From Tina Keresztury, Associate State Librarian

Subject: Library Construction and the Stimulus Package

Many libraries have inquired about how library construction fits in with the stimulus package. ALA continues to advise that libraries with construction projects work on the local level and try to convince their mayors and councils to make library construction a priority project for the town.

Fifty-one libraries responded to me that they have projects that are shovel-ready and could begin building in 2009. I am going to write a letter to the mayors of each of these towns and basically say that I have been working with the libraries and stating that the State Library believes these projects should be given priority. Stimulus funding can be used for renovation and renovation/additions. I will also point out that stimulus funding can be used for refurbishment of the library such as buying new carpeting, new furnishings, new lighting, new windows, and projects similar to these. While I do not know all the details, ALA stressed these uses in a conference call in which I participated last week on the stimulus package. If your library did not reply that you were shovel ready in 2009 but you are planning a refurbishment project, please contact me and I will gladly write a letter to your mayor also.

I urge you to involve your Friends, patrons, and whoever can help you locally to advocate strongly in your town to become a priority for this funding. We do not believe that funding will be given to the State Library to distribute in a grant program, so you need to advocate strongly now for your project. To date, two libraries have been successful in our state on becoming a priority project.

Please call me at 609-278-2640 ext 134 or email me at tkeresztury@PROTECTED if you have any questions or to discuss how you might advocate locally.

Tina Keresztury Associate State Librarian NJ State Library 609-278-2640 ext. 134 fax- 609-278-2652 tkeresztury@PROTECTED

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