Mary Jacobs Library representatives seek doubling of donation to $12,000
By: Jake Uitti
ROCKY HILL Representatives from the Mary Jacobs Library have asked the Borough Council to increase funding for the building’s operating expenses.
Tony Bianculli, a former mayor of Rocky Hill and current treasurer of the library’s trustees, appeared before the council last week and explained that the upkeep for the million-dollar facility is an expensive endeavor. Mr. Bianculli asked the council for an increase in funding, from $6,000 to $12,000 per year.
The money would go toward paying the building’s insurance, heat, electricity and maintenance.
Mr. Bianculli said $12,000 would still be less than 10 percent of the library’s annual budget. He said that Montgomery Township, whose residents also use the library and do so in much larger numbers than Rocky Hill residents will also be asked to increase funding.
Montgomery’s annual contribution to the library is currently $14,000.
The library recently underwent a major renovation and expansion project that was completed in October, with the size of the facility doubling from 10,000 to 20,000 square feet. The children’s wing and more computers also were added, said Brenda Fallon, president of the library’s trustees.
Councilman Ed Zimmerman said he believes the borough will be able to give more money to the library though the exact amount is uncertain.
"We will have to look at the proportion of Rocky Hill residents who use the facility compared to Montgomery residents," Mr. Zimmerman said. "If we can afford it, I don’t see a problem. The people at the library do a fantastic job. Nobody has an issue with giving them money, but we have to see where the budget is in January."

