Middletown Township Public Library Meeting

As promised here is the video of Wednesday night's Middletown Library Board of Trustees meeting



And here is a rundown of what was discussed during the meeting and how the Library Board of  Trustees voted on closing the satellite branches of the library submitted to me by someone who was in attendance Wednesday night:

The Bayshore branch will no longer operate as a library but will still have computers and copiers to accommodate residents who are still struggling after Sandy. Middletown Township owns the building and will likely move offices there. Some materials will be brought back to the main branch and the remaining materials then offered to the elementary schools nearby.

The Navesink Branch will remain open on a limited basis under the control of the Duryea-Navesink Library Association---it seems they will operate like a reading room with volunteer staff, and the materials will remain at the branch until the Duryea-Navesink Library Association asks the Library Board to remove them. Other details were not discussed. The Association are determined to reach their 100th Anniversary celebration.

The Lincroft branch will close and the property returned to the Board of Education. Maintenance issues and upgrades were cited as the reason for closure by the Board.

The concessions given to the Lincroft and Navesink communities by the Library Board are:

• 1. The Navesink collection will remain mostly intact, but the computers will be removed. After moving some materials to the main branch, they would allow the Lincroft Elementary teaching staff to pick out materials from the Lincroft Library and offer some items to Luftman Towers and senior centers.
• 2. A 4th and 5th grade library training program will be initiated through the schools, either at the library or via internet
• 3. The preschoolers will have Story time for 6-8 more weeks at the branch if the library can find a volunteer among their staff to provide this service.
• 4. The book drop will remain open until May 1.

The votes to adopt the budget which included the branch closures were 5-2 as follows:
Siebert - YES
Nelsen - YES
Vitkansas - YES
Siwiec - YES
Monaghan - NO
Wilson - NO
Breen - YES (She said her heart wanted to vote No, and she asked if she could abstain, and she eventually voted YES)
Cordiano, Mayor's appointee - ABSENT (He knew at the January 16th Library Board meeting that he would not be in attendance tonight, and on that night I asked him to request that Dr. Scharfenberger attend this meeting.)
Convery - RESIGNED; Resignation letter submitted a week after the January 16th Library Board meeting (announced tonight, not prior to the meeting).

Mr. Monaghan showed tremendous courage before the vote by asking what savings could be derived from cutting back hours at the main branch, perhaps by closing Sundays (as in the summer). He asked why the Library Board was elevating the importance of operating hours at the main branch over keeping the satellite branches open. He insisted that there must be other options presented, like a package of cuts to consider besides just closing the branches. He asked for a recess of 5 minutes so that the Library Director Susan O'Neal could find any data defining the cost to operate on Sundays. It turned out that it costs the library $91,000 to remain open on Sundays (41 days total)....not enough by itself to keep the branches open. There was also some discussion on whether the labor contracts may or may not impact that cost.

1/16/13 Middletown Library Board Meeting: Library Closing Debated; Video

Last week the Middletown Library Board of Trustee met for its first regularly scheduled meeting of the year. After going through the normal routine of reorganizing the board - which seemed to take longer than necessary due to the relative inexperience of the current make up of the board -  a number of members of the public voiced their objections to the Board concerning the previously announced planned closure of Bayshore, Lincroft and Navesink branches the Middletown Library.

I couldn't attend this meeting myself  and have only been able to watch about half of the video below thus far. But thanks to the many articles popping up in the media about the potential closing of these branches and a concerned library patron and MiddletownMike reader named Tara, I've been able to keep abreast of what transpired during the meeting and what has happened since.

Tara was kind enough to share with me her notes from the meeting - which I've posted here -  so that when you watch the accompanying video, you'll be able to identify areas of concern:

Many residents made impassioned appeals to keep the libraries open. The young lady whose petition you posted on your blog spoke and mentioned studies where property values of homes within 1/4 mile of a library are higher than those further away. Of course, she also spoke about the many wonderful things the library offers.

A woman, Bernadette Masi, made an appeal for the Bayshore Library. She mentioned how Sandy had water surrounding the library but that it survived. She said, "God spared it from Sandy and now this board might take it away". She also talked about how so many residents of that area are using the computers there to fill out FEMA and insurance claims. Also mentioned was how the Bayshore area schools require homework to be submitted electronically and how many children in that area do not have computers. I was surprised, as were many others, when Vivian Breen commented a little later that nobody was making an appeal on behalf of the Bayshore Branch. She made a mistake saying that! That did not go over very well.

So much to write about but I have to rush! A new member of the board looked at the budget and asked how could the health insurance for 30 full time workers be $800,000 when the annual salaries for the entire staff is $1,600,000!? The new member was told if he had been at the meeting when the CFO explained it he would have known. When a resident asked the board during the public part of the meeting that, since they were at the meeting with the CFO, why don't THEY EXPLAIN IT. New board president, Brock Seibert, then acted in a rude manner to that man. But the man said he had every right to express himself for 5 minutes without being interrupted. Seibert told the new board member to speak to the CFO and/or the town administrator in the morning. A women from Lincroft said, "Let's ask the administrator now! He is sitting in the back row!" Seibert seemed very annoyed and basically ignored the request.

Many people offered to volunteer. Susan O'Neil said the workers union does not want volunteers to take away a job from a paid employee. Michael Vitkansas protested that, saying if people want to volunteer to save money to keep a library open that should be encouraged!

Some people said fundraising. Some people said fundraising does not work. I think those people just don't know how to throw a good party!

Michael Winchell of Duryea Navesink Libray Association spoke and mentioned reduced hours, which I also suggested to the board. He also said he was informed 20 days ago and told to keep it quiet.

Another woman spoke about the claims filed by the library staff. She said she the claims of the employees cost $500 but the township charged the library system $100,000 for the claims!

Vivian Breen said to the residents 'that you should have been taking to the township committee'. Someone said, we would have if we knew what was happening, if the library board did not first post this on Jan 11th, when residents have library cards with contact information. Notices could have been mailed to everyone with a library card.

Steve Monaghan and Michael Convery, along with the board's attorney, seemed the most willing to let the community come up with solutions. So the board voted to delay voting on the budget until Feb 20th. The residents came up with three representatives. One will represent each branch. Each will work among their local fellow residents to get a plan, then each representative will meet with the board to show a planned solution for each library.

Susan O'Neil said she could work to do that but I will mention that she did say that she was surprised how nobody mentioned what a beautiful library the main branch is and how she feels that the main library could become the hub of the community. Sure! Children and seniors will walk from their homes, along Route 35, to get to the hub of the community. How long would it take someone from Navesink, Locust, Lincroft or Bayshore to walk to 'the hub of the community'?

There was objection among the newly appointed Board members, enough that the Board decided to hold off on the closings until other methods of funding could be sourced. The Board selected volunteers from each area of town that has a branch to work with the Director and the Finance Committee on alternate funding, in addition to the portion of property taxes already designated for Library funding.

Here is a copy of the meeting agenda which includes the minutes from the December 18,2012 meeting of the library board.

Please Save The Navesink Library

The following emailed letter was sent to me, as well as members of the Middletown Library Board of Trustees, Middletown's mayor and some members of the media.

This email is for all those interested in the future, and aware of the history, of the Navesink Public Library. I recently heard that three branches of the Middletown Township Public Libary System were recommended to be closed by the Library Director, Susan O'Neal.

I appeal to you to address this recommendation with love for the community! I know many residents of Lincroft passionately feel the Lincroft Library should remain open and I suspect residents of the Bayshore area have concerns as well. I especially feel deep concern over the suggestion of closing the Navesink Library, which serves the residents of Navesink, Locust and other residents of Middletown Township. It is such a special library that was donated with such special intentions of enriching Middletown.

I am so concerned that the branch location page on the libary system site states the Navesink Library "is scheduled to close on January 25 at five 5:00 p.m." for what is understood to be closed permanently. How can the site state the library is scheduled to be closed when the Board of Trustees has not reached such a decision yet?

http://mtpl.org/?q=locations

I read on Middletown Patch that Libary Board President, Lawrence Nelson, was open to suggestions that would would reduce the financial needs of the branch libraries. I have several! Volunteerism is one suggestion and I also suggest benefits to raise funds.

Addressing the Navesink Libary, I personally will volunteer there several hours one day a week and I know so many others that will happy to do so as well. I have a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and my education exceeds that. Also, I will be happy to assist, even chair, any benefits that will raise funds for the Navesink Library.

http://middletown-nj.patch.com/articles/wednesday-s-vote-could-shut-the-book-on-three-library-branches

Another suggestion is reduced hours/ reduced days of operation at the Navesink Library. Maybe if the library was only open after school hours until 5:00 a few weekdays and open on Saturday in the morning that will part of THE SOLUTION that includes volunteerism and fund raising benefits! The reduced schedule will also reduce the cost of heating and electric! Volunteerism will save on salaries and benefits for paid employees! Sounds good to me!

Another issue I want to address in regard to the Navesink Libary is the historical significance of it to the Middletown Library System and to Middletown itself. Since this was the first main branch of the Middletown Library System wouldn't it be wonderful to preserve it? Is it even legal to close it considering it was built and donated to serve as a library and a place to stage performances that the residents of Middletown could enjoy? Since it was built and donated for that purpose isn't a responsibility of the Library Trustees to honor the intent of that donation?

http://209.212.22.88/data/rbr/1960-1969/1967/1967.10.03.pdf

http://books.google.com/books?id=KD9VAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA136&lpg=PA136&dq=herman+b+duryea+navesink+library&source=bl&ots=eOzNp09-3R&sig=DGy0xj45GjjEzqtGw_KsTE4fZgE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=bZLzUIOBEua40QHVvICoDg&ved=0CDwQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=herman%20b%20duryea%20navesink%20library&f=false

I have taken my little girl to story time at the Navesink Library for several years. The stories that Ms. Grace read and the craft that centered around a book that was also read that day were so wonderful! It has been an experience rich in benefits with children learning to love books and learning that what is read in a book can grow into something more than words and pictures on a page. What these experiences, shared in the warm, cozy and inviting atmosphere of the Navesink Library, has provided cannot be measured! I think it  will be a shame to rob the children whom currently enjoy the Navesink Library, and the children that could benefit from it in the future, of this wonderful experience!

It would be false to think that the aboved experience can be matched at the main branch. It cannot. I have taken my daughter to the main library for Mother Goose and I have also taken her there just to do some reading in the children's section. I will tell you that only once a staff member at the main branch smiled at me and at my little girl! The environment is cold and unfriendly! When my child was very young I would drive to the main branch a week prior to Mother Goose each week JUST to sign my daughter up! The story time for children filled up very quickly and would often be closed to adding another child to the list! How is closing other branches going to effect the number of children that benefit from story time if the branches are closed and the number of children allowed to attend at the main branch is already very limited?

Let me add that the list to sign up for children's programs was often not in the spot is was supposed to be and when I asked to librarian in the children's section where it was I was meet with rudeness. Once the only response I received was a finger pointing in that direction! When I said it wasn't there, I received rolled eyes and, when she did walk over and see for herself that it was not there, she stated the list was not ready yet even though it was the afternoon of the day when the list to sign up is first is set out. I am a very pleasant and courteous person so I know that my questions should have been addressed in a more appropriate manner. There were other occasions when I have asked to locate the list I was told it was filled up already!

In addressing the limit of children that will be allowed to participate in the programs if the branches are closed, let us also consider the parking! Often, there is not enough parking at the main branch! Will funds suddenly be found to expand the parking lot? That would be sad when the funds could have preserved a library branch! The children that now walk to their local library when parents might be unable to drive them to the main library should also be considered. The Return of Funds back to the state of unused money is a consideration also because any money that could have been used to provide library services to the area should be used to continue to provide those services.

I have reached out to the media and to state offices. Maybe with the media attention this issue may receive, additional funds will be raised to save at least the Navesink Library! I appeal to you to not close the Navesink Library with its rich historical significance, its history of enrichment of the community and the promise it offers to continue to enrich the community.

Thank you very much,

Tara Kane
Middletown, NJ

In praise of those life-saving libraries

There's an interesting editorial piece today appearing in the Newark Star-Ledger pertaining to the importance of our public libraries. The piece was written by Brian Regal, a professor at Kean University.

 As an anonymous commenter so eloquently stated on the previous post;  "This should be read by every member of Middletown's Library Board of Trustees and especially by the Middletown Township Committee members..., Library service in Middletown is one of the most important functions of public service to this community. Education is a primary concern for a progressive society. An excellent library system is a primary ingredient to meet the public's need. We had that requirement until politics as usual is endeavoring to destroy our library. The politicians appear as a self serving bunch of incompetent individuals who put political priorities above the educational needs of the community the Middletown Public Library System serves." . 

I happen to agree.

 If you also agree, read the editorial written by Mr. Regal below, then sign the petition to save the Navesink branch of Middletown's public library:

"The mayor of Plainfield wants to cut the city’s public library funding by half, and that city is not alone. Never mind the lost jobs. There is a larger issue here. There is a growing perception in some quarters that, in the internet age, libraries and books are useless dinosaurs from the dusty past. This is a terrible attitude and a lie.

A community that gives up on its libraries has given up on its prosperity. It has written off all but its wealthiest citizens and made knowledge acquisition — one of the bedrocks of a free society — seem a pointless exercise.

Rather than fiscal prudence, cutting or eliminating libraries shows economic and cultural shortsightedness along with an abandonment of values and the concept of the public good: something for which elected officials are supposed to fight. Public libraries are one of the most cost-effective means of producing intelligent, literate and successful citizens. They also help reduce crime, gang activity and drug use by the young. I know this from personal experience...."  

....Continue reading

MTPL Board of Trustees: Please stop the closing of the Navesink Public Library

Maile McCann, a 15 year old Navesink resident has started a petition to save the Navesink library branch from being closed. She has compiled survey results from patrons and other statistics demonstrating how property values are enhanced when located near a library branch.

To:
MTPL Board of Trustees

The Navesink library is the hub of a small, close- knit town that provides locals with educational resources as well as family programs. Closing the library would devastate the community and strip the residents of their convenient access to these resources and programs. Elderly can walk or drive over at their leisure to access resources that normally wouldn't be accessible at the main library. Families with children come for story time and Reading Buddies. The love of this library felt by the community is indescribable. It's closing would decimate the hearts of patrons. On behalf of all the residents of Navesink, please reconsider the closing of the Navesink Public Library.

The vote to close this branch takes place Wednesday night at 7pm when the Library Board of Trustees  meets at the main branch of the Middletown Library on New Monmouth Road.

Currently 200 people have signed the petition, hopefully more will follow to let those on the Library's Board of Trustees know that closing this or any other branch of the library is unacceptable.

You can sign the petition.... HERE