The Newark Public Library (NPL), NJ, has made major cuts to services and staff for the second half of 2010 in the "biggest budget crisis in its history," according to an NPL news release. NPL had to lay off 31 out of 188 workers, shut down all branches on Saturdays, and will permanently close two of ten branch locations at the end of August.
Meanwhile, remaining staffers must take 38 unpaid furlough days over the court of the year--more than seven weeks' worth.
NPL is the largest library system in the state with nearly 750,000 visitors a year.
The city of Newark, which provides 90 percent of NPL's funding, is cutting funding by $2.45 million (about 18 percent) in the second half of 2010 and another $4.9 million in 2011, signifying even more service cuts next year.
NPL's budget, $14,881,000 in 2008, could sink to $8,500,000 in 2011, a 43 percent decrease.
Staff cut, facility hours slashed Beginning August 16, NPL will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays because of staff furloughs. The Main Library will be open only four days per week, from Wednesday through Saturday.
The eight remaining branch locations will be open three days per week, Wednesday through Friday.
Cuts during a time of need According to NPL director Wilma Grey, "Many programs for children will be cut. Adult access to computers and computer classes will be limited. The budget for books and research databases will be greatly reduced."
These drastic cutbacks have occurred in a time when the demand for NPL's services has been growing. "Our students have never been more in need of our services, and... residents have unprecedented need for library resources to help them find jobs," said Grey.
In the past five years NPL has witnessed a 63 percent increase in adult book circulation, a 75 percent uptick in children's book circulation, and a 38 percent growth in personal reference help. During that period, NPL increased the number of public computers by 74 percent.
Public feedback, support sought NPL is hosting three community meetings to discuss the reductions in service.
Additionally, Jerry Caprio, president of the Friends of the NPL, is asking residents to contact their elected officials and show their support for NPL.
Reader Comments (4)
While it is reproachable that some people will be disadvantaged by the closings, the fact is that as far as the library is concerned, it is about lofty salaries and perks enviable even by corporate standards. Before I incite some angry posts, take a minute to disprove my claim:
Go to the library's web site and look up some of the administrators' names
http://www.npl.org/Pages/AboutLibrary/administration.html
Now visit the Public Employees Salary Database and confirm their salaries:
http://php.app.com/NJpublicemployees/search.php
Surprised? Now, keep in mind that these "public servants" start out (year one folks) with twenty work-days paid vacation, health care plan which CEOs would love to have, twenty work-days paid sick time, additional 16 days of paid holidays a year (still counting?), eight percent (automatic!) salary increases after year 10, subsidized parking, no accountability, and some even hold other jobs. Check it out for yourself and don't let these fatcats bamboozle you.
Sadly it is the people on the front lines, the folks who most patrons see (maintenance, desk attendants, guards, pages...) who will feel the financial pinch the most.
What the Newark Public Library needs is a complete overhaul of its administration and to cease its hypocritical stance.
Posted by Hagi on July 15, 2010 11:53:14AM
You're confusing administrators with regular workers, who don't make anywhere near corporate salaries, even though many have advanced degrees. Not every library has "civil servants." Many librarians makes about 50-60,000 a year after 10-20 years of employment. That can be different for the newly degreed workers, who start out in large systems. Many workers probably live on an average of $17,000 after the retirement they worked for. We'd be a better country overall, if more employers were obligated to supply workers with benefits and pensions.
Non-degreed workers make much less. Do they have perks as far as days off, etc.? Yes, but then most professional organizations supply their workers with benefits. Keep in mind most libraries are open 7 days a week, too. Is there some "overhaul" and re-examination that is needed? Yes, but don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Libraries are needed in communities and most people support and are grateful for them.
Posted by MC on July 19, 2010 11:01:33AM
Specialists claim that <a href="http://goodfinance-blog.com/topics/mortgage-loans">mortgage loans</a> aid a lot of people to live their own way, just because they are able to feel free to buy needed stuff. Moreover, banks offer collateral loan for all people.
Posted by Downs35Selena on December 22, 2011 10:19:58AM
When you are in uncomfortable position and have no cash to get out from that point, you will have to take the loan. Because that will help you unquestionably. I take financial loan every year and feel OK just because of it.
Posted by mortgage loans on December 22, 2011 12:18:27PM
