Help Save NJ Libraries

Libraries across the country are busier than ever before.  170,000 people use NJ libraries every day.  Libraries are community anchors. The unemployed are increasingly turning to libraries are currently to file online unemployment claims, apply for jobs, and taking classes to expand job skills. Children develop a critical reading skills beginning with Books for Babies programs progressing on to Summer Reading Programs and homework help. In this fiscally challenged times, adults are using libraries to provided low cost entertainment options, interact with government, and participate in life-long learning opportunities.

 

Governor Christie’s proposed budget calls for a 74% cut in library budgets. All statewide programs and services would be eliminated. These budget cuts will also cause an additional $4.5 million loss in federal funding, further decreasing in library’s ability to provided needed services. Eliminating all of the Network Aid ($4.299 mil) is incredibly destructive to library operations. Network Aid includes all region and statewide services such as; delivery, databases, and inter-library loans.

Intra-library loans and delivery systems have become a mainstay of library circulation. These systems allow a library to have a smaller collection of information physically on hand while providing the public a wider array of available information. Last year 82,000 items were circulated through the intra-library loan system to the benefit of Roxbury Township residents. I use the MAIN online ordering system. MAIN determines which library has an available copy of the book I’ve requested, and then arranges delivery. An e-mail is sent to me notifying the book has arrived at the Roxbury Library where I pick it up. Once I’ve returned the book, MAIN returns it to the home library or to the branch of the next recipient. This is an efficient use of the materials available to all the residents of towns using the MAIN system. Systems like this would cease to exist throughout the state if the budget cut eliminating Network Aid is allowed to stand.

Please click on the link http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/SelectRep.asp and send an e-mail to your state representatives in the 25^th district in support of your library. 

Books for Babies

The Friends of the Roxbury Library invite you to participate in the Books for Babies program. Books for Babies introduce parents of newborns with the important role they play in their child’s literacy development. Parents can start their babies on the path to success in reading and learning by regularly reading to newborns.   Studies show that babies who enjoy early and frequent experiences with books start kindergarten well ahead of those who have lacked such experiences. The packet features baby’s first board book, and library card.  There are a number of brochures giving parents ideas to encourage their children to become readers including: “Babies Love Books” a guide for grown-ups, “Read to Me” with tips on reading to children and “Raising a Reader, Raising a Writer” – a booklet from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  Drop in Tuesday, December 1^st at 10:30 for the next Books for Babies program and pickup your packet.

Libraries & Literacy - V

Vital information for a healthy and productive life = life skills literacy

The library is a family resource center providing health and consumer information, personal growth & development resources for all stages of life. The lobby walls are packed with brochures on a wide range of topics from the Girls Scouts to Morris County Mental Health.

Sponsored by The Friends of the Library sponsor the Books for Babies program introduce parents of newborns with the important role they play in their child’s literacy development. Parents can start their babies on the path to success in reading and learning by regularly reading to newborns.  Studies show that babies who enjoy early and frequent experiences with books start kindergarten well ahead of those who have lacked such experiences. Stop by the circulation desk for your packet.

Programs like the upcoming Money Saving Tips from a Coupon Queen on Tuesday, December 1 at 7PM helps consumers cut costs in this uncertain economic climate.