Phillipsburg Free Public Library is a necessary resource | Letter
Updated May 06, 2021;
Closing a library is a questionable move, as most communities try their best to build and sustain one. So the question is, why is Phillipsburg considering closing their library? The Phillipsburg Free Public Library has proven to be a most valuable resource to the residents of this municipality at every level. It is within walking distance from both the middle and the high schools, as well as the senior housing complex.
In the past the council has suggested busing to a different facility. Why spend tax dollars for busses when walking is free? This library also serves as a valuable resource to the underserved minority population of the community. Inside, we’ve seen more research hours than many other county libraries. When the library is open, all computers are in use for studying, job searches or for programs only accessible online.
Phillipsburg council OKs riverside site for industrial use; library told to pay $160K
Updated 1:13 PM;
Today 1:12 PM
The Phillipsburg Town Council met virtually Tuesday night and approved measures establishing industrial riverfront zoning and telling the library to pay the town $160,000 from an excess surplus.Steve Novak | For lehighvalleylive.com
Facebook Share
The Phillipsburg Town Council on Tuesday approved a pair of controversial measures rezoning a riverside site for industrial use, and telling the Phillipsburg Free Public Library that it owes the town $160,000.
The council vote was 3-2 on both measures, each time with Councilmembers Frank McVey, Bobby Fulper and Randy Piazza Jr. in favor and Harry Wyant and Danielle DeGerolamo dissenting.
The Phillipsburg library is facing furloughs. And now it may owe the town $160K.
Posted May 04, 2021
A student searches the books at the Phillipsburg Free Public Library in 2013. The library says it is facing furloughs and reduced services due to funding. The town council says the library has a surplus that is legally required to be paid back. Stephen Flood | For lehighvalleylive.com
Facebook Share
Last month, the Phillipsburg Town Council decided to keep its own salaries down to add about $5,000 to the town library, which is in a funding crunch and facing furloughs and other anticipated cuts in service.
Phillipsburg’s 2021 budget holds taxes flat, as library faces funding crunch
Updated Apr 22, 2021;
Phillipsburg Town Council this week introduced a nearly $19 million 2021 budget that keeps municipal taxes flat for a second straight year.
Following pleas to boost spending for the Phillipsburg Free Public Library, council on Tuesday unanimously approved council President Frank McVey’s proposal to forego a pay raise for 2021 for its five members and Mayor Todd Tersigni. The elected officials took a 10% cut in salaries in 2020 versus 2019, and Tuesday’s vote keeps that cut in place.
McVey framed the election year reduction as a response to the continuing coronavirus pandemic: “We’re really not out of it yet,” he said.