Historically the library has always been funded at a more than the minimum 1/3 of a mil.
The past two years the library budget has been set at $686,180.
In 1985 the library had a budget of $350,000 which when adjusted for inflation is $1,018,569.67
Before budget cuts happened in 2020, the library was funded at $745,000 in 2019, which adjusted for inflation is $908,714.60.
We provide an abundance of public computers, printing services, photocopying services, faxing services, wi-fi internet. Having internet access at the library is essential because roughly 20% of Phillipsburg residents do not have access to broadband internet. Residents need these services for applying for jobs, taking care of business, or for benefits from the State of New Jersey.
A larger budget would allow the library to invest more heavily into the library’s IT Infrastructure which has been neglected due to a lower budget.
More open hours, means more programming to be aimed at all ages of the community
A larger number of materials (books/eBooks/audiobooks/magazines) would be able to be purchased. The library is very limited in the amount of materials that can be purchased at this time.
The library will be closed on Monday, February 17 in observance of Presidents' Day. We will reopen at 9:30am on Tuesday, February 18!
While we're closed, be sure to take advantage of our online services, including ebooks, streaming movies, digital magazines, and more by visiting https://www.pburglib.org/digital-services/
