"You don't know what you have 'til it's gone."The purpose of this friends site is to showcase what Jamesburg has in its free public library, a Cultural Gem.
Read about the history of this library; a group of volunteers that had a vision for Jamesburg. After private citizens and businesses raised thousands of dollars to bring the dream to fruition, the elected municipal government became a principle supporter by spreading the basic cost across all taxpayers in Jamesburg.
Despite an overwhelming public outcry at public meetings to keep the library serving Jamesburg, we now face a referendum to close the library. The Borough Council unanimously introduced and supports a call to close the library, with an anticipated tax savings of about $5. per person in Jamesburg. The first year, ...maybe.
True, they wish to create a new sending relation with Monroe, sending kids walking nearly two miles to the Monroe Library.
Simply put we find this a shameful shell game, with no guarantee that this new sending relationship with Monroe will continue to afford the $5. savings. Costs could indeed rise. The Borough Council would also be free to end all access to a free public library for Jamesburg residents.
The current state law mandates municipal funding to the library. The Mayor and Council, on a whim, can not reduce or eliminate funding. The idea is to keep politics out of a cultural center of knowledge seeking. Voters must request by referendum to close the library. But, why close it?
Please understand, beyond municipal funding, there is a monumental investment in time, cash, material and services from the people of Jamesburg as well as from surrounding towns. Positive support for over 5o years!
We have seen the Borough Council create a sending arrangement with our High School students, our post office went to another town, lack of vision has allowed an overflow of traffic, cars and trucks, to be funneled into town, the Buckelew Lakeview House is in shambles, along with a professed opinion that Jamesburg is "built out." Heck, even the Jamesburg Chamber of Commerce hauled off to Monroe.
The town now thrives on "life support" of political grant monies with no enthusiasm to invest in the future.
But there is hope. We have seen the birth of a Revitalization group. A group that hosted a study "A Vision for Jamesburg" by Rutgers University also see the Slide Show Presentation. A study completely ignored in the last Master Plan change, by leaders still stuck in the "Jamesburg is Built Out." mentality
The Rutgers vision sees Jamesburg as a cultural hub for the surrounding suburbs. Shops, offices, parking, lofts all the ingredients for an improved "Lakeside Village of Jamesburg."
The bottom line is property values. A culturally interesting town with a central thriving business district attracts buyers willing to pay a premium for charm. Who can argue against an increase in value of their home?
Our point is, the Jamesburg Library is already an asset to rising property values. And yes, it could even be more utilized.
Closing this library makes no sense.
It is our hope to showcase our library. Once you realize what a town treasure this library is, you will certainly vote to continue its existence and funding.
Note: Feel free to view or print these fliers by clicking on them.
