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Agree fully with comments from Trish Wilkinson! Where are the "outside-the-box" thinkers in NJ? This is not just a Camden issue. This is also a problem for the State. How can one of the nation's most affluent states allow its most impoverished city to lose its public libraries? How difficult is it to find short-term financing support for three libraries? In the SHORT TERM .... surely there must be "turnaround specialists" in the State who could volunteer some time to create an "Emergency Plan" for the libraries ... directed toward fund raising, philanthropists, corporate support (to include donations from Camden's "corporate citizens"), State or Federal funds to cover the library budget shortfall. Reduce hours of operation for a few libraries as a temporary cost cutting measure. Organize a local sports event or concert; persuade celebrities to participate: apply ticket sales to the Emergency Library Fund! LONGER TERM ... develop a strategy to identify new ways to support the libraries and develop new "revenue generation" services for the libraries to deliver! - Consider a public / private partnership for a "Camden Public Library & Discovery Initiative" ... perhaps with startup financing from the Camden County Improvement Authority!? - Create some form of "business-centric links" or partnership with the Waterfront Technology Center; ensure the libraries have a role in a knowledge-driven business community! - "Re-invent" part of the physical space in a few libraries to support small businesses and entrepreneurs who occasionally need office space, a conference room, or use of the internet (with small fees charged for use of support services); - Create a "Camden Library Museum" to display historical documents and artifacts (small fees for general public), and provide a learning experience on local history; - Organize an event for corporate and business leaders to unveil the museum collection and small business support capabilities! (and solicit additional donations); - Integrate library plans with an overall "Camden Economic Revitalization Plan" (adapting the model of Fort Monmouth plans).