Dennis Buchert argues against township funding for the Plainsboro Free Public Library (WW&P News, July 5) because “libraries have become obsolete in today’s high-tech world.”
In 2015, the library circulated 366,873 items—nearly 16 per Plainsboro resident. (This compares with the statewide library average of just 6.3 in 2014.)
So our collections are quite popular. Last year, an average of 707 people visited the Plainsboro library each day. 20,000 people attended programs we sponsored.
The library offers classes in English as a second language, provides help with tax preparation and has resources to help unemployed persons with job searches. When Superstorm Sandy knocked out power to many of our homess, the library provided a way to charge phones and communicate with anxious relatives and friends.
Plainsboro Library offers the latest in learning technology. Our digital circulation in 2015 included 12,143 e-books and downloadable audio books. IPads are available for customer use.
We provide online databases, the cost of which would be prohibitive for individual citizens to access. Volunteers (many of them teenagers from our high schools) teach library patrons how to use technology.
Last month alone, the library ran 43 programs that were enjoyed by 1,177 adults and children, ranging from story times for our youngest citizens to a summer reading program, science programs, and health and wellness education. Over 1,000 items circulated per day in June.
Obsolete? I don’t think so. We welcome all residents to visit our library. You will see a busy, active building, wonderful programs, and an important community resource for people of all ages.
Deborah Brett
Brett is president of the Plainsboro Free Public Library Board of Trustees
