- Target:
- The City of Jersey City; The Jersey City Free Public Library Director & Board of Trustees
- Region:
- United States of America
This petition is closed.
The Lafayette Branch was the sixth branch library in the Jersey City Free Public Library system when it opened in 1924. It has been in the same location, at 307 Pacific Avenue, with the exception of a period of time when it was renovated between 1999 and 2000. At its reopening, it "became the first automated branch of the Jersey City Free Public Library system". (Source: jclibrary.org)
This "neighborhood Library" serves the area of Jersey City referred to as "Communipaw-Lafayette". The branch has a two-person staff and operates in a storefront, a small but arguably adequate space.
It provides a center where computer access is available to the many who do not have the luxury of having a home computer. This is becoming more and more of a necessity as today's school curriculum incorporates homework that requires a computer.
We, the undersigned, are strongly imploring The Mayor and City Council of Jersey City, as well as the Director and Board of Trustees of the Jersey City Free Public Library, to reconsider the slated closing in November 2010 of the Lafayette Branch of the Jersey City Free Public Library.
The Lafayette Branch, although a very small facility but one that has been open since 1924, is one of a few public assets in this neighborhood, an area already underserved by services and amenities readily available to and enjoyed by other Jersey City residents. In our area where recent reports of crime are becoming more and more rampant, our library provides an unmistakable positive environment for our community and one that should be indispensable, especially during these difficult times.
The children and families of Lafayette need this library more than ever before. It serves as support for our local school and our students. For young children not yet in school, it is the only library within walking distance available to them. And in our community, the Lafayette branch ensures that Internet resources are available to everyone -– not just to those who can readily afford a home computer. Our library is our community center, a neutral gathering place for the free exchange of ideas, culture, entertainment and knowledge.
Libraries represent a cornerstone of a viable and healthy community. The benefits and services they provide, especially for a neighborhood like Lafayette, are invaluable and long-lasting. At a time when many of our families are facing economic hardships, the closing of the Lafayette Branch -- our library -- represents your betrayal of our community and the future of this city. (Keep in mind that the closing of the Pacific Avenue Post Office, across the street from the library, as well as the elimination of bus services, are still fresh in our minds.) Lafayette is already hurting so please do not further discourage us: we ask you to support the values we place on literacy, education, culture and freedom by ensuring that the Lafayette Branch doors remain open. Please do not turn your back on the children and families of Lafayette. This branch survived the “Great Depression”, please find it within your authority, capacity, your commitment to the public, and your hearts to keep our library open.
The Support Lafayette Branch Library, Jersey City, NJ petition to The City of Jersey City; The Jersey City Free Public Library Director & Board of Trustees was written by Lycel Villanueva and is in the category Neighborhood Living at GoPetition.