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brickxbrickxbrick t1_j4xll7r wrote

Reply to comment by Melodic_Record9737 in If Governor Murphy is serious about equity in this state, he should push for improving public libraries. by Flashinglights0101

Exactly. The eligibility is key. Municipalities are required by law to fund libraries at millage, however, there is also the practice of chargebacks (and that’s how some municipalities end up funding at less). A lot of people have been working very hard at getting the state aid back to pre-Christie levels, but aside from a small increase of funds last year, it’s still much behind what it once was. I hope you found your time in NJ libraries worthwhile.

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Melodic_Record9737 t1_j4xmpz1 wrote

I miss working in a public library. I really feel like they can make such a difference, especially in areas where residents don't have the access to information most of the state takes for granted. And even in those towns, there were always those that needed help getting the information they needed (the elderly, disabled, teenagers).

I was working NJ libraries when Christie was governor and it was just brutal. Hours cut, layoffs, whole departments closed down. I remember the mayor saying he had to cut the library before he cut the police. I wish I'd taken the time then to explain then that keeping the library open would mean less work for the police ...

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brickxbrickxbrick t1_j4xn5ad wrote

So very true….the most democratic of organizations. Free access to all who need it. Those Christie funding cuts were brutal and changed the landscape of NJ libraries in some significant ways. Best of luck in whatever you’re pursuing and keep supporting libraries….champions are always needed.

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