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April 16, 2010

Leave the book open for library patrons

Friday, April 16, 2010
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
OP-ED

This is National Library Week. The annual celebration of libraries and librarians comes at a time when libraries are busier than ever. This year, New Jersey libraries of all types are facing very challenging times.

Gov. Christie's proposed budget eliminates most of the statewide services that state residents have come to expect from their local libraries. A 74 percent reduction in state funding will eliminate the core services and infrastructure that support a majority of our libraries, including access to the internet, databases and electronic resources; loans and delivery of materials between libraries; and support for summer reading programs for children. And a 50 percent reduction in state aid will affect our libraries' ability to purchase books, computers and audiovisual collections.

The New Jersey Library Network -- most likely your neighborhood public, academic, school or special library -- has worked tirelessly over the past 25 years to coordinate services. It has been purchasing books and databases cooperatively for two decades. The network also provides technology training and continuing education for the public and librarians. Libraries also receive computer and technical support. My local library pays about $80,000 in one year to subscribe to the databases, but many libraries won't be able to offer these resources; college and K-12 students will lose out, as will small businesses.

Cooperative purchasing is a good business model, but it was also a good choice because statewide library funding was essentially flat for two decades. Now, the new reductions will eliminate most of that good stewardship. This is not shared sacrifice. This is elimination. And it is unwarranted when we see that $10.4 million in annual funds for libraries on the chopping block had been spent wisely in the past. Additionally, the loss of the funds will trigger a loss of $4.5 million in federal funds, because "maintenance of effort" federal requirements will not be met.

More than 48 million visits were made to New Jersey libraries in 2009. The state's citizens depend on libraries as essential places in their communities for lifelong learning; job hunting; borrowing books, DVDs and magazines; accessing downloadable materials, and more, to help the family budget.

Often, the public library is the only center in the community where anyone can go for services such as finding tax forms, resume preparation, homework assistance, literacy programs, recreational reading, research and much more. Libraries serve the youngest children, starting with programs for babies and parents, where children are read to and begin learning and socializing. Programs for children and teens continue as they grow. Our youth find welcoming spaces that offer help with homework, research, their college search, books, and a place to relax in a safe environment. Most libraries offer hours until 9 p.m. on weekdays, as well as weekend service. After school hours, the library serves as a virtual gateway for education and recreation.

A favorite success story is that of a man named Lenny, who visited his local public library for many months to use computers and books to hunt for a job after being laid off. Lenny learned how to use the internet and books for job searching from the librarians. Eventually, Lenny was called for an interview. One day, he came in and proudly announced that he had landed the job of his dreams.

The Assembly is considering bill A2555, which would eliminate the dedicated minimum local funding requirement for municipal public libraries. If enacted, the bill would greatly weaken libraries and could render them incapable of providing the necessary levels of service that state residents expect. Typically, this funding represents less than 3 percent of a local municipality's budget.

A recent report conducted by the Gates Foundation (find it a njla.org) found that nearly one-third of Americans age 14 or older "" roughly 77 million people "" used a public library computer or wireless network to access the internet in 2009. As the nation struggled through a recession, people relied on library technology to find work, apply for college, secure government benefits, learn about medical treatments, and connect with their communities. New Jersey's libraries represent a very real segment of that effort.

While we recognize the budget problems that Gov. Christie, the Legislature and our citizens face, the answer is not to eliminate funding for library services for residents of all ages and stages of life, at an average annual cost of only $1.19 per person.

Libraries are an important part of the solution to fixing New Jersey's problems. We look forward to working with Gov. Christie, the Legislature and the citizens to preserve and save our libraries.

Susan Briant is president of the New Jersey Library Association and director of the Haddonfield Public Library.

Posted by tumulty at April 16, 2010 8:16 AM

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