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May 2, 2010
Save libraries
http://www.northjersey.com
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Nutley Sun
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:
New Jersey libraries are facing a large challenge as Gov. Christie’s budget calls for a 74 percent reduction in state tax dollars for statewide library services.
A 74 percent reduction in funding will eliminate the core services and infrastructure that support a majority of New Jersey libraries, including the Internet, loaning and delivery of collections between libraries, support for summer reading programs for children; databases and electronic resources, and as much as a 50 percent reduction in state aid, which many libraries use to purchase books, computers and audiovisual collections.
My family lives in the Nutley and Montclair. We depend on library services in both towns. My grandchildren and I visit the Nutley and Montclair public libraries often to take out books, DVDs, magazines, and attend programs. Students in towns throughout the state use the homework assistance program offered by their local library.
Furthermore, my family uses library databases at home, and students use the library database after the library is closed by using their library cards.
These services are invaluable to my husband and me, our son and daughter-in-law, and our three young grandchildren. Our grandchildren enjoy visiting the library, borrowing books and returning them to be conservators of the environment.
My family understands that a bill has been introduced to end the formula for dedicated public library funding (A2555.) This bill would eliminate the required appropriation for the funding of free municipal libraries. We implore you to keep New Jersey’s libraries strong and preserve this funding.
While my family recognizes the terrible budget problems that Gov. Christie, the New Jersey Legislature and state citizens face, the answer is not in eliminating services for libraries, which truly serve residents of all ages and stages of life at an average annual cost of $1.19 per person.
Libraries are part of the solution in helping our residents during the economic downturn. It is important to Save New Jersey libraries.
Please check out www.savemynjlibrary.org for more information.
Sally Goodson
Nutley
Posted by tumulty at May 2, 2010 2:54 PM
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