newjerseynewsroom.com

BY HEIDI CRAMER

Summer is in full swing, and Makrisha Edwards, 14, is at the Newark Public Library's Vailsburg branch nearly every day, working her way through her summer reading list and conducting research for a school project.

But cuts in public funding, which are crippling libraries across the country, including Newark, are making it harder for students like Makrisha to continue learning at their local libraries.

"I'm mad they're trying to take this library," said Makrisha, who was so upset about the cuts that she brought her mother to a community meeting on the issue. "I have a school project. I have books to read all summer."

The City of Newark is proposing to reduce funding to the Library by 20 percent in 2010. The cut, which amounts to $2.45 million, will have devastating effects on the Library, which relies on the city for 95 percent of its funding.

Since the layoff of 31 employees in early July, all branches are now closed on Saturdays. Only the Main Library retained Saturday hours. On August 16, all locations will be closed every Monday and Tuesday. The Madison and First Avenue branches will permanently close on August 27.

The book budget and programs for children and adults will also be cut.

"These cuts translate into a significant part of our budget," said Library Director Wilma J. Grey. "When you consider they will be doubled next year, that could mean the demise of the Library as we know it. We need the community and residents to let the mayor and municipal council know how important library services are to our community."

"My daughter Makrisha is here all the time," said Gayle Edwards. "She finds the information, tools, and caring personnel to help her with her homework. When my computer is down, I come here, too."

Cass Gonmiah, who brings her five children to the Vailsburg branch regularly, said the Library's reduced hours will impact her family. "The Library's hours were limited already," she said. "Saturdays were the only day people who work could come to the Library."

Dr. Gayle Griffin, a library trustee who represents the Newark Public Schools, noted the Newark Public Library is an important resource for people of all ages, whether it is an adult looking for a job or a student doing research for a project. "This is the library for all of us, no matter how young or how old," she said. "This is a place where you can always send your child. It upsets everyone because this resource is no longer available to our community."

The Library is hosting three more community meetings on Wednesday, August 4 at the Springfield Branch, 50 Hayes Street; Wednesday, August 11 at the First Avenue Branch, 282 First Avenue; and Wednesday, August 18 at the Weequahic Branch, 355 Osborne Terrace. The meetings are scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m.

SOURCE: NEWARK PUBLIC LIBRARY