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February 23, 2010

Local libraries need the public's support to survive

Burlington County Times
Feb. 23, 2010
Opinion Column

Librarians and those who love libraries may feel as if they're in an upside-down world these days.

Funding is down.

Way down.

And still tumbling.

All of this despite the fact that library use is up - way up - because now, more than ever, people, especially those who were damaged economically, emotionally and physically by the evil deeds on Wall Street, need them.

Thanks to libraries, those who cannot afford home computers can use the ones at their local libraries to do homework, write research papers or find jobs. All free of charge.

"Business is booming," said Gail Sweet, director of the Burlington County Library System.

The Friends of the Burlington County Library recently hosted a lunch reception for library workers and friends from across the county.

The meeting was designed as a brainstorming session.

Participants were asked to share their thoughts on raising money for projects and, perhaps more important, how to make everyone - from a kindergarten student visiting a library for the first time to a current CEO who owes much of his or her early success to library access - become an advocate for libraries.

The meeting was organized by Burlington County Library Friends president Charles Bruder, and a formal presentation was guided by headquarters librarian Joan C. Divor. It quickly became clear that libraries are in a crisis mode, especially small ones like Beverly, which temporarily closed its doors recently due to a lack of funding.

So what seems the best path for those seeking to save libraries in this higher-use/less-support era?

Janet Lowe of the Beverly Library suggested asking children to write letters to legislators seeking help, and Celeste Poin-sett of the Bordentown Library Association talked about going directly to residents by mailing a pledge form and requesting a donation.

Of course, libraries aren't alone in seeking public and official support during these dismal financial days.

Theater companies may have their seasons threatened, youth sports teams may have trouble paying fees, and dance troupes may find they don't have enough money for rehearsal space, let alone the funds to put on performances.

That shared pain is understandable, but libraries are something special.

Very special.

They level the playing field for those of all incomes and backgrounds and give users a jump-start on the road to success.

They truly offer something - from computers to classics, as one marketing slogan noted - for everyone, help users achieve their goals, and have the grand ability to change lives in major ways.

The goal of the meeting was to turn up the volume on the importance of libraries, and that came across loud and clear.

One can only hope our elected representatives are listening.

As Bruder said, "We must advocate for the survival and existence of libraries."

Amen.

Calkins Media film critic Lou Gaul is a trustee for the Friends of the Burlington County Library and a trustee for the Moorestown Free Library Association.

February 23, 2010 01:20 AM

Posted by tumulty at February 23, 2010 6:00 PM

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