I was greatly saddened to read Maurice Baker’s mean-spirited excoriation of the Monmouth County Library’s recent Food for Fines initiative in his recent letter to the editor (“Resident Questions Decision to Forgo Fines on Overdue Library Books,” News Transcript, July 20, 2011). Why is Mr. Baker so angry at the library?
One of Mr. Baker’s concerns is the Monmouth County Library’s misuse of “his” tax money by forgiving a portion of overdue fines in exchange for inexpensive food items to be donated to charity.
He may not be aware that, despite the taxes he pays, the actual costs of library operations are sorely underfunded by public money. He should realize that the library’s task is to be a responsible steward of the taxpayers’ money by maintaining its collections to the best of its ability and keeping them as intact as possible.
Aside from fostering immense goodwill in the community, Food for Fines is an effective mechanism for ensuring the recovery of many items than might never have otherwise returned to the library, thus saving the taxpayers many more thousands of dollars in the cost of replacements than the cost of the forgiven fines.
If anything, it is a cost-effective program that considerably lightens residents’ “tax burdens,” rather than exacerbating them.
Mr. Baker also accuses the Monmouth County Library of irresponsibility by sending collected food to several faith-based food banks; he cites separation of church and state as his justification.
If he actually read his Constitution, he would see immediately that a public library donating several cases of canned soup and pasta to a church soup kitchen hardly qualifies as state establishment of religion. Church food banks serve everyone in need, regardless of their faith (or lack thereof). Should the library discriminate against such organizations based on a gross misinterpretation of the FirstAmendment?
In his diatribe, Mr. Baker seeks excuses to vilify the Monmouth County Library, yet offers no evidence whatever to support his accusations.
One must wonder: What library services have been denied him because of revenues allegedly reduced by Food for Fines? What materials has he been unable to obtain? Has he actually used the library lately, and is his own account in good standing?
The next time Mr. Baker disagrees with the Monmouth County Library’s policies or programs, or has suggestions on how to improve its operations, I am sure that the Library Commissioners will be happy to talk to him at their next public meeting.
In the meantime, I greatly hope thatMr. Baker never finds himself having to rely on charity food banks to put dinner on his table.
As a Freehold native, a oncefrequent patron of the Monmouth County Library and a professional librarian, I salute the Monmouth County Library for all its commendable work— both inside and outside the reading room walls — to support its residents and improve their lives. May your mission “creep” ever onward!
Zeau DuBois Modig
Director
Riegelsville Public Library
Riegelsville, Pa.