NJ Libraries Eliminated From State Budget
Gov. Christie's budget calls for a 74% decrease in funding for statewide library services. This cut includes the elimination of all statewide library programs and services. This will affect all types of libraries in New Jersey. Once state funding is eliminated, NJ will lose $4.5 million in federal funding. What does this mean to NJ residents? Once state and federal funding are lost the impact will be felt by all residents:
Access to electronic databases such as RefUSA and EBSCO will cease
Statewide interlibrary loan and delivery of library materials will cease
Put back one dollar for each NJ citizen and the 74% cuts to libraries would be restored!
Libraries will lose 50% of state aid at a time when demand for services is increasing dramatically
More than half of public libraries will lose access to the Internet
Many libraries will lose email service
Many libraries will lose their websites or access to them
The Talking Book and Braille Center (known as the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped) will close
Group contracts which bring down the cost of other electronic resources purchased by libraries will cease
At the same time the state is eliminating funding for library programs. Assemblyman John DiMaio has introduced A2555 which eliminates the minimum local funding requirement for municipal public libraries.
This assault on libraries must be stopped! Here is what you need to know:
160,242 people enter a NJ library every day
The $10 million in library programs cut from the Governor's budget represent little more than $1 per capita in state funds.
Library programs have been flat funded for 20 years so it is hard to believe these small programs have caused the state's current fiscal crisis.
Local library funding targeted in A2555 typically represents less than 3% of local property taxes.
What can you do?
Become a Library Champion. Join the Facebook group Save NJ Libraries and check for updates on our efforts.
Call or send a message to the Governor (609) 292-6000, your State Senator and Assembly representatives opposing the elimination of funding for library programs and A2555.
Assembly and Governor contacts: http://capwiz.com/ala/nj/home/
When you become a Library Champion we promise that we will only use your email address to contact you on issues affecting library service. Please join us in preserving library service in New Jersey.
New Jersey Libraries - Busier Than Ever
According to the latest data your public library is a very busy place.
48,531,094 annual visits to public library
59,800,386 items checked out- up 4 million from last year
8,405,278 questions asked
3,686,779 programs attended
144,105 NJ children read 1,992,427 books during summer reading last year.
68% of the American Public have a library card
83% of New Jersey residents say funding public libraries is a good investment (source: 2007 Potomac Public Opinion Survey)
71% of New Jersey residents believe a public library is an essential service for the community- not a cultural amenity. (source: 2007 Potomac Public Opinion survey)
