To the Editor:
As president of the Friends and Foundation of the Princeton Public Library, I was recently approached by a concerned library donor. She had heard a member of the town Council state that we have a “Cadillac” for a library when a “Chevy” would suffice.
This comment was part of a conversation regarding whether the Council will vote to approve the library’s proposed budget in the weeks ahead. The library has requested a modest funding increase of approximately $149,000 from the municipality in 2026, a small sum relative to the overall budget, but crucial to maintaining current service levels and more than fair given the value our library provides for our town.
It is important for our community to understand that the quality of our library is not an accident, nor is it the result of excess. It is the direct result of decades of intentional investment by generous members of our community. When the Sands Library Building was constructed over 20 years ago, donor funding covered $12M of the $18M construction bill.
Since that time, hundreds of individuals and families have made philanthropic gifts to build and sustain the endowment that benefits our library in perpetuity. These donors gave generously with a clear purpose: to ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of background or means, would have access to exceptional collections, programs, and services.
They did not give so that the library would be merely adequate. They gave because they believed Princeton should have a library that reflects the values of this community: access to knowledge, intellectual curiosity, cultural enrichment, and opportunity for all.
The Friends and Foundation exists to steward those gifts responsibly and to honor donor intent. The endowment is carefully managed to provide ongoing support for collections, programming, and services that enhance the library’s offerings. It was never intended to serve as a substitute for the public investment required to operate and sustain a municipal library.
In that sense, the library’s quality is not a luxury. It is a reflection of what this community has chosen, over many years, to prioritize and invest in together.
We are fortunate to have a library shaped by such sustained generosity and civic commitment. It is something that sets Princeton apart and something worth preserving.
I would like to assure those who have generously given over the years that the Friends and Foundation of Princeton Public Library remains committed to honoring the legacy of our endowment’s donors and supporting the excellence of our library for generations to come.