Opinion: Vote Yes to fund library construction
By Don Burden
While it is imperative for voters to cast their ballots for all candidates they feel will continue to bring outstanding government to Monmouth County and its municipalities, careful attention should also be paid to the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, the first question on the ballot. A yes vote here will provide $125,000,000 for construction and renovation projects throughout the state on a matching basis with the library itself.
The goals of the bond issue are to continue to upgrade of public library facilities, a goal that has been paramount to the Monmouth County Library Commission since its inception. Routine upkeep and continued improvements to keep up with the newest technology are necessary to meet community needs and strengthen the state’s economy through the creation of opportunities for New Jersey businesses.
A Yes vote on the bond issue will provide state funding for needed infrastructure repairs and updates to library facilities, including bringing libraries into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA) renovating library facilities, and providing technology upgrades.
The Monmouth County Library Commission has already moved ahead in its continuing successful aim to keep our county libraries the pride of the state, if not the nation. Approval of Question 1 would enable the state to bear a portion of the overall cost to Monmouth County taxpayers, and free up other funds for the Commission to continue its strident move forward.
When it comes to education and creating a library which is truly a community center, as the Monmouth County Library has long since proven it is, partisanship is not an issue. Both the Assembly and Senate approved the legislation authorizing the funding with overwhelming support. It is now up to the voters to complete the bipartisan action which will help keep our libraries, and libraries throughout the state, the center of education, culture, entertainment they are designed to be.
Don Burden is the Mayor of the Borough of Shrewsbury, Secretary of the Monmouth County Library Commission, and a member of the Monmouth County Historic Commission.
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When I was growing up in the Bronx, public libraries were definitely important as part of my educational experience.
Unfortunately, in the current era of technology, young people today do not seem interested in reading printed materials, be they books, magazines or newpapers.
When I go out to dinner, just about everyone is on their “smartphone” either texting or scrolling to look at pictures. And that includes many adults, as well.
Too many have become addicted to this technology and are even losing the capability of real social interaction in person.
How “romantic” is it to receive a text message “I (heart symbol) U”? Sorry, not in my day. When I was in Basic Training at Fort Dix, a young lady would send me a handwritten letter and spray it with some perfume. Everybody in the barracks wanted to read that letter! Can anyone handwrite a letter today? Do they even teach cursive (that’s how to handwrite!) in schools anymore?
Texting is even replacing email for primary communications. About the only positive thing I can say about this, having been a communications sergeant in the army, it is probably easier than sending morse code as we had to do.
How are public libraries dealing with this sea change in communication? And would money be better spent in teaching students how to interact on a personal basis?
Some technology is definitely appropriate, as audio books will allow a person unable to read due to visual disabilities to hear the book being read.
I truly hope public libraries do not go the way of the dinosaurs, but someone will need to convince me that libraries are up to the challenge that technology has created.
Just what specific improvements are being proposed? How would they improve the functionality of the library? How many real people actually use the libraries today? And just what would the “freed up” funds then be used for?
The taxpayers who bear the cost of these “projects” need some more clarity on this issue. Government has no money to spend, except by taxing the people. While Monmouth County and Middletown has been well run I am concerned about this statewide effort where these spending projects too often result in ineffective and inefficient use of resources.
More details are needed on this bond issue.
all levels of government actually run all the programs, with the millions and millions of dollars we already give them- whether by imposed taxation, or by our “feel- good” additions that we always approve? The reasons are: more hiring of friends and families, self- imposed raises, more promises for votes, and the perpetuation of many, many programs, which neither accomplish the original purpose, or worse, multiply into additional great ideas and causes, that we get stuck paying for. I am very sorry the governor’s race is this year- it appears many people are: 1. Fed up and embarrassed by this governor’s failures, and 2. Ready to take it out on poor Kim, who,ironically, would do an excellent job, if given the chance, based on a fair comparison of her and her very unqualified opponent!
I love libraries, and enjoy reading real, physical books, rather than on devices. However, I am not sure libraries need to offer some of the things they do, all at additional taxpayer expense.. I believe the Monmouth system is, like its parks and vocational/ specialties schools, and Brookdale College, the best in our state. That being said, as an overworked taxpayer, one needs to ask: where does it stop, and are even more buildings and programs really necessary, right now?- Given the current economy, budgets, and rising costs, for once, I believe this time, we need to be pleased with, appreciate, and maintain all the lovely things we have, now.
Agree with the above comments. Further, now is the time to say, “Enough. Make do with what we have.” New Jersey is drowning in debt and the taxpayers should not be expected to agree to send more money to Trenton until responsible fiscal leadership addresses the overall debt and unfunded liabilities existent at this time.