New Jersey libraries get a small reprieve from budget cuts

New Jersey libraries, hit hard in the state spending plan signed into law last week, got some relief Wednesday through a $5.1 million federal stimulus grant to expand their computer infrastructure and assistance for job seekers.

The money will be spread among the state's 365 public libraries over two years, New Jersey State Librarian Norma Blake said. State systems in Maine, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Montana also received stimulus grants.

"At a time when New Jersey's libraries are facing severe budget cuts, this timely investment will help libraries throughout the state continue providing important public services," said U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D., N.J.).

The new state budget cuts funding for libraries by $6 million, a 43 percent reduction from last year but far less than the 74 percent cut laid out in Gov. Christie's initial budget proposal.

Some branches still will have to reduce their hours or, in some cases, close, Blake said. Programs such as the interlibrary book-loan service have been scaled back, and subscriptions to electronic databases in areas including genealogy have been eliminated.

The federal money will not offset the state cuts. The grant is solely for computers, Internet connectivity, and programs to help job seekers find work online.

"Overall our broadband is pretty good," Blake said, "but there are places in the state with no access to high-speed broadband."