Clara Barton Branch Library To Close
We received some sad news today. The Clara Barton Branch Library will be closing June 30, the victim of a tough economy and budget cuts. This wonderful neighborhood branch has been serving patrons since 1980, and was recently refurbished. More details below.
At this time, Edison Public Library needs The Friends of the Edison Public Library more than ever, and The Friends need your help. We need you to support us financially and we need you to get actively involved. If you are not currently a member, please consider joining us. You’ll find forms in library branches or by clicking on the Membership link at the top of each page on our website. If you are renewing your membership, please consider joining at a higher level. Support our programs and events. When a program is sponsored by The Friends, you’ll usually find a donation jar – every little helps. There are also donation jars at all the libraries. Purchase some books from the Friends’ Bookshelf at Main Library or something from our online store; you’ll find the link at the top of each page on our website. If you can spare a little time, please come to one of our meetings (they are usually held the first Wednesday evening of every month); we need your input. Spread the word among your friends and family.
Here’s the full story about the Clara Barton Branch closure:
Edison’s Clara Barton Branch Library Will Close its Doors on June 30.
The Clara Barton Branch Library, part of the Edison Public Library system since 1980, will be closing its doors on June 30, 2010. The library, located at 141 Hoover Avenue, served the Clara Barton section of Edison Township. Judith Mansbach, Director of the Edison Public Library said “the economy and budget have played a major role in coming to this decision. The Edison Library Board took an honest and realistic approach when looking at the multiple factors which affected this decision.” The Edison Main Library, 340 Plainfield Avenue and the North Edison Branch Library, 777 Grove Avenue will absorb the additional personnel and the 2 existing libraries will continue serving the entire community.
A Town Hall meeting to discuss the closing of the Clara Barton Branch Library will be held on Tuesday, May 4 at 6:30 pm. Mayor Toni Ricigliano, Director Judith Mansbach and the members of the Edison Library Board of Trustees will be available for questions and answers. The meeting is open to the public, and will be held in the Council Chambers of the Edison Municipal Complex at 100 Municipal Boulevard, Edison, NJ.
This is not an isolated incident. In light of New Jersey’s budget cuts, libraries across the state are experiencing severe cuts in money and services. The state budget proposal for July 1, 2010 calls for a 74% cut in funding for statewide library services. Libraries in NJ will lose $3M in state aid. 250 of the state’s 302 libraries will lose access to the Internet and 124 libraries will lose their websites or access to them. These cuts, in addition to various services will start on July 1.
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