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May 10, 2009

In tough times, libraries are a lifeline

In tough times, libraries are a lifeline
Sunday, May 10, 2009
BY BRENT JOHNSON
For the Star-Ledger
When Jackie Hilles lost her publishing job in January, she found solace at Piscataway's Westergard Library.

She canceled her $50-a-month internet subscription and started using the library's free Web service. She checked out books on finding jobs.

"I'm not alone," Hilles said. "I see at least a half-dozen people every day at the library in my situation. And the numbers are growing."

As the economy continues to droop and people look for ways to save cash, circulation is up 8 percent at libraries across several counties -- including most in Middlesex County -- according to the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium.

But libraries are feeling the same pinch as their patrons -- and Westergard is a prime example. Rumors have circulated through Piscataway that Westergard -- one of the town's two public libraries -- is in danger of closing due to budgetary shortfalls.

The library stands to receive $300,000 less in township funding than it did last year, which library director James Keehbler said would make it hard for Westergard to stay open.

Hilles has even started a website, SaveTheWestergard.com, to bring awareness to the issue.

"I just hope that library stays open," she said. "I need it."

Mayor Brian Wahler vehemently denies the library will close.

"I don't know who is spreading that rumor," Wahler said, raising his voice at a town council meeting last week. "Shame on them. It's downright despicable."

Demand for services of the nation's libraries tends to shift when the economy dips, said Anne Roman, special projects coordinator for the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium -- an organization that represents 26 New Jersey libraries, including most in Middlesex County.

Among those now turning to libraries are "people who didn't think anything of buying a book through Amazon or Barnes & Noble," Roman said. "But I think people are thinking twice now before shelling out $25 for a best-seller."

Westergard, which opened in 1980 in the New Market section of Piscataway, has circulated 8,154 more books over the last three months than the same period last year, library director Keehbler said. And internet usage has spiked 25.8 percent.

Middlesex Borough Library has seen a 15 percent increase in circulation this quarter. Sayreville is up 13 percent, Metuchen 12 percent. And that mirrors a national trend.

"If you look at a number of magazines and publications showing ways for people to save in this economy, one of the ideas is for people to investigate their public libraries," Roman said. "It's a community gathering place. It's available through people's tax dollars."

In East Brunswick, library director Carol Nersinger said she has seen more people who likely lost their jobs showing up during daytime hours. They bring their laptops to use the free internet. They use the libraries' printers and copy machines.

But because of a $350,000 reduction in township funding, the library is cutting services, hours and part-time staff.

"That's a very familiar pattern," Nersinger said. "Where the economy is bad, more people turn to us. At the same time, the people we get our money from are also in trouble. When they need us the most is sometimes when the money isn't there."

As for Westergard, the town council said it plans to schedule a meeting with the library's administrators to discuss how to prevent the building from closing.

"There are other things that can be done," Wahler said, noting that townships across the nation are figuring out how to weather the economy.

Lynn Budell, a former Piscataway library director, said she's relieved the council has vowed to help.

"If something like that is gone," Budell said, "it's gone for good. It doesn't come back."

Brent Johnson is a reporter for the New Jersey Local News Service. He can be reached at bjohnson@njlns.com.

Posted by tumulty at May 10, 2009 3:52 PM

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