Save NJ Library Funding!

On February 9, 2009 Bill A3753 was introduced into the New Jersey Legislature. This bill would cut in half the required funding for public libraries in the state of New Jersey. You can read the bill text here.

Please contact your Assemblymen Michael Patrick Carroll and Richard A. Merkt and tell them you oppose this legislation.

Below is a sample letter. Feel free to use this text or create your own.

I oppose the Bill A3753 introduced by Assemblyman Vincent Prieto (from District 32, Bergen & Hudson) and I call on you to please do the same. This bill calls for an adjustment in New Jersey law that lowers the minimum funding level for municipal public libraries from 1/3 mill in equalized valuation to 1/6 mill. This modification would have a disastrous consequence on all libraries in the state by effectively cutting their funding in half. This would lead to significant cut backs in library services in those communities at a time when library usage is growing and is needed more than ever.

The financial difficulty facing numerous residents necessitates access to important information resources available in New Jersey's free public libraries, such as access to computers for educational or business needs, or to find jobs and other opportunities; and increases the use of the other services of the public library, such as loaning books and other media or attending programs for children and the entire family.

The need for free access to information, the internet, and educational material is most dire. The public libraries are vital community centers providing indispensable services to the residents, even more so during these difficult economic times. In addition, it is our tradition, that is, of a democratic society, for the citizens (of New Jersey and the country) to have access to free and open information. And this is indeed the purpose and function of the public library.

Therefore, I implore the state Senator and the Assembly members of New Jersey to formally oppose and protest Bill A3753. I ask that you not sign on as a co-sponsor.

If you are not a Roxbury resident, click here to find your representatives.

Please, contact your legislator today!