New Jersey Public Libraries at Risk?

This is circulating around some email lists. Those who value public libraries may wish to check on the situation in their own area:

On January 8, 2009 the League of Municipalities distributed a draft resolution to its members requesting that local municipalities support the League's efforts to slash public library funding by 50%. The resolution is available online at:

http://www.njslom.org/ml010809-library.html

Some municipalities are acting very quickly on this resolution -- allowing little time for debate or discussion. What can you do? Call your mayor or council people and let them know you strongly oppose this attempt to cut minimum funding for public libraries. Make sure library supporters know about any attempts in your community to support this draconian measure proposed by the League. Review all agendas prepared by the municipality. Some municipalities are trying to act on this resolution quickly, even this week. Don't let this happen. Speak out against this resolution.

It is now more important than ever that NJLA members reach out to local library boards and municipalities requesting that they reject this attempt to devastate public library funding in the state. NJLA has prepared a draft resolution that library boards and municipalities can use to show their support for the existing minimum funding level for public libraries. This resolution is available at:

http://njla.pbwiki.com/Public+Policy