Library funding

A library employee urged full library funding, warning that ten layoff notices would gut circulation, reference, youth services and the tech desk, forcing reduced hours and services.

A children's department library worker and union member said cuts eliminate tech help, the teen librarian and services for seniors, job seekers and veterans, and criticized defunding essential services.

A volunteer GED math tutor said the 6:45 p.m. closing leaves working adult students with too little time for tutoring, especially those with language barriers.

Speaking with her daughter Nina Rutherford, she credited the library with helping raise her child and urged full funding, criticizing any use of library reserves.

A former teacher and current parks superintendent asked for goodwill funding so library doors can stay open, noting free library access is critical for lower-income families and students without internet.

The library board president asked the council to reevaluate the deep cuts, noting ten affected employees and resulting reductions in hours and services.

Questioned how the city reached this point after claims of strong finances and a zero tax increase, and asked where Girl Scouts and children's programs would meet without the library.

Asked where children will go without a funded library, noting the city has no community center or YMCA and her granddaughter loves the library.

A youth services library employee described the library as a partner to police, fire, EMTs and the council, serving everyone without prejudice, and asked the council to consider the community impact before the school year.

The library's CFO explained there is no real surplus — a restricted heritage fund used for capital improvements — and answered questions about the aging 25-year-old HVAC and a PSE&G chiller grant covering part of a $503,000 replacement.