To the Editor:
Princeton Public Library has earned a well-deserved reputation as a cultural institution and, arguably, the center of our vibrant and diverse community, hosting concerts, book talks, and a wide range of other public programming in addition to offering an array of print and electronic resources and children’s and adult services. But what if Princeton Public Library were merely a traditional library?
Donors make the difference between a good library and a great one, and October 20 (80 percent of the way through the year) represents the day on the library’s calendar when all other funding sources run out and giving takes over. Patrons may have noticed the Giving Takes Over messaging in the library, or they may have seen the email explaining what this means. As the independence of public libraries is being questioned, now seems like a good time to highlight the importance of donor support in keeping Princeton Public Library — and its unique complement of programs and services — available and accessible to all members of our community.
It is not by accident that our library functions as a resource for patrons of any age or interest, nor is it serendipitous that the library is able to host stimulating speakers and world-class programs. Charitable gifts account for 20 percent of the library’s funding on an annual basis; the offerings that distinguish Princeton Public Library — from our robust collections to our world-class programming — are paid for by generous members of our community.
This isn’t new — a history of giving has made Princeton Public Library the resource it is today. Our building, the cultural hub of our town, was built with significant gifts from private donors. We are also grateful for a healthy endowment, built by donors, that keeps us strong and independent. Thank you to all who have contributed to making Princeton Public Library exceptional, no matter how large or small your gifts. What is new are the unprecedented increases in basic costs, such as utilities, and insurance benefits for the staff who we count on to consistently go above and beyond in meeting the needs of the community. Public funding, in the form of 1.77 percent of our property tax bills, struggles to keep up with these cost increases.
Princeton Public Library hosted more than 680,000 visitors last year — over 2,000 each day — including children who show up after school for homework help, seniors seeking technology assistance, and young adults engaged in a job search. More than ever, we count on the support of generous donors to preserve and protect the resources this community counts on.
We urge you to visit the library website, princetonlibrary.org/support, to learn more about Giving Takes Over and the importance of private philanthropy to the services that make Princeton Public Library much, much more than just a library.