Save Our Library

[anon-4285]

The parking lot is not a library lot. Read the meeting minutes that were just posted.

They are also not building the lot today. It is a place holder.

[anon-sp0n]

[books-32n2]

From the May 9 Township Meeting Minutes

"Ms. Marilynn Mullen, Director of the Cranbury Public Library, stated she has also heard that a new
Library is not necessary. She stated a Library is a child’s first interaction with other children, books
and with learning, and that cannot be “googled.” Ms. Mullen stated while e-books may be less
expensive, college students prefer books for note taking, studying and learning."

A child's FIRST interaction with other children, books and with learning? Even as a fan of libraries, I disagree with this statement. The library is a great place to take kids, but most will experience their first interaction with other children, books and with learning at home.


As for college students preferring books, what is the source of the information? It is really an incomplete view. Here's some more information.

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/131055/20160205/more-than-90-percent-of-college-students-prefer-reading-paper-books-over-e-books.htm

[anon-psp4]

[Art-0292]

Went to the library's coloring night, nice calm program until Jan gave us the bum's rush to close the library at 8 o'clock. No fair!

Heidi lets Yarn Spinners stay until 9 o'clock.

[anon-pp98]

http://www.centraljersey.com/lifestyle/what-s-in-store-the-cranbury-bookworm-is-ready-for/article_74692c74-2e7a-11e6-8961-3746da72b4a8.html

another book related business moves to online digital owning brick and mortar is old news wake up Cranbury Public Library

[anon-pp98]

Why does the public library keep lying about how much money they have raised in the meeting minutes for the library parking lot is says the library has raised $1,761,223 not $2,000.000 they claim they have why do the library people keep lying to us? WHEREAS, the Cranbury Public Library Foundation, an independent, non-profit corporation that supports fundraising for the Library, has instituted a capital campaign to raise funds for the new building, and as of February 8, 2016 had raised $1,761,223 toward its goal of $3,200,000; http://cranburytownship.org/TC-Documents/2016/TC_minutes050916.pdf

[anon-6696]

I believe the difference between the $1.75MM and the $2.2MM they keep quoting is the $2.2MM represents as-of-yet uncollected pledges and the $1.75MM is actual cash in hand.

[anon-q2q6]

[Ryan Road-0292]

Fundraising by shame has risen to a new height at Cranbury Public Library.

On a simple visit to select books recently, I was thrust a post card to write 200 words or less on why Cranbury needs a new library. No worries, said Mrs. Mullen, we will pay the postage or bring it to the Township meeting. She just needed my name & address with positive comments on the card.

But I don't see how a new building is warranted. Must I explain that out loud, when I simply want to borrow a book? Surely the green dots were embarrassing enough.

This post card campaign quickly followed the mass mail fundraising appeal from Cranbury Library Foundation. Why are library tax revenue resources of payroll hours, supplies and office space used for a private foundation fundraising effort?

Please stop. I would rather see our current library better managed than spend $3.2million (minimum) for a new building. I will not support a new library building while the current facility is mismanaged and ignored.

TC needs to audit the salary & project hours ratio of $79,500 the director is paid to determine where her focus & energy go. Unfortunately, the Board of Trustees can not supervise objectively.
Signed, James S.

[anon-rr1s]

That is not appropriate. I have gotten the 'I hope you will support us' remark while in the library. I remember thinking that I should be able to go into a public building and not get lobbied or made to feel uncomfortable if I am not willing to express support.

[anon-s6p5]

I just don't get it. The TC made their point clear that the library has to be self sustaining and also built with private funds.

The library fundraising agrees with this premise and is doing in my view a great job.

So what is the point of the post card? I have been in 3-4 times this week and was not asked once or handed a post card.

[anon-0592]

[oqs4;3-n931]

The high pressure tactics that are now the status quo are unacceptable. The Committee needs to put a stop on these tactics. We non pro "New Unnecessary Library Building" folks have been singled out and pressured long enough!!! The
" Neutral" Committee members need to get some backbones and stop this harassment. Please give us some help.

[anon-4898]

What would you have the TC members do?

- Regardless of your stance there are supporters of building a library. They have the same right as those opposed.

- The TC has stated that they are fine with a privately built library.

- The library is fund raising just as any charity.

So how do you propose the TC tells residents to stop fund raising when the group doing so is a private entity. The fund raising is not being run by the township controlled library, but a private foundation.

[oqs4;3-n931]

The problem is the members of the PUBLIC are being intimidated by Public employees in the taxpayers PUBLIC Library that is paid for by their taxes. No one should ever be singled out and harassed in this manner in a Public building.