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April 26, 2009
East Brunswick library prepares for cuts amid $350,000 budget reduction
Staff Report • April 26, 2009
EAST BRUNSWICK — Library officials say a total of $519,000 in budgetary reductions will result in major cuts to library hours, staffing levels and services offered to township residents.
The proposed 2009 budget, submitted to the Township Council, cuts the municipal appropriation to the East Brunswick Public Library approximately $350,000. The cut is in addition to $169,000 in cuts made to the library's municipal appropriation at the end of last year and the beginning of this year.
In order to continue optimal service to the public, beginning Friday, May 8, the library will cut hours of operation on Friday evenings and Sunday evenings. The library will now close at 5 p.m. Fridays, instead of 9 p.m., and Sunday hours will be reduced from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. to 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition, the library will be closed during Sundays in the summer from June 21 through Sept. 6 and will reopen for Sundays on Sept. 13 for 1-5 p.m.
“Obviously, we regret that these cuts are necessary, particularly at a time that public libraries are viewed as an oasis in the economic storm,” said Elaine Lee Kessler, president of the Board of Trustees at the East Brunswick Public Library in a prepared statement. “Our library offers over 50 high-speed computers for residents to use for job searches, to learn new computer skills, and apply for unemployment. East Brunswick residents have always enjoyed superior library services offered by our library and its staff, and it will be difficult for them to adjust to the cutbacks.”
Library officials say the budget has forced them to scale back every part of the library's operations, including a reduction in staffing levels through layoffs and staff hours.
The library administration also has frozen some staff positions and will institute some fees for services. New fees will be added to interlibrary loan requests, reserving items and computer training classes.
Questions regarding the impact of the budget cuts can be directed to director Carol Nersinger at 732-390-6761.
Posted by tumulty at April 26, 2009 10:57 AM
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