Legislative Priorities, 2010 State Budget

New Jersey’s Libraries, Partners in Economic Development : Cornerstones of Community Life

(Adopted by the NJLA Executive Board Nov. 18, 2008)

STATE BUDGETARY PRIORITIES

Insuring that the residents of New Jersey have strong, relevant library services to meet the challenges of the 21st century requires a funding partnership between local libraries and the state of New Jersey. The New Jersey Library Association endorses increases in funding for several important library initiatives which have demonstrated positive impact on local library services. Studies have indicated that library programs have an extremely high return on investment.  The total for these initiatives is $ 4 million in additional funding above the FY09 state budget.

• STRENGTHENING SHARED SERVICES FOR NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS THROUGH THE NEW JERSEY LIBRARY NETWORK.

For over 20 years, the New Jersey Library Network has linked 2400+ libraries of all types by sharing resources, realizing economies of scale, and implementing new service models.  Unfortunately, funding for this program has been level for more than a decade.  Increases in demands for service make it imperative that a $1 million in additional support be provided annually for the next five years to sustain this fundamental service which expands access to local library resources for all New Jersey residents.

• SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE NEW  JERSEY KNOWLEDGE INITIATIVE 

Information is the driving force of the new economy and libraries must play a key role. NJKI is an award winning statewide library business and technology program which provides entrepreneurs, small business owners and students access to top science and technology journals and key business information. This program is currently funded at $2 million. This cost-effective service extends valuable information resources to all state residents. We seek restoration of this program to its previous funding level of $ 3 million which is optimal for a comprehensive statewide initiative.

• MAINTAIN THE STATE’S COMMITMENT TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY THROUGH THE STATE PER CAPITA AID PROGRAM.

The State Per Capita Library Aid program is a direct partnership between local libraries and the state.   State Aid is directly awarded to municipalities for library purposes based on local funding.  This is direct aid to every local library.  To fully fund this program approximately $10 million is needed (current funding is $7,973,000).  With full funding the New Jersey State Library can initiate a study to determine the viability of offering a statewide library card in New Jersey.  Several other states have instituted successful statewide library programs. The cost of this study would be $50,000.  To fulfill the commitment to the state per capita aid program we seek an additional $ 2 million.

• PROVIDE A SECOND ROUND OF FUNDING FOR LOCAL LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION.

The Public Library Construction Bond program helped to build and/or renovate 68 public libraries.  This program has helped many communities to create the infrastructure needed to deliver 21st century library services.  There is still much work to be done.  More than 100 libraries have filed letters of intent to renovate or construct new facilities should funding become available.

LOCAL FUNDING PRIORITIES

Strong library services are a critical factor in enhancing the quality of life and economic vitality of our state. Library resources provide vital educational and economic opportunities for the residents of New Jersey. It is fundamentally important to have strong local libraries which can expand services to residents through the availability of statewide library resources and through resource sharing agreements.

Public library funding is approximately 2% of a local property owner’s total tax bill. It represents approximately $33 of tax support on a $100,000 home. Over 90% of public library support is from local tax resources. NJLA will oppose any efforts to change the current funding law for public libraries and will support efforts to assist municipal governments by removing public library expenditures form the new Property Tax Levy Cap law.

The residents of New Jersey support funding for public libraries.  Last year, during a brief 2 week period, 37,000 residents signed postcards to Governor Corzine opposing any changes to the current state law for dedicated funding for local libraries.  The highest priority of the New Jersey Library Association is to maintain strong local support for public library services.

New Jersey Residents Speak About Their Libraries

A survey of New Jersey residents completed in June 2007 revealed:
- 83% say funding public libraries is a good investment of public dollars.
- 71% believe that a public library is an essential service for the community- not a cultural amenity.
- 95% say public libraries help people learn new things no matter what their age
-57% say more local money must be invested in public libraries.
85% had used a public library within the past twelve months.
See the detail survey results at http://www.njla.org/librariesmatter.pdf

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