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
• 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. http://capwiz.com/ala/nj/home/
Why Become a Library Champion?
Library Champions are people who love their libraries and want to be in the know about issues that may affect them. Being a Library Champion means:

• Giving us your email address so that we can contact you when needed.
• Taking appropriate action such as phone calls, emails to legislators or simply talking to your neighbors about the value of library services.

When you become a Library Champion we promise that we will only use your email address to contact you on issues affecting library service. We will never share, or sell, your contact information. Please join us in preserving library service in New Jersey. Click on the red icon to the left to become a Library Champion.
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)

Tell Us Your Story
Libraries transform lives everyday. Click here to see how!
Do you have a story about how libraries (or the people that work there) have helped you? Please tell us!
Did You Know That In Just One Day

• 160,242 people walked through our doors
• 126,626 books, movies and more were borrowed
• 24,153 people used computers
• 15,053 questions were answered
• 1,015 people got employment help
• 1,121 programs were offered
• 892 people learned computer skills

from: ilovenjlibraries.org