarian left. She has been at the Journal since 2005, with four years' prior experience at Bloomberg's library. She declined comment, but confirmed the memo had been posted.

"I also love my job very much and I don't see myself finding a news librarian job in the near future. Every day is different and a challenge. No offense but being a public librarian would drive me crazy," she adds in the memo, which noted she may be able to remain in her post under a contract status without benefits, but has no confirmation yet. "I'm even worried about the microfilm. Between where the Proquest historical database leaves off and our PDF archives begins, there is about 10 years where the only physical form of the paper exists on microfilm."

After that memo was posted on Feb. 5 at the NewsLib list serve, Norman received numerous notes and e-mails expressing sympathy through the list serve.

That prompted another memo on Tuesday that said, in part, "Your messages have been supportive and loving at a hard time. I got through half of them on Friday and I had to walk away from the computer because I was crying so much. I've printed them out so I can look at them when I feel bad."

Both memos are posted below:

*******************************

Hi:
I regret to report that the WSJ Library will cease to exist on March 23,
2009.

Ed Ramos, the news assistant, and I were given our termination notices today. I have asked to continue on as a consultant with just pay, and not benefits. It's in management's hands now.

We will be put on a re-hire list and if the jobs open up in six months, we may be rehired.

When I asked who will do research for the reporters, I was told , "No one." The reporters will probably be using a Lexis product called Due Diligence Dashboard (you know how your moms told you "if you can't say something
nice...")

But it cannot replace Ed's and my knowledge about how to research using all the tricks we've learned over the years. We figure that the reporters will probably spend 10 times our compensation trying to do their own research.

I have many emotions, mostly fear. My husband was laid off by Dow Jones last fall. I also need medication for a chronic medical condition.

I also love my job very much and I don't see myself finding a news librarian job in the near future. Every day is different and a challenge. No offense but being a public librarian would drive me crazy.

I'm even worried about the microfilm. Between where the Proquest historical database leaves off and our PDF archives begins, there is about 10 years where the only physical form of the paper exists on microfilm.

There are so many little things about what we do...how do I possibly explain them or even write them down?

We'll be here in some form until March 23. Thanks.

Hi:

I can't individually answer all the messages I've received in the past few days. So I'll thank everyone with one big note.

Your messages have been supportive and loving at a hard time. I got through half of them on Friday and I had to walk away from the computer because I was crying so much. I've printed them out so I can look at them when I feel bad.

The reporters here have been supportive and compassionate also. Many have called wondering what they are supposed to do after the library closes. They told me how important my research was to their stories. I didn't know I meant so much to them.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your magnitude of caring and support.

Leslie A. Norman
Assistant Librarian
The Wall Street Journal

Posted by tumulty at 11:31 AM | Comments (0)
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No time to cut back on soup kitchens for the mind, body and soul

Editorial Ocean City Sentinel

Published in the February 5, 2009 issue

With all the comparisons of the national financial crisis to the Great Depression, it is easy to conjure images of crowds of desperate people waiting in long lines at soup kitchens.

When the economy is in the tank, soup kitchens, just like food pantries and emergency assistance, have to expand to nourish the bodies of the people most in need.

It would take the most hard-hearted of bureaucrats to consider cutting back on help for people who can’t afford to feed themselves.

Personal financial crises can provoke spiritual crises. Families look to their religion to help carry them through tough economic times. Not coincidentally, houses of worship are often the organizations behind the soup kitchens.

Imagine churches and synagogues as soup kitchens for the soul.

Of all places, these religious institutions know there is a need to nourish the soul as well as the body. It would be hard to see them stopping people at the door, limiting entry, just as the need for soul support grows.

As it is for the body and soul, there must be nourishment for the mind – the third part of this triptych.

Libraries provide that.

In the best of times and, in the worst of times, libraries are where people turn to enrich their intellects. Increasingly, that is where they must turn when they can’t afford any other options. As statistics show throughout the nation, library usage is soaring across the U.S. Some of that is interest. A lot of that is need.

And as libraries have increased what they offer to the public – computers and internet access, children’s programs, CDs and DVDs, along with their wealth of books and magazines and newspapers – they have become more integral to the well-being of the public.

For those who may scoff at the need for internet access, consider how overwhelmed the unemployment offices have been in this area and how the only easy access to them – and to regular benefits checks – is through the internet. For those who can’t afford a computer or internet access, libraries become the most viable option. For those who don’t believe it, see how easy it is to get a call through to an unemployment office.

As Jim Rettig, president of the American Library Association in Chicago told The Wall Street Journal, “people recognize what a great value the public library is.”

Witness the battle lines drawn in Philadelphia when the mayor proposed closing 11 of the 54 branches of the public library to cut the city’s budget. The prospect of cutting back library funding is as vital in our local communities as it is in big cities such as Philadelphia.

In New Jersey in November, the League of Municipalities proposed changing the state law on how libraries are funded. They receive municipal appropriations equal to a third of a mill of total assessed valuation. The League of Municipalities wants to halve that, cutting municipal appropriations to a sixth of a mill.

We know that states and municipalities are struggling with their budgets, but cutting library funding in half will hurt the most vulnerable people first and hurt so many more who depend on these critical community centers.

We want our state legislators, Sen. Jeff Van Drew and Assemblymen Matt Milam and Nelson Albano, to oppose the League of Municipalities on this notion that libraries should be cut to balance budgets. The league hasn’t gotten a bill introduced on this yet and we hope it does not.

An alternate and much better idea that could save library funding and help municipalities is a law that would exempt the library funding from the municipal budget cap. That would relieve the tension between libraries and elected officials struggling to meet the 4 percent cap who feel forced to look at that fixed funding as a means to meet that end.

There are bills to that effect now in the state Assembly and Senate that would do that, but they are stuck there. We’d like to see our state representatives give them a shove, and give Senate and Assembly leaders Richard Cody and Joe Roberts a friendly push as well. The bills would take the library funding and set it off on its own. Taxpayers would see it on their tax bill just like county residents do when they see library funding in its own category.

This would help in three big ways. Politicians would be spared from having to look hungrily at library funding to balance their budgets. Libraries would be spared from having to cut back when usage is increasing dramatically. And patrons, at their time of greatest need, would be spared from getting locked out of one of the best bargains for their tax dollars.

Posted by tumulty at 10:40 AM | Comments (0)
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As Warren County prepares to build a new county library headquarters, it's a good time to rethink the splintered delivery of services that separates the county and five towns with independent libraries.

Editorial Express-Times

Friday, February 13, 2009
County-community partnership

Warren County's patchwork quilt of library services is difficult for most people to understand, but it works -- on about three different levels.

Could it be better? Yes.

Is there an easy way to get the players -- the county library system and five independent municipal libraries -- together to talk about it?

Forget about it.

Then again, there is some progress to report. County freeholders are finally getting around to building a new home for the county's main library, which moved into "temporary" quarters in the courthouse annex in Belvidere in 1973. A mere 36-year wait.

The freeholders plan to spend $20 million to renovate the courthouse and erect a library- human services building at the administration complex on Route 519. The borrowing without public consent is being challenged by Assemblyman Michael Doherty, a former freeholder, who has urged a referendum.

While public input is usually a good instinct -- it's a constitutional requirement on bonding by the state -- Warren County's debt is nearly nonexistent. It's not like the freeholders have mortgaged the future on Taj Mahal-type projects. Just the opposite. In keeping debt to a minimum, the freeholders have put off many capital needs, year after year. The library headquarters is the most glaring example, but the courthouse and community college have had to wait out delays, too.

It's time for the county to move on this. The freeholders deserve a pass if they don't take up Doherty's challenge. Delaying this expansion again could result in yet another long delay.

And besides, it's an economic stimulus.

On another front, Freeholder Everett Chamberlain extended an invitation to Phillipsburg officials to renegotiate the partnership between the county library system, which serves 17 municipalities, and the Phillipsburg Free Public Library, an independent library that makes its services available to those covered by the county system. Four other municipalities -- Alpha, Belvidere, Hackettstown and Washington -- maintain independent libraries and don't pay a county library tax. Their residents must pay a fee to use libraries in the county system.

With a new library headquarters in the works, however, it's a fertile time to see who would like to rethink this separate-and-unequal setup. If the small independents want to remain autonomous, fine -- but some of those people might prefer free access to the county system.

Phillipsburg and Warren County have maintained a tenuous library peace for a decade, after sparring during the 1990s over a county subsidy for a Phillipsburg library expansion. So far town officials aren't saying anything about Chamberlain's gesture, because there are no proposals on the table.

But it's a start. Chamberlain says he wants to open communications, not old wounds.

Warren County has a progressive, if disjointed, approach to library resources. It would better serve everyone if the county, Phillipsburg and the independents could find a way to allow all county residents to use all the facilities. That's not a revolutionary thought -- it's just the way you'd put together a library system if you were starting from scratch.

Posted by tumulty at 10:29 AM | Comments (0)
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Editorial: Loss of funds would have ripple effect

Editorial
South Bergenite, Feb. 18, 2009

Although library usage is as an all time high, there is talk of legislation that could drastically reduce municipal funding to libraries.

The New Jersey League of Municipalities, a very strong lobbying force in New Jersey, passed a resolution late last year calling for the reduction in minimum funding for libraries from one-third to one-sixth of a million. Current law mandates towns fund libraries at minimum one-third per million or about one dollar for every $3,000 of the total assessed property value in a given town. This law would equate to a 50 percent reduction in what municipalities would have to fund their public libraries. The League feels that in tough times, taxpayers’ money could be spent for other budget line items or the reduction could help keep taxes low.

Although many towns such as Rutherford already fund above what is mandated and may continue to do so, some towns say they would decrease library budgets. By doing so the Bergen County Community Library System (BCCLS) would drastically suffer. Formed in 1979 to foster resource sharing among Bergen County public libraries, the system gives a patron access to millions of items. A patron's hometown library card is honored at all 62 of the county's libraries and 13 others from Essex, Hudson and Passaic counties. Or patrons can request loans of DVDs, CDs or books by going to www.bccls.org. The thousands of patrons who depend on BCCLS for access to thousands of more periodicals than are currently housed within their own library would also suffer. As funding drops so would the number of periodicals.

The average per capita support for public libraries across the BCCLS system is $63.31 for 2007 (latest data currently available) or $1.22 a week. As a percentage of your total local property tax bill, your library receives less than 1.95 percent.

To date Lyndhurst and North Arlington library boards have passed resolutions opposing the League’s move to reduce the funding. Of course, the League has always been a strong voice for municipalities, but this time, towns should not follow the League’s message.

If you want to know more, go to the Web page of the New Jersey Library Association at www.njla.org.

Posted by tumulty at 10:25 AM | Comments (0)
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State Legislature considers cuts to library funding

by The Star-Ledger Continuous News Desk
Sunday February 15, 2009, 12:28 PM
A recently-introduced state Assembly bill would slash the dedicated tax dollars reserved for libraries, according to a report in The Record.
The bill follows the lead of the New Jersey League of Municipalities, which says the current funding formula is outmoded and outpaced by land values that rose during boom years, The Record reported.

But libraries officials counter that cuts would affect services and resources at a time when job seekers and students are using those services more than ever.

Posted by tumulty at 10:13 AM | Comments (0)
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Local libraries see an upswing in economic downturn

By BRIAN IANIERI Staff Writer, 609-463-6713

Published: Monday, February 16, 2009

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE - Deborah Poillon sees the recession's effects every day from her office.
DVDs are up 13 percent.

Fiction books are up 10 percent. Children's fiction books have jumped 24 percent.

Poillon, director of the Cape May County Library, said almost 2,000 more people walked through the doors of libraries in Lower, Middle and Upper townships last month than in January 2008.

"Every time the economy does poorly, we do better," Poillon said. "The DVDs are free. The books are free."

Other activities, such as video game sessions with Nintendo Wii and tournaments with the game Rock Band, also are generating more interest, she said.
It's inexpensive entertainment "if you're trying to save yourself 100 bucks a month on entertainment," Poillon said.

Internet use has gone up only about 1 percent, although library staff reported assisting more people with job searches, Poillon said.

The Cape May County Library system has a main library in Cape May Court House and eight branches across the county.

Slow economies typically drive up library usage.

Throughout the country, Americans are using libraries more often, according to the American Library Association, which records statistics on library use.

Trips to libraries and materials checked out each increased more than 10 percent compared with data from the economic downturn in 2001, according the American Library Association.

A September study indicated 68 percent of Americans have library cards, up 5 percent from 2006, according to the ALA.

The survey indicated more people had library cards in 2008 than at any other time since the ALA started to measure library card usage in 1990.

E-mail Brian Ianieri:

BIanieri@pressofac.com

Posted by tumulty at 10:04 AM | Comments (0)
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Does old library model still work?

Gloucester County Times News
Monday, February 16, 2009
In having the township library become a branch of the Gloucester County Library System (GCLS), East Greenwich Township residents should see improved services at less cost. The move announced last week is expected to save local taxpayers about $45,000 a year and a lot of headaches.

The township's 50-year-old library had been among the last of a breed what the county library commission calls an "independent association" library. East Greenwich residents paid the county library tax as do property owners in 14 of 24 county municipalities but the local library was run by an independent board. Financial assistance from the GCLS was limited and did not cover all costs.

With the switch to branch status, the county system will absorb personnel costs and operating expenses, including about $30,000 to upgrade the old school on Kings Highway where the facility is housed. The library will be open an extra 13 hours a week, and no longer will the volunteer trustee board struggle to raise enough money through bake sales and fundraisers.

Now, only Newfield's library retains "independent association" status. Besides East Greenwich, GCLS branches are the Glassboro, Greenwich, Logan and Swedesboro libraries and the main county library in Mullica Hill.

Other "independent" libraries in county municipalities are fully independent. Residents don't pay the county tax, and these libraries are funded mainly by statutory aid from the municipal budget. Given how economies of scale will help East Greenwich, is this still a good idea?

Independent libraries like the ones in West Deptford and Woodbury are among the county's best. Most have a proud history that predates the GCLS. Washington Township and Monroe libraries are getting new homes, so this may be an odd time to ask about more regionalization.

Maybe the state should be asking the questions. The potential of library mergers seems to be one area that has been forgotten in Trenton's zeal to make towns consolidate to save money.

If other towns are straining limited resources to maintain independent libraries when a first-rate county system is available, it makes sense to look. Independent library associations, like independent fire companies, date from colonial America's custom of mutual aid and local control. Where the model no longer works, however, it's time to improve it.

Posted by tumulty at 9:59 AM | Comments (0)
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February 15, 2009

Cape May Point may borrow plan from Avalon, leave library system

By RICHARD DEGENER Staff Writer, 609-463-6711

Published: Saturday, February 14, 2009

CAPE MAY POINT - The borough is investigating leaving the Cape May County library system as a way to save taxpayer money.

Deputy Mayor Anita van Heeswyk has been looking into it but said she is doing so with no agenda and at this point is simply fact-finding. Van Heeswyk said she wants to explore ways to reduce the property tax bill, something residents pushed her to do when she ran for office.

"I received so many wonderful letters, pro and con," van Heeswyk told residents at a meeting Thursday night.

The pro is that each household would save more than $200 in county library taxes. Residents could still pay $90 for a nonresident library card and use the county facilities, including the one in Cape May to which many residents here go.

The con is that some residents want to support the library system regardless of costs. Several letters from residents opposed to leaving the county system were read into the record Thursday night.
Marie Rice, wife of former commissioner Keith Rice, said if everybody in the system dropped out and bought $90 nonresident cards "there would be no libraries."

"In Cape May Point, I think we can afford that tax," Rice wrote.

Reached Friday, Cape May County Library Director Deb Poillon said the nonresident fee may rise if the borough dropped out. Avalon already has dropped out and Ocean City maintains its own library system.

"If other towns pull out, we'll re-examine that $90 charge. We may go up to what they would pay in library tax. We want people to stay in the system," Poillon said.

The library tax rate for Cape May County this year is $29 for each $100,000 of assessed value. Poillon argues this is a great deal. Residents can go to branches in nearby Cape May or Lower Township as well as use the bookmobile that visits the borough.

Poillon said the tax is equal to buying a couple of books and renting a DVD each month. For this fee, the library has books and DVDs, and offers newspapers, magazines, computers and other media.

"You can quickly make that (tax) up," Poillon said.

Even if the borough stays in the system for now, Van Heeswyk said it is good information to have. The borough could get hit hard with future taxes, such as to pay for beach replenishment or schools, and would know one way to provide some relief.

"If we get clobbered somewhere else, it's something we can look at in the future," Van Heeswyk said.

Poillon said Avalon left the county system but residents now pay a higher tax for the service. She said it comes to $33 for each $100 of assessed value compared with the $29 Cape May County is charging in 2009.

E-mail Richard Degener:

RDegener@pressofac.com

Posted by tumulty at 10:12 PM | Comments (0)
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Libraries facing hefty budget cuts

Sunday, February 15, 2009
Last updated: Sunday February 15, 2009, 12:09 PM
BY JAMES YOO
NorthJersey.com
STAFF WRITER

Library funding could face the chopping block as local officials seek flexibility in controlling costs.

A movement led by the New Jersey League of Municipalities aims to halve dedicated tax dollars for libraries. A state Assembly bill to that effect was introduced this week.

The League argues that the current funding formula is outmoded and outpaced by land values that rose during boom years.

Library directors and advocates counter that the funding formula, in place since 1937, is self-correcting and rises and falls with property values. They also argue that cuts would impact services and resources just when job seekers and students are using them more than ever.

"Strong libraries make strong communities," said Norma Blake, the state librarian. "Right now, we need strong communities. And the one public entity that is going to preserve the quality of life for residents is the public library."

The question of library funding arises as local officials deal with dwindling state aid and shrinking property tax bases, even as public-service costs rise. They can trim costs around the edges, but still face big-ticket items such as staff contracts.

Towns must allocate a base amount of tax revenues to local libraries, which are created by public vote. Libraries receive a third of a "mill" tax on every dollar of assessable property, equalized to updated market values.

A mill equates to a tenth of a cent. For example, the owner of a house with a market value of $100,000 would pay about $33 to support the local library.

In actual dollars, that funding fluctuates along with taxable property values. In boom times, it can rise, as was the case for most North Jersey local libraries from 2007 to 2008 — Palisades Park and Paterson rose almost 16 and 17.5 percent, to about $863,000 and $2.8 million, respectively. But it can also decrease or stay flat, as in Midland Park, which dropped about 2 percent to about $440,000, as well as Totowa, which slipped about half a percent to about $774,000. Oradell's barely changed, edging up three hundredths of a percent, to about $610,000.

The General Assembly bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Vincent Prieto, D-Secaucus, would halve municipal library funding from a third of a mill to a sixth.

The bill is not yet in final form, Prieto said. He said he will work with library directors and advocates "to make some amendments so it's something they live with."

William Dressel, executive director of the League of Municipalities, praised the bill and urged mayors to press lawmakers to support it.

"Because these [library funding] statutes have not been amended to change the proportional obligation of each municipality to fund its public library, many municipalities are collecting monies in excess of the needs of their public library systems," he wrote.

Inflation and real-estate booms, the League argues, have pushed the equalized value — essentially market value — of property well beyond equalized values that existed when the library tax law was enacted.

"Years ago, maybe that made a lot of sense," Dressel said. "I'm not sure that number is a legitimate number. We think that number should be reduced."

Dressel doesn't want to abolish libraries. He wants local officials to have more fiscal flexibility, especially in hard times — "Give them the decision-making authority to determine the best possible use of those dollars for the better good," he said.

Allendale Mayor Vincent Barra supports the change. Libraries "provide an incredible amount of services to residents," he said, "But having said that, they don't spend all the money allocated to them."

And if libraries do not have specific purposes for surplus funds, "it's telling me something's wrong with the formulation," Barra said.

Patricia Tumulty, executive director of the New Jersey Library Association, said library boards do save money — so they don't have to ask taxpayers for more to pay for carpet, computers or other such expenses.

She and other librarians also disagreed with the League's rationale on the funding formula. True, if a town's property values rise, so will library funding, Tumulty said. But the reverse also applies, she said.

"In essence, it's a self-correcting formula" that has worked for decades, she said.

Moreover, she added, cuts would affect the increasing droves of job and information hunters.

For example, Saturdays at Clifton's main and branch libraries have been busy all day for months, said library Director Christine Zembecki. Generally, patrons used to only begin coming in around 1 p.m.

Among other libraries, Riverdale lent 17 percent more books and DVDs from 2007 to 2008. Ridgewood saw a 10 percent increase, to 26,000, in program attendance. At Woodland Park, registered use of free computers rose by 58 percent.

"The place is jam packed," said Robert Lindsley, director of the Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library in Woodland Park.

Given that intensifying use, library overseers say halving dedicated funding would lead to fewer weekend and evening hours, also cutting into student research and time given to help job seekers with computers and résumés. And "if you cut people, that's the one thing that we have to offer," said Riverdale Public Library Director Abigail Sanner, adding it's staff, or the human touch, that differentiates her library from, say, a large chain bookstore such as Borders.

Community ties also are a factor: Reducing Riverdale's hours or staff, by example, would affect a regional knitters' group. Nicole Threlfall, 25, of Hawthorne has come to the gatherings since her high school days and said, "There are a lot of these groups that keep crafts alive, and libraries are a good place to do that."

Robert White, executive director of the Bergen County Cooperative Library System, said tax cuts would not initially affect larger libraries, such as Ridgewood and Teaneck. But those systems still could be stressed, he said: If smaller neighbors must cut back, that would drive patrons to larger libraries — which in turn might have to limit out-of-towners.

Edward Simoni, president of the Bloomingdale Free Public Library board, said if his library suffered the proposed cut, "it's out of business. I don't see how it could survive."

Bloomingdale's board is among dozens in North Jersey formally opposed to changing the tax formula.

Blake, the state librarian, said urban libraries are hurting now, and suburban libraries would follow.

"We see libraries as the canary in the coal mine," she said. "Cutting libraries is the first sign of decay."

E-mail: yoo@northjersey.com

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February 13, 2009

It's a read it and weep idea: Measure would slash libraries

Courier-News Online
Editorial February 13, 2009

t's a sad state of affairs when lawmakers fail to grasp the vast importance of the state's public libraries, especially their role during times of financial duress.

With that thought in mind, fast-forward to Assembly bill A3753, sponsored by Assemblyman Vincent Prieto, D-Bergen, Hudson, which would cut financial support to these key places of learning by 50 percent. Prieto's motivation is the cost of funding libraries by municipalities at a moment when government budgets are under stress.

While acknowledging that the strain of ever-more limited government resources during a period of flagging tax revenues is large, libraries are not the place to pick up the slack. Local town halls would do a far greater service to residents by taking the ax first to their biggest area of spending: the overstuffed salaries and related benefits enjoyed by public workers, plus the overall number of employees themselves. Taken together, those expenses constitute in the neighborhood of 80 percent of municipal budgets.

Libraries, on the other hand, pay for themselves through the knowledge they impart and the better-trained populace they help to create. One could even argue they lift communities' bottom lines.

Outside of the public schools and public universities, there is no greater resource other than public libraries for the education and advancement of local residents. Libraries offer the opportunity to learn new skills, aid in obtaining an academic degree, the opportunity to do better in the work place, or the chance to land a whole new job. They are easy to get to for most everyone. Their services are either free or of nominal cost. And they are open long hours.

Besides all of those things, libraries offer enriching forms of cheap entertainment for people who can't afford a whole lot else.

New Jersey's libraries are already bowing under the weight of recession, some cutting hours, or staff, or materials, and sometimes all three. Prieto's alarmingly short-sighted measure could be the final dagger for some — and for patrons who need these services more than ever.

It has never been more appropriate to fund libraries to their fullest, instead of throwing them under the spending bus.

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Editorial

Hopewell Valley News, Feb. 11, 2009

The New Jersey State League of Municipalities wants to change how we fund our public libraries.

The organization is pushing legislation that would cut in half the amount of funding that towns are required to provide to their municipal public libraries — legislation that could leave too many libraries facing revenue shortfalls at a time when their costs are increasing.

The league is responding to difficulties that many smaller municipalities had been facing as property values skyrocketed over the last decade. Library funding is tied to property value: Municipal public libraries, those created by referenda and funded through local property taxes, receive a minimum of 33 cents on every $100,000 of equalized assessed property value; funding increases are capped at 15 percent.

At the same time, the growing anger over rising property taxes has put pressure on municipal governing bodies and the state to find ways to rein in tax bills. Towns have cut some spending, used up their surpluses and sought new revenues, but library spending has been off limits — even with a state-imposed 4 percent cap on tax levies.

Municipal officials around the state call the funding formula unfair and say they should have the same discretion when dealing with requests from the library as they do with other departments. Library spending, they say, is eating into other programs, forcing cuts in planning and zoning, trash collection, public works and police.
* These are legitimate concerns. However, we believe the league’s proposed fix will only create new problems, allowing towns to cut library spending to a level that hampers library operation — especially with property values declining in many areas of the state.

While libraries in towns like Princeton, Monroe and South Brunswick are well funded, spending well above the state per-capita average, others such as Jamesburg, Lambertville and Manville spend as little as 60 percent to 80 percent of the state per-capita average. Smaller communities and the state’s large cities and working class suburbs are facing the most severe budget woes and it is likely that library spending would be cut if the state allowed.

Jamesburg already has sought voter approval to shut its library — a referendum that failed — because of budget constraints.

These smaller towns obviously face difficult budget decisions, providing another argument for consolidating services (joint or county libraries) or entire municipalities. The state needs to create financial incentives to encourage smaller communities to join county library systems in the 14 counties where they currently operate, which would have the side benefit of expanding library services, or to join with neighboring communities in joint library arrangements.

Failing this, however, it is clear that changes need to be made in how libraries get their money. The Legislature should consider tying funding to population or creating a separate line on municipal tax bills for library services, removing library spending from the municipal budget altogether.

The difficulties faced by municipal governments are real, but so are the concerns raised by library officials. A more creative solution has to be put on the table than just slashing library budgets.

________________________________

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E. Greenwich library merges with county

Gloucester County Times

Friday, February 13, 2009
By Pete McCarthy
pmccarthy@sjnewsco.com
EAST GREENWICH TWP. The township's library on Kings Highway has joined up with five other branches that are already part of Gloucester County's regional system.

The move was announced Thursday and is expected to save East Greenwich close to $45,000 each year.

"In this economy our libraries are seeing unprecedented use," said Freeholder Joe Chila.

By joining the Gloucester County Library System, the East Greenwich branch will be able to offer better hours and more services.

"It was very difficult, especially in this economy," said branch manager Carol Baughman. "We have a fund-drive every year, but you just outgrow your resources. It became more work than we could handle."

Before this move, the library was partially funded by the township and county, but was operated by an independent association of trustees. They relied on bake sales and other fundraisers throughout the year to help balance the budget.

The county is expected to spend close to $57,000 to cover personnel costs and another $71,500 Ð including about $30,000 for upgrades Ð in operating expenses.

All six library employees will remain under this agreement. The county will lease the building from the township's school district for $1 a year.

"It makes for a stronger library in East Greenwich," said Bob Wetherall, director of the county library system. "It provides better services to the residents and it strengthens the county library system."

The library on Kings Highway opened 10 years ago and is situated inside an old school building. For 35 years, it was operated out of somebody's house.

"We're just delighted," Baughman said of the merger. "We'll be able to provide more programs because we'll have more in our budget."

One of the benefits of joining the system is that the library will be open an additional 13 hours each week.

The library is now open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

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League of Municipalities takes aim at library funding

The Times of Montclair

(by Terrence T. McDonald - February 12, 2009)

The League of Municipalities is urging the state Legislature to slash by half the mandatory municipal funding for public libraries, a move library advocates say would be devastating to libraries statewide.

Though the proposal is not yet on the radar of state legislators, 60 library boards across the state and several municipalities have already approved resolutions opposing it, according to Patricia Tumulty, executive director of the New Jersey Library Association.

"This is something that would be detrimental," Tumulty said. "We can’t do it."

The idea of cutting mandatory library funding has been brewing for a while, but has moved to the forefront since the economic downturn began last year, Deborah M. Kole, a League of Municipalities attorney, told The Times. Kole stressed that the proposal would allow municipalities to cut funding, not require them to do so.

"They would only ‘be forced to’ if there were other needs that were even stronger for the residents," she said.

A state statute requires New Jersey municipalities to provide at least "1/3 of a mill" – which translates into one-third of one thousandth of the municipality’s total tax base – to their public libraries. The League of Municipalities’ proposal would cut that mandatory funding in half.

The statute, which was last amended in 1985 and before that in 1944, is long overdue for a change, if only to allow municipalities that don’t need "1/3 of a mill" to use the money for non-library purposes, Kole said.

"This has been a long-standing issue for those municipalities that don’t need it for the library and it’s just sitting there," she said. "Meanwhile, they’re not able to give property tax relief to their taxpayers."

If a library has a surplus, then that doesn’t necessarily mean it should be given back to taxpayers or spent on other items, Tumulty said. Often, surpluses are saved for capital projects such as purchasing new computers or upgrading carpet, she said.

"They are, from our point of view, frugally managing their money," Tumulty said.

In Montclair, the public library is required to receive about $2.5 million annually in municipal funding. In 2008, its municipal allocation was $3.85 million, out of a total budget of $4.96 million.

The library cost a Montclair resident with an average home, appraised at $656,000, $345 in 2008.

Last week, the Montclair Public Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously to oppose the League of Municipalities’ proposal. Library Director David Hinkley said the proposal would open the door for municipalities to cut essential library services.

"I think that the library community found it very shocking," Hinkley told The Times.

Hinkley noted that state officials, who have warned of a very lean 2009 budget, are considering a 20 percent reduction of centralized library services and per capita assistance, which provided Montclair’s Library with $50,000 last year.

This proposed cut, coupled with the League of Municipalities’ proposal, would be detrimental, Hinkley said.

"Portions of the Montclair community … rely very heavily on the library," the director said.

The League’s proposal will probably not find many supporters in the state Legislature, according to Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin, who resides in Montclair.

It’s counter-productive in an economic downturn to cut funding for libraries, which serve a greater purpose in bad times than in good by providing unemployed residents with computer access to search for jobs and compose resumes, Giblin said.

He added that libraries aren’t exactly sitting on massive piles of money.

"A lot of these libraries are struggling to begin with. They’re just kind of eking by," Giblin said

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February 9, 2009

Portrait of a Library Testing the Art World

New York Times
By KEVIN COYNE
Published: February 5, 2009

Plainfield Public Library
“Winding Line,” by Winslow Homer.

The public library here dates to a gilded era when the grand mansions on the neighboring blocks were home to a concentration of wealth — tycoons, industrialists, financiers — almost unmatched in the state, and the walls were hung with the art they bequeathed to it.

The original library has been gone since 1968, replaced by a low-slung, glassy pavilion where the heaviest traffic now is at the computer terminals used mostly by unemployed patrons looking for jobs.

Plenty of art remains, hanging in conference rooms, offices and hallways, but the most valuable works in the collection have long been all but invisible: an oil painting and a watercolor by Winslow Homer that were donated to the library in 1931 and have been crated and stored for many years on a gray metal shelf in a basement bank vault, their worth silently growing as the dust bunnies multiplied alongside them.

“It was sort of a lose-lose situation,” said Joseph Da Rold, who grew up in North Plainfield and has been the library’s director for 15 years. The cost of the insurance and security that would be required to display the Homers in public was more than the library could afford, he said. “It would have been way too expensive even to bring them out of the vault, much less to hang them here.”

But then the Art Institute of Chicago came calling, asking to borrow the Homer watercolor for an exhibition last year. That set off a chain of events that occasioned a long discussion at the library about its history and its mission; raised its hopes about how it might finish some long-delayed projects; led it into rarefied precincts of the fine-art auction world; and ultimately gave it a sobering glimpse of what happens in the stratospheric reaches of the economy when even the wealthy start tightening their belts.

The first surprise came when the Homers were appraised before the watercolor traveled to Chicago. Based on earlier appraisals, the library’s entire art collection was insured for $2 million. But while the paintings were hibernating in the bank vault, prices for American art had been climbing. Now, the library learned, the watercolor was valued at $2.5 million, the oil at $5 million; these two paintings combined could be worth five times the library’s annual budget. The insurance bill jumped to $25,000 from $3,800 a year.

“There was an awful lot of soul-searching,” said Anne Robinson, the president of the library’s board, who moved to one of those grand neighboring mansions from Manhattan after 9/11. “What are our needs and what are our resources, and how do we balance them?”

It’s a question that many other institutions have wrestled with — most recently and prominently Brandeis University, which last month abruptly announced that it would close its art museum and sell its entire collection — and the library’s trustees consulted with several of them. The board discussed its options at its regular meetings for six months last year in the conference room beside the library’s extensive archives of local history.

“What do we do with a painting that costs us $25,000 a year to insure, that we can’t display, that nobody has ever seen, that wasn’t painted by a Plainfield artist, that wasn’t painted in Plainfield, that isn’t a scene of Plainfield, and is worth millions of dollars?” Ms. Robinson asked. “Shouldn’t we use that for the betterment of Plainfield?”

The paintings, as well as a lithograph that is much less valuable, were owned by Benjamin M. Day, who had lived in North Plainfield and died in 1905. His widow died in 1930, and the next year their only child, Benjamin M. Day Jr., gave the Homers to the library, where they had previously been exhibited at least once before.

“It’s literally just two lines in the minutes,” Ms. Robinson said about the record of the donation. A lawyer’s review of all the Days’ wills found no mention of the gift, and no restrictions upon it, she said.

The library’s trustees were fond of the watercolor, “Looking Over the Cliff,” by far the best known of its Homers, and the prevailing sentiment was to keep it, Ms. Robinson said. When they considered the oil, though — “Winding Line,” a fisherman in oilskins sitting on the edge of a boat on a pebbly beach — and then looked around at all the pending improvements the library had patiently awaited, they decided to sell it, and put the proceeds into an endowment. The vote by the seven-member board, last June, was unanimous.

And so the painting was dispatched to Sotheby’s, and scheduled for auction in December, with a minimum price of $2 million. “And then what happened is the stock market went south, and took the art market with it,” said Mr. Da Rold, who attended the auction with several trustees.

Nobody bid. “We were stunned,” Ms. Robinson said. “Here we thought we had one little cash cow named Winslow Homer, and then it doesn’t sell.”

The library did make some money from other items it had also decided to sell — $150,000 for a marble bust of George Washington by Hiram Powers; and $123,000 so far for some colonial currency and old coins that had been sitting for decades in a safe-deposit box, and that the library has been selling through another dealer. After the auction, Sotheby’s had 60 days during which it could sell the Homer to a private buyer for $2 million. A few bargain-hunters came calling, but the clock ran out last week with no takers.

“I’m happy that there’s a reprieve,” said Nancy Piwowar, a member of the city’s cultural heritage commission who would like to see the painting remain in a city that has already lost too much of its history. “People need to respect what people have given in the past. I don’t know what it is, but he had to have a reason why he left it to Plainfield.”

Under its agreement with the library, Sotheby’s cleaned the painting, and will store and insure it for the next three years; the library is also scheduled to receive a hand-painted reproduction that it plans to hang inside the entrance. If the art market rebounds, the trustees may decide to put it up for auction again. As the economy has faltered, library usage has climbed — computer usage was up by third last year, circulation was up 10 percent, and more people keep signing up for literacy classes — and the list of needed improvements keeps getting longer.

“Jobs, jobs, jobs — that’s the main thing here,” said Wayne Hunter, a library employee who helps patrons on the 19 computer terminals occupied all day long. The computers look out over the children’s room that fills up as soon as school lets out, and the atrium the library would like to fill with more floor space.

One of the patrons was Kalief Rowan, of Plainfield, who had a job cutting grass last summer, but has been looking for work since the weather turned. “Something in painting or construction,” he said. He hadn’t found anything yet, but he kept scrolling down the screen as patiently as the fisherman in Homer’s painting has been winding up his line all these years.

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February 8, 2009

Don't cut funds for our valuable public libraries

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voice of the people / Don't cut funds for our valuable public libraries
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Press of Atlantic City, The (NJ)-February 6, 2009

The funding of public libraries isn't a hot topic. I doubt the businessman using the free WiFi at the public library, the couple choosing Saturday night's entertainment from the library's DVD collection or the student using library resources to write the best-ever college entrance essay are in any way aware of the danger public libraries in New Jersey face from a recent proposal to cut their funding.

Most of the people who use public libraries -- and the use of all library resources, including staff, increases dramatically during times of financial hardship -- don't know or care how a free public library is able to maintain its level of commitment to its community.

Municipalities provide funding based on their ratables. Affluent municipalities yield higher funding than a municipality with fewer ratables and/or lower assessments. The State Library Development Bureau has managed to maintain an equitable distribution of funds by coordinating resource sharing among the four regional libraries in the New Jersey Library networks and by fairly administering per-capita state aid and state and federal grants. And it's worked.

Until now. The League of Municipalities wants to change the formula so that municipalities pay less. The proposed decrease would effectively cut public library funding 50 percent. Funds for the State Library Development Bureau would also assuredly be cut.

These cuts would result in layoffs of librarians and staff; fewer staff members means fewer hours of operation, as well as curtailed or discontinued programs. These cuts would guarantee, at a time when it is needed more than ever, that a vital part of any municipality -- its free public library -- would cease to exist. Please contact your state legislators and urge them to support the continued responsible funding of all our public libraries.

NANCY WADDELL

Ocean City

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Fords Public Library Set To Re-Open

c-n.com
John R. Hagerty • Reader Submitted • February 6, 2009

Woodbridge Mayor John E. McCormac today announced that the Fords Branch Library has re-opened its doors after the completion of interior renovations and the installation of new lighting. As a result of the two-month renovation project - funded through a gift to the Woodbridge Public Library the Fords Branch Library is more "reader-friendly" and easier to navigate than ever before.

According to John Hurley, Woodbridge Library Director, the Fords Branch Library was closed in late November to complete an interior renovation and lighting project. New ceilings and lights were installed in the Main Reading Room, Children's Room, Quiet Study Room and the Video Room. The new lighting provides library-goers with more lumens and uses efficient fluorescent and halogen lamps.

Director Hurley noted that the Fords Branch Library continues to operate free of charge, serving readers and researchers from Fords and neighboring communities. Library cards are available to people who live, work, attend school or own property in Woodbridge Township. For more information on obtaining a Woodbridge Library card log-on to: www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us and go to the Woodbridge Library link.

The Fords Branch Library is open six days a week:

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Letter to the Editor: Proposed library funding cuts would be devastating

Letters to the Editor Proposed library funding cuts would be
Saturday February 07, 2009, 12:00 PM
By Dale Spindel
To the Chronicle:
I feel compelled to respond to a front page article that appeared in the Cranford Chronicle on Jan. 23 ("Garwood considers reducing library funding") regarding the consideration of a resolution by Garwood Borough Council to urge the state to redraft the funding formula for public libraries.

A quote by Councilwoman Kathleen Villaggio indicates that the New Jersey League of Municipalities' proposal of a reduction to a funding level of one sixth of a mil would pertain only to increases in the library budget. Unfortunately, the sample resolution as it appears on the webpage of the League, clearly refers to the entire library budget, not just annual increases. Were this proposal to become law, it would slash the minimum required funding to public libraries by half, resulting in devastating consequences for library service throughout the state.

A total of 43 public libraries in Union and Middlesex counties belong to MURAL (Mutual Reciprocity Among Libraries), a network which has been in place for 17 years and which enables library patrons from any of these communities to borrow materials directly from any of the other participating libraries. The League's proposal will no doubt have a destructive effect on the MURAL agreement since it is likely that those communities which choose to maintain library funding at current levels would, to avoid an outside drain on their own resources, be forced to terminate existing reciprocity agreements with those libraries that do not.

Those of us in the library community understand and are sympathetic to the many strains on taxpayers and municipal budgets during the current economic downturn, but the fact of the matter is that library use increases significantly during times of high unemployment and fiscal distress.

On average, public library expenditures constitute less than 2 percent of the overall community and school's budget. Giving municipalities the ability to cut library budgets in half will provide only minimal savings to municipalities, but will effectively destroy library service in those communities which choose to make those cuts.

The biggest losers will be the citizens who need those services.

Dale Spindel, Library Director
Kenilworth Public Library

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Phillipsburg library, Warren County library system contract to be reworked

Express-Times
Friday, February 06, 2009
By SARAH WOJCIK

PHILLIPSBURG | Warren County freeholders want to renegotiate a nearly 20-year-old contract with the Phillipsburg Free Public Library that one freeholder called "not equitable."

Due to expire at year's end, the contract was signed in 1990 to serve residents in the southern portion of the county, according to Warren County Library System Director Richard Moore.

What contract talks mean for library users is unclear until talks get rolling, officials said, but Moore said not to worry.

"We're looking into a variety of options, but one thing is for sure: We will provide service for those people one way or another," he said.

County Freeholder Everett Chamberlain said he hopes to welcome Phillipsburg's library, 200 Frost Ave., fully into the countywide system but said negotiations on the subject have only just begun.

"We'd like to see them enter the county system, and they have to decide if they want to have that happen," Chamberlain said.

Phillipsburg Council President David DeGerolamo said he needs much more information from the county about the consequences of joining the county system. Another option is ending the partnership altogether.

"At this time the town has no information from the county as to how this will affect the town of Phillipsburg," he said. "If they want this to be a reality, they need to come to the governing body and tell us what this means."

Moore said Phillipsburg and four other municipalities in the county do not pay a dedicated library tax that supports the county system. The others are Belvidere, Hackettstown, Washington and Alpha.

Chamberlain called the existing agreement "not equitable for all parties."

"It's not contentious on our part at all," he said. "I want to develop an equitable contract for all involved. I'm going to do what's right for the taxpayers of Warren County."

Phillipsburg residents pay for membership in the town's facility through a municipal tax, but the funds do not support the county system, Chamberlain said.

When purchasing new books or expanding the building, the Phillipsburg library is the sole beneficiary, despite the county funding about 56 percent of the library's expenses, according to Chamberlain.

Reporter Sarah Wojcik can be reached at 610-258-7171, ext. 3631, or by e-mail at swojcik@express-times.com.

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Assemblyman wants Warren County voters to weigh in on $26M library project

Express-Times
by Stephen J. Novak
Friday February 06, 2009, 3:51 PM

Michael DohertyAssemblyman Michael Doherty (R-Warren/Hunterdon) said today he plans to pay a visit to the Warren County Freeholders meeting next week, where he will ask the board to approve a measure that would put any future bonded debt for projects to voters.
In a letter sent to the freeholders this afternoon, Doherty listed some projects that would be affected. In particular are plans for a $26 million building that will serve as the headquarters for the Warren County library system, as well as house several other departments.

"I believe that in this time with a downturning economy, you really have to be careful about borrowing money," Doherty said.
At a budget hearing Wednesday, the freeholders said they planned to move forward with the library project -- which is currently in the planning phase -- because it could provide job stimulus in the county and eliminate rents for housing some departments.

Doherty also said his suggested voter approval resolution would affect an expansion of the county's administration complex and renovations to the county courthouse.

A bill Doherty introduced late last month would require counties and municipalities to hold elections for voters to approve of bonds. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee for approval.

Doherty is making a bid for state Senate against former Assembly colleague and current interim Sen. Marcia Karrow, also a Republican.

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February 5, 2009

PRINCETON: Bill to cut library aid opposed here

Packet of Princeton On-Line

By Greg Forester, Staff Writer

Posted: Monday, February 2, 2009 6:34 PM EST
A push to halve the minimum level of funding for municipal libraries that has garnered support from some of New Jersey’s local officials will find none at Princeton-area libraries, where library leaders say the current funding level is already inadequate for the array of services provided by their libraries.

Current state law mandates that municipalities provide local libraries with a level of funding equal to one-third of a mill, or approximately one-third of a thousandth of every dollar of true property value in a municipality. The plan, which has received support from some New Jersey mayors and the state League of Municipalities, seeks to have that amount changed to one-sixth of a mill.

The effort elicited concern from Princeton Public Library Director Leslie Burger last week during a board of trustees meeting.

Her concern was elevated, she said, in light of the economic climate and the fiscal pressure facing many municipalities.

Those factors meant such a plan could garner more support than similar plans that had emerged from time to time in the past, Ms. Burger said.

”It’s possible this could pass this time,” said Ms. Burger.

In response the Princeton library board passed a resolution against such a funding change, which Ms. Burger characterized as potentially “having a fairly devastating effect on libraries.”

Statistics provided by Ms. Burger show that the vast majority of New Jersey’s local libraries run on more than minimum funding. Of 228 municipal libraries, 39 are funded below the minimum level, 41 at the minimum level, and 148 receive more than minimum funding.

Plainsboro Public Library is among those libraries that run exactly at the minimum funding level, but achieving that feat means reliance on a variety of cost-cutting measures that cannot be expanded in the event of funding being cut in half, according to Library Director Ginny Baeckler.

”It’s pretty much impossible to really run a library well at a third of a mill,” said Ms. Baeckler, whose library relies on volunteers and donated books to cut costs and run a full-service library on minimum funding.

For Plainsboro’s library, which lacks the community affluence and financial support of Princeton’s facility, half-funding would “absolutely mean cutting services in a half,” Ms. Baeckler said.

Despite growing concern, Ms. Baeckler said she remained doubtful the plan would receive support from legislators.

She said such a plan and the resulting slash in services would cause “uproar” in the community and carry political consequences.

”You would have major unrest in most communities,” she said.

Supporters of the plan, like the state League of Municipalities Director Bill Dressel, say the plan is meant to empower municipal officials who face excruciating budget decisions this year. He likened the minimum funding requirement to police contracts and other obligations that tie the hands of mayors and governing bodies working on local budgets.
”That money is lock-boxed,” Mr. Dressel said.

The push to cut funding was not based on a lack of support for libraries, according to Mr. Dressel, who noted that supporters did not seek to eliminate library funding requirements altogether.

”Here, we’re going to make an exception to our exception,” Mr. Dressel said.
The plan has only been debated by local municipal officials so far, and has not been brought up in the state Legislature yet.

Mr. Dressel said local officials needed “the folks under the gold dome to give us the tools” to reduced the amount of dedicated money in local budgets.

”There is no other funding program that starts with a dedicated amount,” he said.

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New Linden library construction right on schedule

By SUZANNE C. RUSSELL • Staff Writer • February 4, 2009
Courier-News Online

LINDEN —Despite the snow and cold weather, construction is proceeding on the city's $9 million Linden Public Library.

"It's going very well," said Library Director Dennis Purves, adding the basic skeleton is up for the library, which is being constructed on the parking lot of the existing library at 31 E. Henry St.

Purves said the snow has slowed things down, but workers are on the site even when the weather is bad.

Recently Mayor Richard Gerbounka, library Board of Trustees president Marilyn Coplan, library board secretary Joan Konrad, Purves and project manager Paul Harbaugh of Harbour Consultants, signed a steel beam which will be installed as part of the roof of the new building.

With the shell of the building in place, Purves said the concrete for the second floor should be poured soon and then in the next few weeks work should begin on the outside of the structure.

Purves said the project is on target to be completed by November or December.

"We're looking at the end of the year," he said.

Ground was broken in September for the project which is being financed through the Union County Improvement Authority. Linden is borrowing $7 million from the authority which arranges financing for public projects. The city previously borrowed $2 million for the project.

The new three-story, 25,000-square-foot building will replace a structure dating back to 1939 which is small, in poor condition and has an outdated electrical system which cannot support the electrical demands of computers and other modern technology.

The new library is designed to have an open, welcoming facade with landscaping that will include flowering plants and the city's namesake linden trees. The library will be equipped with wireless capacity for Internet access and a computer laboratory with space for computer classes. There will be be three large conference rooms.

The new children's section will feature an outdoor patio for reading and story time. A separate area with comfortable seating is designed to appeal to young adults.

During the construction, the existing library remains open.

"The bulk of our collection is still here," Purves said.

Parking has become a little more difficult because of the construction work but patrons are parking on the street and in a lot behind the Dairy Queen, he said.

"People are still getting in," he said.

Purves said the computers are always busy and people also are coming in to borrow the free DVDs and take out books.

"It's pretty steady," said Purves, who has noticed people working on resumes during these tough economic times. "We were told a year ago our business would drop, but we're very busy throughout the day."

The existing library will be demolished as the new library nears completion.

The children's library has been temporarily relocated to the game room at the John T. Gregorio Recreation Center, 330 Helen St.

Linden library cards also are being accepted at neighboring libraries in Clark, Rahway and Roselle.

Suzanne C. Russell; 732-565-7335; srussell@MyCentralJersey.com

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February 3, 2009

Library lets late fees fly for hero Hudson River pilot

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS • February 2, 2009

FRESNO, CALIF. — Hero pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger is every librarian's hero, too.

The US Airways pilot splash landed his jetliner in the Hudson River on Jan. 15, and everyone on board escaped safely. But left in the cargo hold was a book Sullenberger had checked out from California State University, Fresno, through his local library near Danville.

Library officials say Sullenberger asked for an extension and waiver of overdue fees. The pilot and his spokeswoman didn't return messages seeking comment Monday.

The librarians say they were struck by Sullenberger's sense of responsibility and did him one better: They're waiving all fees and dedicating the replacement book to him.

The book's subject? Professional ethics.

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February 2, 2009

U.S. libraries on borrowed time?

By Marisol Bello, USA TODAY
Dwindling tax dollars are forcing libraries to close branches, cut hours and end programs just as more people are turning to them for services.
"Libraries rely on public dollars, and we know there are less public dollars," says Sari Feldman, vice president of the Public Library Association and executive director of the Cuyahoga County Public Library in Ohio.

OLDEST PUBLIC LIBRARY: May close this year
PHOTOS: America's oldest library slated to close

At the same time, Feldman says, more adults are using free Internet services to search for jobs or apply for unemployment benefits, and more people are economizing by borrowing books, DVDs and CDs.

Among libraries in trouble:

• Troy, N.Y., is closing two of three branches today because the budget has been cut 16% to $669,000 this year, says Paul Hicok, executive director of the Troy Public Library. Its circulation of borrowed materials increased 16% last year.

• Muncie, Ind., is closing three of five branches, says library director Ginny Nilles. Its $4.8 million annual budget is facing a cut of $2 million over two years. Circulation increased 7% last year.

• In Philadelphia, Mayor Michael Nutter planned to close 11 of the city's 54 libraries this month to save $8 million, but a judge ruled he did not have the authority. Nutter is appealing. The branches remain open, but their hours will be reduced.

• Phoenix faces a 27% cut in its $40.6 million budget that would reduce hours at its 15 branches from 72 hours a week to 48 and eliminate some children and adult reading programs, says city librarian Toni Garvey. The number of visitors increased 8% in 2008.

• Darby, Pa., expects to close its only library — the oldest continuously operating free public library in Pennsylvania and believed to be the oldest in the nation — next year.

Cities are making tough choices, says Chris Hoene, director of policy and research at the National League of Cities. As people lose income or curb spending, income tax and sales tax revenue falls. Local officials must choose between core services, such as police and fire protection, and services such as libraries and parks.

"Obviously, when push comes to shove," he says, city governments facing budget cuts "will protect city services considered more vital to the safety of the community."

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Business Brisk at Area Libraries

By Annie Gowen
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, February 2, 2009; Page A01

Nearly every study table is full with patrons sipping lattes and surfing the Web. Teens are curled up in easy chairs. In a worried knot by the doorway, job seekers gather around a sign-up station for the Internet, waiting for their turn.

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Before the Germantown library opened in 2007, there was hardly any "downtown" to speak of in the Montgomery County community, where houses and strip malls grew before anything else. Now it's an important civic anchor, a main street where none existed, and the busiest library in the county.

In the past few months, it has become even busier. The library, like most in the Washington area, has had a rising tide of users as patrons look for free computer access, DVD loans and activities for children during the recession. Circulation in the last six months of the year rose as much as 23 percent in libraries around the region, records show.

The influx comes just as county managers are preparing budgets for the coming fiscal year in a time of huge shortfalls. Libraries, like other services, face drastic cuts that could mean reducing staff and hours or even shuttering branches.

"It's a cruel irony that use is going up and budget cuts are occurring simultaneously," said Jim Rettig, president of the American Library Association and a librarian at the University of Richmond. "What I think doesn't get enough recognition is the role libraries play in the economic vitality and development of a community."

Cultural soothsayers once thought libraries would become obsolete in the Internet age. Not so. They have modernized, digitized, virtualized.

Patrons can bring their own beverages; Arlington County hopes to add a cafe in one of its branches. They can access databases, read Chinese newspapers or the latest graphic teen novel. Users have more and more access from home; they can text in reference questions to a Fairfax County librarian, for example, or listen to podcasts. Fairfax card holders can read an e-book online. Librarians are trying to tailor services to community needs, hoping to add more babysitting certification classes in Silver Spring or résumé-writing workshops in Prince George's County.

More than 68 percent of American adults now have a library card, the highest number since the ALA began tracking the numbers in 1990.

"One thing I hear quite frequently is 'Gee, it's cheaper to come here than Borders,' " said Nancy Savas, the library manager at Germantown. "It makes me laugh, because we've always been here."

The Searchers

The Germantown library cost $19 million to build three years ago, a civic project emblematic of flush times that would be hard to build today. It has soaring glass windows and a rotunda with a spiral staircase that is supposed to evoke a silo -- and memories of the county's agricultural past, the dairy farms now plowed under. It has the latest bestsellers, 32 computers and Chinese- and Spanish-speaking staff, a necessity in a community where a third of the population is foreign-born.

"You feel like you're almost in a little bit of a cathedral," said Galen Yoder, 63, a Chevy Chase resident who visited the library recently. "The only thing missing is stained glass."

Into the cathedral the seekers come. One middle-aged mom at the information desk was looking for a DVD of a self-help tome, "The Secret," popularized by Oprah Winfrey two years ago. "I'm trying to find myself, the meaning of life, my existence," she whispered.

Business Brisk at Area Libraries

Hannah Lee, 4, grabs a book during a visit to the Germantown library with her dad, Samson Lee, and sleeping 1-year-old sister, Jenna. (By Nikki Kahn -- The Washington Post)

Others appear at the library on Friday afternoons, teary, having just been laid off, needing the computers to figure out their unemployment insurance.

"Three o'clock on Friday is an interesting time to be at the library," Savas said, a little ruefully.

Some find a sense of community with their fellow sufferers. Some not.

"It depresses me. I don't know," said Abby Glackin, 39, a Germantown resident who has been unemployed since October and is looking for secretarial work. "I see people filling out questionnaires on Monster.com. I guess there are so many of us who are unemployed that it's more disheartening to me than it is anything else."

Victoria Grant, 22, a mother of two who lost her job in retail four months ago, logged on to the computer recently to look for a new position.

She vowed she would get one by Feb. 1 so she and her fiance, Curtis, a chef, could get back to planning their wedding. It doesn't seem right to get married while she's unemployed, she said. She told him the wedding had to wait.

"You can't have a marriage without some sort of stability," she said. "It's really bad out there. . . . Trust me, I know so many people looking for a job, it's not even funny."

Instead of buckling down, though, she was dreamily perusing wedding sites. There's her dress at David's Bridal -- a satin one with a flouncy skirt and black sash for $449.

"Oh, one day," she said, scrolling. "It's the most beautiful thing ever. I love it."

Later, she jubilantly reports that she has been hired as a cashier at Staples.

The nuptials are back on.

Chris Termini, 41, a postal worker from Germantown, disconnected his Internet and cable about a year ago.

"I'm just trying to make ends meet," he said.

He visits the library a few times a week to check his e-mail and see the latest links or jokes his friends have sent. He used to be able to log on with no problem. Now he sometimes waits an hour. On Monday or Tuesday, he often has to leave for work before his turn comes up.

Other libraries are also seeing cyberspace traffic jams. Internet use was up 41 percent at all branches in December, officials said. In Loudoun County, Wi-Fi use has increased 33 percent.

At the Spauldings Library in District Heights, librarian Kelley Perkins has seen tempers fray at the Internet queues when job seekers have to wait their turn behind youngsters perusing MySpace or watching videos on YouTube.

"People are getting a little short with each other," Perkins said. "What we hear most frequently is, 'Why are those kids on the computers when I have real work to do?' "

The Kids

Germantown's Discovery Center -- a quiet place with dollhouses, puzzles and other toys -- is booked a month in advance. A second one is opening this month. On Saturdays, the diverse population turns the room into a mini-United Nations, with parents crouched in tiny chairs reading with their kids in a dozen languages and admonishing them not to bang the fish tank.

Even so, the story time for toddlers that used to draw 20 or so children now commands three times as many, Savas said, as parents tightening their wallets search for cheap entertainment. One day, 172 children showed up.

"I stopped coming because it was insane," said Sondra Jackson, 38, a stay-at-home mother of two from Clarksburg.

Similar programs are popular in other counties where children make up a large percentage of the population, such as Loudoun.

There, online registration for the toddler music class "Rhythm Rhyme and Tune Time" used to reach a fever pitch, not unlike buying tickets for a rock concert, librarians said. Registration would fill up within a minute on the morning it was available.

"We were getting screamed at by angry customers who weren't getting in," said John Huddy, the branch manager for the Ashburn library. "You explain to them it's like a Springsteen concert."

Finally the library instituted a lottery system.

Although the popularity of that music class predates the downturn, participation in all of Loudoun's children's and adult programs is up 24 percent.

"People are discovering what an incredible value their library is in their community," Rettig said. "It's the only institution in American society" offering such accessible learning opportunities to all ages.

Huddy, Savas and other local librarians said the challenge now will be trying to meet demand while bracing for proposed budget cuts that will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Already they are getting creative. Huddy, whose library is short-staffed, actually put a few of the unemployed regulars to work shelving books as volunteers. Alexandria's libraries posted a wish list on Amazon.com, hoping that benefactors might treat them to "Mr. Jefferson's Women" by Jon Kukla for $10.17 or the "Good Dog Massage" DVD for $24.95.

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Economic woes boost library use for job resources

By LISA CORNWELL
Associated Press Writer
Published: Friday, January 30, 2009

American Library Association
CINCINNATI Since being laid off when Circuit City closed the store where he worked, Vincent Self heads to the public library every chance he gets to search for a job.
Libraries around the country report significant increases in visitors like Self as more people turn to libraries for help in this rocky economy.

Many are using library computers and other research materials to find jobs, submit employment applications and apply for unemployment benefits. Some are looking for cheaper entertainment options by checking out books, DVDs and CDs for free instead of buying or renting. Others are researching ways to better manage their finances.

No recent national statistics are available, but staff and library users at libraries in nine states report increased use of computers for job seeking and government-related purposes, according to a 2007-2008 technology access study by the American Library Association, said Larra Clark, the Chicago-based group's project manager for research and statistics.

"We also know that library card registration is at an all-time high since we started measuring card usage in 1990," said Loriene Roy, a former association president and current board member. "We are hearing from members everywhere that they are seeing increased demand in computer use and all other areas."

Self, 26, of Cincinnati, spends several hours a day at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County looking through job postings and poring over books on potential careers.
"I don't know what I would do if I couldn't come here," he said, perusing a pile of real estate books. "I couldn't afford to do all this if I had to pay."

The library saw use of its online resources reach an all-time high last year, with more than 87 million uses, compared with 71 million in 2007.

"We are seeing an increase not only in computer use, but in all areas - including books and DVDs as people look for ways to save money," executive director Kim Fender said.

Circulation also reached a record high for the Cincinnati/Hamilton County library system in 2008: Residents borrowed 15.6 million items, more than 750,000 higher than in 2007 - a 5 percent increase - while reference use jumped more than 27 percent.

At the St. Joseph County Public Library in South Bend, Ind., computer demand has caused users to wait in lines sometimes 20-deep for the main branch's 50 computers, director Don Napoli said.

"Just about everyone these days requires online job applications, and a lot of people don't have access to computers," he said. "We're just packed with people most of the time."

The library has put some retired computers back in use for the public and made other computers available more often. The number of active library card users increased from an average of 90,000 to 100,000 the past few years to about 125,000 today, Napoli said.

Computer use at the Mount Laurel Public Library in Mount Laurel, N.J., near Philadelphia, rose 11 percent from fall 2007 to fall 2008, acting director Kathy Schalk-Greene said.

In Ohio, the Columbus Metropolitan Library saw 2.2 million computer logons in 2007 and was on track to reach at least 3 million at the end of 2008, spokeswoman Kim Snell said. The library last week started job-help centers for the growing numbers needing to learn how to use computers and other employment resources.

"People who haven't had to apply for jobs in 20 years now find they have to do it online and are coming to us to learn how to do that," Snell said.

The national unemployment rate jumped to 7.2 percent in December, the highest in 16 years, and is expected to keep climbing.

While library officials are grateful for the rise in popularity, they also have to cope with effects of the economy on their funding.

Some libraries are being forced to cut staffing and hours and even close branches as money from state and local government dwindles.

Fender said more than 86 percent of funding for the Cincinnati/Hamilton County system last year came from state government. The library receives no city or county money, and its estimated state funding will decrease about $3 million in 2009.

"It's the kind of thing that keeps me up at night," Fender said.

People dependent on the library for job resources also worry about budget cuts.

Nicole Rycek, 21, of Cincinnati, does temporary work now but spends much of her free time scouring Web sites on the library's computers for a better job. She said she has waited up to an hour to get on one of the nearly 100 computers.

"But even if I have to wait a long time, it just means so much to me to be able to use a computer here," Rycek said. "You can't find or apply for jobs without one."

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February 1, 2009

Absecon budget cuts must total $860,000

Absecon budget cuts must total $860,000
By EMILY PREVITI Staff Writer, 609-272-7221

Published: Friday, January 30, 2009

ABSECON - City officials are pushing for changes to two state laws that they think will help them make up a budget shortfall that exceeds $800,000.
Absecon City Council met Thursday to talk about how to manage the city coffers amid the financial crisis that has stunted public budgets nationwide.

Some municipal leaders want New Jersey legislators to halve the required local contribution to public libraries and to forgive the typical Dec. 31 revenue collection deadline to allow cities the opportunity to take in more money, according to Council President and Budget Committee Chairwoman Lynn Caterson.

"It's a good point, but I don't think the state will change anything. We tried this ... twice before," said longtime Council man Charlie Norris.

Delaying debt service, relief from lower gas prices and legal costs and eliminating gypsy moth spraying and city-funded road projects have saved the city $500,000 so far. But a lower tax collection rate, shrinking investment returns and reduced construction fees mean local leaders must cut another $360,000 to stay within the 4 percent tax cap on noncapital expenses, Caterson said.

The library's 2009 budget calls for about half of the $300,000 the state says should come from city taxes. That means that if the state changes the library tax law as recommended by the League of Municipalities, Absecon would save $150,000 and still meet the library's needs, Caterson said.
Additionally, the library has accumulated a roughly $400,000 surplus. That means the library could make it through the next year even if funding lapsed completely, according to City Councilman Jim Vizthum.

So officials also might explore whether the library can help fund other entities, such as the local public access channel and historical society.

"Some people are living with a 20 percent decrease. A
4 percent increase ... at the municipal level is way more than enough in these tough economic times," said Glenn Hayden, a Planning Board member and the lone resident in the audience Thursday.

E-mail Emily Previti:

epreviti@pressofac.com

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Tough economic times sends more to Central Jersey libraries for services

c-n.com
By RICK MALWITZ • Staff Writer • February 1, 2009

CENTRAL JERSEY —When the doors open at the Plainfield Public Library on Park Avenue people are typically lined up at the door, eager to use the free computers first thing in the morning.

Others come to the library for books and DVDs, for lessons in English and literacy and for tutoring.

Joe Da Rold, who has been the director for 15 years, said the library prides itself as being neutral territory, an oasis open to all comers.

"We're the Switzerland of Plainfield," he said.

While signs of the recession are empty stores and declining sales, business at libraries is booming.

The number of user sessions at the Plainfield library increased from about 34,000 in 2007 to about 43,000 in 2008. The number of books withdrawn increased by 9,000.

In 2007, 172 students signed up for literacy classes. Da Rold said most are honing language skills to make them more marketable. Last year the number swelled to 236.

"Everything's up, across the board," said Cheryl McBride, the director of the North Brunswick Public Library. "More people are coming in, and more items are going out."

"We're seeing more usage of everything," said Susan Kaspin, the program director at the East Public Brunswick Library. "With things tough out there, people are turning to the libraries more and more."

MORE THAN BOOKS: Time was when a library had a sole purposes of lending books, and giving students access to the World Book and other reference. Today libraries offer free computers, DVD rentals, access to fax machines and copiers. Some have added cafes.

While the coffee is not free, nor are fax machines and copiers free, virtually everything else comes without direct cost.

However, because libraries are funded by taxpayers of New Jersey - and every at every level of government officials are looking to cut costs - libraries find themselves in political crosshairs.

In November the League of Municipalities adopted a resolution calling for a change in state law, to allow municipalities to cut their mandated support of local libraries in half.

Currently a municipality is required to fund libraries at the rate of one-third of a mill of equalized valuation. The resolution calls for a rate of one-sixth of a mill.

A mill is one-tenth of a penny, and these mills do add up. For each $100,000 of property valuation the library tab is $33 annually.

Molly Newling, assistant director of the Piscataway Library, noted that the one-third mill law requiring municipalities to fund libraries has been on the books for more than 100 years.

"It seems to have worked well. Cutting that would be devastating," she said.

Plainfield, which serves as a regional library in Western Union County, gets in excess of the one-third mill minimum, with an annual budget of about $1.5 million. "We couldn't operate if (the minimum) was all we received," said Da Rold.

Allowing for the historic nature of the city, one of the most popular services is helping people trace their genealogy. "If you're not careful the genealogy people can take over your life," said Da Rold.

TIGHT SPACES: The boom in business in Plainfield is matched elsewhere. The number of items lent by the North Brunswick library, including books, DVDs and CDs, increased from 257,000 items in 2007 to 320,000 in 2008. The number of computer sessions increased from 50,000 to 59,000.

The biggest problem in North Brunswick is the cramped size of its library. A rule of thumb, said McBride, is one-square-foot per residents. North Brunswick has 34,000 residents, with a 14,000 square-foot library.

McBride looks with envy at Monroe, which dedicated its 44,000 square-foot library yesterday. McBride previously worked at the 36,000 square-foot Franklin Township (Somerset County) Library that opened in December 2006.

The New Jersey State Library is mounting a campaign to counter the League of Municipalities resolution. Included in its campaign is a sample resolution for library directors to send to legislators.

The sample resolution declares, in part, "Public libraries are vital community centers providing essential services to the residents of their municipalities, even more so during these difficult times."

One of the biggest demands at local libraries is access to computers, to assist in job searches.

The East Brunswick library will host a seminar on Feb. 9 to assist people in writing resumes and hone their interview skills.

A section of the Piscataway Public Library has been set aside as a career center, offering information on job availabilities, resume-writing and tools for small business.

However, the Piscataway library is a victim of its own downsizing, having eliminated Sunday hours and idled its bookmobile to cut costs.

Da Rold said his staff does not monitor computer use, to see what sites patrons are visiting. However, he said, "We know from the questions they're asking that it has something to do with looking for a job."

VARIED OFFERINGS: The East Brunswick has classes offering meditation and yoga and classes in Qigong, a Chinese exercise program. "We're the community center and everything is free," said Kaspin, allowing for exceptions in the cafe and copier machines.

Many libraries offer free use of DVDs. Plainfield rents DVDs for free. The Carteret Public Library charges $1.50 for DVDs. "It's a lot cheaper than four movie tickets," said library supervisor Sam Latini.

"There are many free programs - books, music or movies, which more people are taking advantage of due to these tight times," according to Fran Daley, director of youth services at the Hunterdon County branch library in Clinton Town.

"Perhaps it is a sign of the times, but our eBay classes have attracted more than 50 sign-ups each," said Valeri Drach Weidmann of the Highland Park Public Library.

The Kenilworth Public Library has stepped up the purchase of nonfiction books that foster economical lifestyles, such as budget cookbooks and do-it-yourself guides.

The South Amboy Public Library buys as many as 10 copies of popular best sellers, saving patrons its cost. "People don't have to go to the bookstore. It's like recycling books," said director Elaine Gaber.

This is not all good for booksellers. The more books that libraries lend, the fewer booksellers sell.

The Association of American Publishers recently reported that the sale of books decreased by 14.4 percent in November, compared with November of 2007, and were down by 4.4 percent for entire year.

Rick Malwitz: 732-565-7291; Rmalwitz@mycentraljersey.com

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After heated debate, proposed library funding cuts on hold in Garwood

Cranford Chronicle

by By LESLIE MURRAY THE CHRONICLE
Friday January 30, 2009, 1:00 PM
GARWOOD--A group of nearly 30 residents attended the Borough Council meeting on Jan. 27 to object to the council's consideration of a resolution that would ask the state to change the library funding formula. However, after an extensive public comment the council agreed to table the resolution and meet with members of the Library Board of Directors before making a decision on the matter.

The discussion began during the Jan. 13 meeting, when Councilwoman Kathleen Villaggio asked the council to consider passing a resolution from the New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM) endorsing a change to the state's library funding formula.

The library funding formula was set under state statute in 1944 that required municipalities to fund the library each year based on one-third of a million of each dollar of equalized value in the municipality. The NJLM resolution seeks to reduce the annual payment from one-third of a mill on every dollar to one-sixth of a mill on every dollar.

The Garwood Public Library however also doubles as the public school library and is housed within the Lincoln School.

During the Tuesday meeting, Villaggio explained that while the library funding formula has seen little change in 65 years the borough's "rateables ... have increased 10 fold." She added that since 2001, the library's budget had doubled and that the borough would be required to allot $228,000 for the library in 2009, a $15,000 increase from 2008.

"We're not proposing to cut funding to the library, which has served us (well)," Villaggio said. What we're looking at are the increases we are being faced with."

Furthering the comment, she said the council was seeking the ability to consider the library's annual budget prior to an increase being made, which is the procedure in all other municipal departments.

Library Board President Carolyn Warchol said that the resolution, and the suggestion that the library budget could be cut in half, would be devastating for the Garwood Public Library. While the library budget was over $200,000 in 2008, she said the library paid $30,000 to the borough for in kind services.

Countering, Villaggio said those fees covered costs, such as benefits and other "items that we (the borough) pay for."

Warchol continued, saying that the average family pays about $100 in taxes towards the library budget each year. Calling the Garwood library "the best bang for the buck", she said the library is a resource not only for residents but for the children in the school district as well.

"We would ask that you not reduce funding because it's going to have a disastrous effect on the library," Warchol implored.

Replying, Villaggio said the council understood the importance of the library to Garwood.
"If the library (budget) was reduced by 50 percent in my opinion it would not be able to operate. That's not good government," Villaggio explained.

Library Director Carol Lombardo said that while the library budget has doubled since 2001, the amount of technology now available to residents has drastically increased.

"In 2001, we had no computers. We had no DVDs. We had no programming," Lombardo said.
Residents Mike and Effie Hajduk said that they were "appalled" that the council was considering the idea of cutting the library's funding.

"I oppose any change or modification ... that would touch the library," Mike Hajduk said. "I think it's going to decrease the value of our homes by cutting services."

Explaining the council's position, Council President Keith Sluka stressed that while the library was a valuable asset, the funding formula gave the council almost no control over the budget increases.

"I don't want to make (the library) sound like it's poorly managed; it's not. It's about the state mandating a fee upon the municipality that's not based on quality (or) on services, but based on a formula that's been there since 1944," Sluka said.

Sluka went on to comment that the issue could be remedied if the library budget was held to the same limited percentage increase each year as are other borough departments, a suggestion Lombardo said could actually work for the library board.

Offering additional comment, Councilmen Anthony Sytko and Jonathan Linken said that the resolution was about an out-of-date funding formula and not about the borough's library.

"I think one thing we can all agree on is that we at least want to look at the formula because it hasn't been changed in 65 years," Sytko said.

With the resolution officially tabled, borough and library representatives are slated to meet regarding library funding before any further action is considered.

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Boro supports cuts to library funding

Atlanticville January 29, 2009

NJLM approves resolution asking state to amend public library funding formula
BY DANIEL HOWLEY Staff Writer

WEST LONG BRANCH — A proposal made by the borough in the fall to reduce the amount of funding municipalities must provide to their free public libraries is gaining some support statewide.

The Borough Council made a proposal in November at the New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM) annual conference calling for the state Legislature to amend its free municipal public library funding formula in light of the nation's current economic climate.

The NJLM introduced and approved the measure and has since put the proposal into a resolution and circulated it to each of the state's 566 municipalities.

"There are a lot of towns that feel the way we do," West Long Branch Mayor Janet Tucci said at the Jan. 21 council meeting, adding that if the measure is approved by the state, it would provide a significant cost savings for the borough.

The council began pushing for a reform to the state's public library funding laws after Councilman J. Thomas DeBruin proposed it in September as a way to reduce the borough budget.

The NJLM, a lobbying group made up of representatives from each of the state's municipalities, is now calling on each municipality in the state to pass a resolution requesting that the state Senate and Assembly take action and amend the current funding formula.

"We believe that as local governments confront unprecedented fiscal challenges, a reform to the [library funding] statute is both appropriate and necessary," NJLM Executive Director William Dressel said.

West Long Branch was required to appropriate approximately $500,000 for its municipal library in 2008, according to the current funding formula in place. The borough's overall 2008 spending plan was valued at $9 million.

"We give our library here in town a little under half a million dollars for salary and wages and operating expenses," Tucci said. "That seems to be a lot, considering our town budget last year was $9 million and we are giving half a million to the library."

If the amended funding proposal was in place last year, the borough would have only had to budget $250,000 for its library, Tucci explained.

Dressel explained that although the proposal is seeking to lower the amount of money a municipality pays to its library, it would not put a maximum limit on how much towns can give to their libraries.

"We note that such a change would not prevent a municipality from providing more funding than it required, but merely lower the required payment for municipal libraries," Dressel said.

Despite being a supporter of the proposed amendment to the funding formula, Tucci said that she is appreciative of the services provided by the borough's library.

"We have a wonderful library, a wonderful staff," Tucci said. "A lot of people use the library and enjoy it, but it is a lot of money to continue to give it.

"So in trying to keep our little town library alive and well without bankrupting the town at the same time, we put out a resolution," she added.

According to Tucci, the state's current library funding statute was last amended in 1985. At that time, she explained, property values throughout the state were significantly lower. In recent years, property values have increased, and as a direct result, so has the amount municipalitiesmust appropriate to their libraries.

"Nineteen eighty-five was the last time [the funding formula] was amended, and we really feel it needed to be amended again, because small towns can't afford to keep their wonderful libraries and we don't want to give them up," Tucci said.

The NJLM has received criticism from the New Jersey Library Board regarding the proposal, according to Tucci.

"It's very controversial because needless to say the New Jersey Library Board does not want this to happen," Tucci said. "They feel that if towns aren't made to fund small libraries, they are going to close up."

Prior to seeking an amendment to the state's funding formula, the borough was looking into possibly turning the municipal library over to the Monmouth County Library System.

By transferring the library to the county system, DeBruin explained, the municipal library would become a branch of the county system and the borough would no longer be required to abide by the state public library funding formula.

The proposal could have saved the borough some $387,000 annually, according to De- Bruin, who explained that due to several roadblocks, including concerns over whether the library's current employees would still be able to work at the facility or would be let go when it was taken over by the county, the plan has was put on hold.

Contact Daniel Howley at dhowley@gmnews.

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