Message is clear: Remove libraries from cap, don't cut funding
Your recent editorial on library funding and municipal-budget caps ("Library Funding Hikes, Budget Caps Don't Mesh," Suburban, Jan. 31) gave a balanced assessment of the situation created by having funding for municipal libraries under the new cap legislation.

We believe your last statement was absolutely correct - municipal libraries must be removed from the 4 percent cap levy for several reasons. The first and most important reason is that municipal libraries can only be established through a referendum of the people of that community. Once the vote is taken, then and only then is a small amount of funding dedicated for library purposes each year. This funding is based on property values, so when property values increase, that small portion also increases. The amount equals $33 on a $100,000 home.

In Jamesburg the amount for library services based on this law per person for the entire year was $24.17 in 2006, up from $22.69 in 2005. This is less than the average cost for a month of basic-cable television.

Another program that has also been established by dedicated funding, open-space funding, is outside of the 4 percent cap. Why not public libraries?

The New Jersey Library Association wanted to understand how the people of New Jersey felt about library funding, so we initiated a statewide postcard campaign. The response was overwhelming - in less than two weeks we received more than 34,000 postcards from people from all over the state. Many took the opportunity to also write personal messages to Gov. Jon Corzine about the importance of library funding to them and their families. These messages are poignant, direct and heartfelt. Public libraries are extremely important to these residents, and they absolutely don't want funding for public libraries decreased.

Members of the public understand that their tax dollars support public libraries, and they do not want this to be cut. If the tension between public libraries and municipal officials can only be solved through removing municipal libraries from the cap, the message from the people of New Jersey is very clear - do it now.

Pat Tumulty

Executive Director New Jersey Library

Association

Trenton