Saving New Jersey's libraries

Here in New Jersey we are having major problems with proposed
public library and public school cuts. The following letter is one that I am
sending to Governor Christie and state legislators. It is important
to save our libraries and schools.
Please visit the following websites to let your voices to be heard.
http://savemynjlibrary.org/
http://capwiz.com/ala/nj/mlm/verify/

April 24, 2010

Governor Christopher Christie
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625

Dear Governor Christie,
I am a retired school librarian. I am not in favor of a bill that may be introduced to end the formula for dedicated public library funding (A2555.) It is important to keep local libraries strong by leaving the dedicated funding as it is. I implore you to keep libraries vital and preserve this funding. We and others who use libraries see that they are a very good use of taxpayers’ money.
Reading is and always will be important !!! Libraries and Reading go hand in hand.
I am opposed to the drastic budget cuts to our public libraries and public schools. Public libraries are an integral and important part of our communities. Here in New Jersey we now are fortunate to have wonderful libraries that are busy. These libraries are for all of our citizens young or old. Books are expensive!!! Using libraries New Jersey citizens have saved money. In these economic times we have saved a lot of money by borrowing library books.
My family has used many of the programs that you want to do away with. My sons and I have used the interlibrary loans. My sons who are adults now participated in the summer reading club programs. These libraries are for all of our citizens young or old.
So many people are looking for jobs and libraries can help people find jobs. There are books about resume writing and computers so that jobseekers can use online job websites. Not everyone has a computer. Public Libraries have computers for people to use.
The Talking Book and Braille books will be eliminated. It is hard for anyone to lose their eyesight, but on top that, not to be able to listen or read books using Braille is traumatic.
Many school librarians have been cut or not replaced when they retire. They do not have the services that they had provided for their students. If you cut public library service, where are public school students going to find their books for book reports, projects and research papers? For public school students interlibrary library loans are important.
I am also deeply concerned about the public school budget cuts. We have excellent public schools in New Jersey. Such drastic cuts would wreck havoc with our schools. It is our children, grandchildren and great grand children who will suffer with these drastic cuts.
Sincerely,

My name