Up until now I’ve been generally passive on the library issue. I’ve simply published some simple analysis and an “out there, option”.

I know many of my friends in Trenton are much more active and certainly more bullish on our ability to raise money and run the library.

I’m doubtful.

My minimum criteria for responsible stewardship of the library is to formally consider a healthy set of options. One of those options is certainly a formal proposal from the county.

If the admin or council can not make a formal request then they are not exercising responsible stewardship.

Last night at our Freeholder Meeting we asked the Administration if they had heard from the City Council regarding the library situation. We were told that there had been earlier limited discussions regarding the status of the Trenton Libraries and the debt. However, there has only been limited contact. At this time there has been no formal request from the Council to discuss the situation of the libraries with the County Administration.

Hopefully with people like yourself speaking up and offering constructive suggestions some positive action may be taken. Bring your ideas to the City Council’s attention. From my understanding they would have to formally approach the County Administration to open any discussion to any possible interactions.

But what I disagree with is your assertion that we are asking for a library system beyond our means and needs.

I’m not sure that is true.

Further, over two decades ago, the city rebuffed a (half-hearted) approach to be absorbed into the County library system. It is fact. Look it up. Mathesius was the County Executive. Whatever was published in the paper, the major roadblock was the refusal to give p local control (a huge mistake).

Today, there is less of an intersest because the Trenton libraries have fallen further behind. The collection is not up to stadards; the buildings have issues; the “system” doesn’t allow for easy access.

This is one of those instances where we need to appropriate funds that are adequate; have leadership that is effective; and commit to serving the “underserved.” There’s really no way around it.

Furthermore, before I’m called too one-dimensional (would I look thinner?). Please read my article on turning around Trenton.

http://livingonthenet.com/wordpress/trenton-as-a-turnaround-opportunity

In it, I recommend the ultimate multi-dimensional approach to facing our budget and revitalization issues, portfolio management. The approach is akin to the Governor’s admonition that “if we’re to save one line item, please tell me which other line item to cut”.

Your analysis may be correct so far as it goes, but it is rather one dimensional.

In your subhead, you mention that multiple libraries are beyond our means. I would submit that is not necessarily the case.

I believe we also must look at the mismanagement of the limited resources that Trenton has.

For example, our administration is quite top-heavy. Shouldn’t we look at cutting some of those expenses that serve no one other than the Mayor before cutting services to the citizens?

The fleet of take home cars and the gas to fuel them is another area that needs to be looked at.

But before we cut off the branches completely I would like to see the city make an earnest and honest effort to keep them open for another year by cutting some of the truly uneeded extras; revamp the Library management and seek outside funding to sustain and grow the system in a responsible manner.

The notion of a central “mega-library” is rather far-fetched at this point.

Where would it be? How would it be funded? How will people get to it?

One of the main reasons to keep the branch libraries open is so there is adequate access for all. Trentonians as a rule are not as mobile as the residents in the suburbs. The location of the main library has limited parking and may not be as kid- or senior-friendly as it should be.

And let me try to dispel this County take over myth once and for all (and I’ve no doubt you will turn this point around on me): library professionals have indicated there really is no interest in expanding the county system to include Trenton. The collection of materials lacks any attraction to the county system. The buildings, even the main one, are somewhat problematic because of the cost of upkeep, etc.

In short, a merger is not going to happen. Neither is a “reciprocal” agreement.

We need to look at the management of the library and make sure that it gets the proper support from the city and the public.

Perhaps you can suggest another measure for equitable distribution of libraries. Please be prepared to show your analysis.

BTW – I do blame the victim. Trenton has a democratically elected government and has had for many years. Trentonians chose the leaders that led the city into the mess it’s in and they chose the leaders that have been unable to get us out.

I’m to blame as well for not doing more. This is why I’m writing this blog and attempting to bring a dose of economic analysis into the public discourse.