By Anne Levin
Just a few hours before a Princeton Council meeting Monday night that was promising to be contentious, the Municipality and Princeton Public Library (PPL) came to an agreement to close the remaining $149,000 gap in the 2026 Library budget.
By amending the ordinance for the proposed 2026 Municipal budget, Council effectively ended the disagreement over PPL funding that has been brewing in recent months. A proposal that PPL end free two-hour parking for cardholders at the adjacent Spring Street garage had been rejected by PPL, which had already reduced its hours to help meet budgetary needs.
As part of the agreement, “the Municipality will increase its contribution by $75,000,” reads a joint statement issued late Monday afternoon. “The Library will help offset these costs by restructuring its employee parking permits, reducing the total number by 10. PPL will close the remaining $75,000 through fundraising and other revenue generating efforts.”
The statement continued, “Both the Municipality and the Library value the strong partnership they share. The Municipality is proud to support the Library and the high-quality programs and services it provides to the community. At the same time, PPL recognizes the importance of fiscal responsibility and the Municipality’s obligation to taxpayers.”
PPL Board of Trustees President Christopher Van Buren is quoted, “We’re grateful for the Municipality’s partnership in ensuring the library remains a vital and welcoming resource for all. This agreement allows us to sustain the programs, services, and access our community depends on every day.”
Council voted unanimously to approve the amendment, and to pass the Municipal budget. While expressing gratitude to Council for working with PPL to settle the matter, several members of the public said they hoped the measure was more than just a stopgap.
“It’s just a bandage, not a sustainable solution,” said one man. “Help us reach a sustainable solution.”
A seven-year-old resident told Council that “everyone loves the library,” which is “full of life, full of books, and full of play. Everyone that was born here likes it, and everyone who comes here likes it.” Jeff Trainor, whose Storytime with Jeff programs are popular at the Library, commented through a song he had written in support of the institution, accompanying himself on the ukulele.
Longtime resident Sheila Siderman said that while she is delighted that an agreement had been reached, she has been “very distressed over the past few weeks over the misleading statements the mayor and Council have made about the budget. I’m sorry that you’re killing that trust among me, my friends, and many Princeton residents.”
Mayor Mark Freda felt compelled to reply, acknowledging that there had been some misinformation but stressing that “a small group of us continued to talk and find common ground despite what was being said in the press and on social media, showing that attacking people and giving half-truths and misinformation serves no good purpose. A special commendation to everyone that ignored that and continued to find a solution to the problem.”
Among the members of Council offering comment was Leighton Newlin, who said Princeton “is not lacking in support for its library; in fact we are among the most well-resourced communities when it comes to resources and endowment,” and that comes with “responsibility to be sure that as we invest we are doing it in a way that protects our values, not just in programming but in stewardship. We hear you. We always do. But we also have an obligation to look at the full picture, even when it is uncomfortable and even when it is unpopular.”
Councilwoman Mia Sacks, who like Newlin grew up in Princeton, recalled how important the library has been to her throughout her life, calling PPL “a second parent” for her, and later for her own child. “It is unfortunate that in the past week these conversations spilled out into the public that, as one said, led to an erosion of trust. I hope this will be the last time this happens.”
Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros called the agreement “a thoughtful and balanced solution that reflects both our commitment to the Library and our responsibility to taxpayers. We’re pleased to have worked collaboratively to reach an outcome that supports the entire community.”
The meeting also included a special proclamation honoring Zoning Officer Derek Bridger, who is retiring after 25 years, effective May 1. The next meeting of Council is May 11 at 7 p.m.