UPDATE: Camden reached an agreement to save its three libraries by joining the county system. They can now continue to provide vital services to the community despite budget shortfalls.

The Camden, New Jersey public library draws over 150,000 visitors every year and supplements public schools that don't have their own libraries on site, as well as provides computer access for many families that don't have the luxury in their own homes.

Due to drastically slashed funding across the entire state, the Camden branches may be some of the first in the nation to close simultaneously in the same town. Twenty-one employees would lose their jobs, and thousands of local residents in the impoverished community would have one less desperately needed resource at their disposal.

Libraries also provide reprieve from the elements for homeless people. Public libraries supplement both public and private educational institutions, and without them, many students wouldn't be able to save money by borrowing books, use computers for free or have a quiet space to study. Libraries support students from all walks of life, not just penny-pinching undergrads. Even kids benefit from story hours, crafts time and other activities that make literacy fun in the children's section of the library.

Camden residents deserve better, and their city council is the last hope. To keep at least one branch open and operating, the Camden City Council would need to approve $100,000 in funding to make the city eligible for additional assistance on the state level. Tell the Camden, NJ City Council to fund the city's public libraries!

Photo credit: digicla