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 The New Jersey Center for the Book urges all library supporters to continue to advocate on behalf of their libraries. We understand that this is a challenging year for the State of New Jersey and we know that we must all share in taking budget cuts. We do feel that the proposed 74% budget cut to the New Jersey State Library is not equitable, as the average department cut is 15%.If this money is not restored, it means: - The loss of the Library for the Blind and Handicapped, ending its services to the blind and physically handicapped.
- Access to the Internet will end at libraries. Over 11 million people depend on libraries to apply and search for jobs, get personalized homework help and connect to family members deployed overseas.
- Access to special online resources for students, small businesses and entrepreneurs will end.
- Per Capita State Aid will be cut in half, which could result in shorter hours, fewer staff and decreased resources at your local library.
- The sharing of resources in New Jersey libraries will end. Interlibrary loan and delivery has saved New Jersey communities $75 million annually.
We urge you to continue to contact your legislators. We have already collected 37,000 postcards but we want more. You owe it to your profession to stand up for libraries. We must make sure that the almost 50 million people who walked through the doors of New Jersey's libraries in 2009 are not denied free and open access to information which enables them to continue the democratic spirit of pursuing the American dream. . Save My NJ Library Rally will be this Thursday, May 6th from 11-1 on the steps of the State House Annex 125 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608(609) 777-2719 (not the State Capital Building – there will be another rally there.) Please wear a red shirt to show support- it is our color. For more information, visit www.njla.org and http://savemynjlibrary.org/ .  The New Jersey Center for the Book endorses the Statement on School Libraries of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians and encourages all New Jersey librarians and library supporters to act on this position.
click here to read the Statement on School Libraries .
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