The Leonia Library serves as an active educational resource to all people of the community. It provides free and equal access to information, services, and programs. Leonia is not unique in fulfilling this role. Indeed it is a fundamental mission of public libraries. Just last year:
* Approximately 1600 children attended programs (various storytimes, crafts, and special events)
In addition to programs, the library answers patron questions (more than 11,000 last year) on topics such as: library holdings, reference, and computers/technology. Patrons used more than 8,000 computer sessions at the library.
Trained library staff plan and conduct these programs. Last year’s budget cuts reduced the quantity and quality of programs serving teens, children, families, and individuals as it eliminated a full-time library assistant and more than 60% of part-time worker hours.
About 4% of the library budget goes to BCCLS (about $34,000). Formed in 1979, BCCLS pioneered in resource sharing: users borrow from 77 participating libraries in northern New Jersey. eBCCLS is BCCLS’ digital initiative through which patrons can download and/or stream thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, and magazines.
Last year’s budget cut was severe. Leonians responded to this one-time cut with direct donations to the Library. In October, a special Jazz Concert was sponsored by Carol Franklin and the The Friends of the Library. With your support, the Friends continue to raise funds for the library.
A grant from the Community Chest of Leonia enabled the Library to purchase Lynda.com. This database is an online resource offering thousands of classes, courses and webinars, all FREE to Leonia Library card holders.
Libraries provide an essential public good. We look forward to seeing the Council restore funding to our Library.
Stay informed! The Council is holding open budget hearings for various departments on Saturday, December 3 and 10. The Library will speak at the meeting on Dec. 10.
** View these budget hearings online. All meetings of the Mayor and Council are videotaped. You can watch the meeting in progress, or review the video later. Click on the meeting date at this calendar.
To have your friends and neighbors join Leonia Reads, please have them visit our email list. We promise to use the list only to inform you, and them, about what is going on with our valuable community resource.
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