Princeton Library To Cut Hours, Limit Streaming Services Due To Budget Deficit

PRINCETON, NJ — Changes are coming to Princeton Public Library in 2026 in an effort to address a deficit in the budget.

The Board of Trustees of the Library approved a budget that includes a one-hour daily reduction in library hours beginning Jan. 12 and cuts to access to on-demand streaming services.

"The library’s 2026 budget required finding cost savings that would have the least impact on service," said Executive Director Jennifer Podolsky. "While our operating hours and streaming services will be changing, our role as a valued community resource remains the same."

Beginning Jan. 12, the library will close at 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Welcome Desk will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

The library at 65 Witherspoon will also eliminate the Kanopy on-demand video streaming service and restrict Hoopla checkouts to three per patron per month, effective Feb. 1. Hoopla allows patrons to stream audiobooks, music, video and ebooks at no charge to the user.

In exchange for the new limits on streaming services, the library will be eliminating fees for DVD and video game rentals.

The library's 2026 budget deficit is the result of significant increases in fixed costs, including a 36.5 percent increase in State-mandated staff insurance premiums, according to the library.

In addition, soaring costs for building maintenance and utilities and rising usage fees for the library’s digital platforms have been exacerbated by steady growth in visitor traffic, according to the library.

"Protecting the library’s long-term financial health is critical to ensuring it can remain an accessible, inclusive center for learning and cultural enrichment for all members of our community," said Board of Trustees President Christopher Van Buren. "Princeton Public Library is a vital community asset, and preserving its ability to deliver outstanding service and world-class programming was a paramount consideration in the budget process."

The final library budget is subject to approval of the municipal budget by the Princeton Town Council this spring.