FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Note: To access an electronic version of this press release, please go to:
http://www.warrenlib.org/warrenlib/press_releases.htm

Contact:
Patricia Opitz, Library/Community Services
Warren County Library
Phone: 908-475-6246
Email: pattio@warrenlib.org
www.warrenlib.org

April 12 to 17 is National Library Week; a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries and librarians, and to show the many ways libraries help communities to thrive.

In these difficult economic times, more and more people are turning to their public libraries for internet access, job searching, homework help, children’s programming and entertainment. Although these taxpayer supported library services are important to everyone, they are essential for people who are struggling financially.

This year, NJ libraries are facing a large challenge as Governor Christie’s budget calls for a 74% reduction in state tax dollars for statewide library services. A 74% reduction in funding will eliminate the core services and infrastructure that support a majority of NJ libraries, including the internet, loaning and delivery of collections between libraries, support for Summer Reading Programs for children, databases and electronic resources and as much as a 50% reduction in State Aid, which many libraries use to purchase books, computers and audiovisual collections.

It is clear that NJ faces terrible budget problems, both local and statewide, but the answer is not in eliminating services to libraries, which truly serve NJ residents of all ages and stages of life.

Please visit www.savemynjlibrary.org for more information and please support your local library.