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March 6, 2009

Demarest library funding debated

Tuesday, March 3, 2009
BY MICHELLE SARTOR
NorthJersey.com
NORTHERN VALLEY SUBURBANITE
Demarest -- After council members were asked to consider passing a resolution objecting to a library funding cut of 50 percent, they expressed concern with the increases the Demarest Library is slated to receive.

Demarest Library President Margaret Shapiro explained to the council that although it appears that a proposed assembly bill to cut library funding in half will not be pursued, passing such a resolution of support “would be greatly appreciated.”

Mayor James Carroll said that while he’s in favor of libraries, he’s concerned with the amount of money the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS) requires.

“What we’re having difficulty with is the yearly BCCLS increase,” Carroll said. “We’re capped at 4 percent. There’s is 15 percent.”

Shapiro said she understood the concern, but added, “You have to fund us for us to be part of the BCCLS system. Without that, we can’t have a library.”

The Borough spent $300,000 on the library last year and with the 15 percent increase will spend $345,000 this year. Of that amount, BCCLS will receive $26,000.

Councilman Brian Bernstein requested that Shapiro provide the council with the 2009 library budget so members could fully understand what the money will be used for.

Shapiro agreed to present that at the next council meeting, but offered some insight into the library’s plans. She said the library hopes to add a teen room downstairs and a community room upstairs, each at 500 square feet. “It would be a great use of space,” she said.

Shapiro will also try to get Robert White, BCCLS executive director, to speak with the council at the next meeting for further explanation of the BCCLS system.

Council members were pleased with that resolution. “Our problem is really with BCCLS and its formula,” Councilwoman Melinda Iannuzzi said.

E-mail: sartor@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6703

Demarest -- After council members were asked to consider passing a resolution objecting to a library funding cut of 50 percent, they expressed concern with the increases the Demarest Library is slated to receive.

Demarest Library President Margaret Shapiro explained to the council that although it appears that a proposed assembly bill to cut library funding in half will not be pursued, passing such a resolution of support “would be greatly appreciated.”

Mayor James Carroll said that while he’s in favor of libraries, he’s concerned with the amount of money the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS) requires.

“What we’re having difficulty with is the yearly BCCLS increase,” Carroll said. “We’re capped at 4 percent. There’s is 15 percent.”

Shapiro said she understood the concern, but added, “You have to fund us for us to be part of the BCCLS system. Without that, we can’t have a library.”

The Borough spent $300,000 on the library last year and with the 15 percent increase will spend $345,000 this year. Of that amount, BCCLS will receive $26,000.

Councilman Brian Bernstein requested that Shapiro provide the council with the 2009 library budget so members could fully understand what the money will be used for.

Shapiro agreed to present that at the next council meeting, but offered some insight into the library’s plans. She said the library hopes to add a teen room downstairs and a community room upstairs, each at 500 square feet. “It would be a great use of space,” she said.

Shapiro will also try to get Robert White, BCCLS executive director, to speak with the council at the next meeting for further explanation of the BCCLS system.

Council members were pleased with that resolution. “Our problem is really with BCCLS and its formula,” Councilwoman Melinda Iannuzzi said.

E-mail: sartor@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6703

Posted by tumulty at March 6, 2009 6:40 AM

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