The Friends of the Oradell Library need your help. Our beloved Oradell Free Public Library is currently funded at $120,000 less than it was eight years ago. The cost of operating a library has increased significantly during those years.

Without increased funding, the library will be forced to cut operating hours by 21% in order to balance its 2015 budget. Effective May 1st, the library will eliminate service 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. It will close all day on Thursdays.

We are petitioning Oradell's Mayor and Council to approve a $36,000 increase in Oradell Free Public Library's 2015 appropriation, raising municipal funding from $578,509 to $614,509.

This 6% increase would allow the library to remain open on Thursdays and Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings. It would allow the library to re-open on Sunday afternoons. It would also help restore some of the library's materials budgets, which have gradually eroded due to the $120,000 decrease in annual borough library funding since 2008.

You can join us in supporting Oradell Free Public Library by doing two simple things. First, please sign this petition. Let Oradell's Mayor and Council know that the library is an essential part of our community and worthy of their attention and investment. Second, please share this petition with your family, friends, and neighbors via e-mail or your social networks.

Our library has never needed its friends more than it does today. We appreciate your time, consideration, and support!

Sincerely,

The Steering Committee of the Friends of the Oradell Library