Letter: Seek Outside Funding for Public Library

Tsk! Tsk! Sounds of disappointment again, generated by our straped adn esteemed Mayor and Council members. If it weren't so serious, it would resemt a game, like tic-tac-toe, "Aha! Gotcha cornered now!"

It's budget time and the River Edge Library and its dilligent staff are on the chopping block again.

"Oh!" I hear the dozens of parents groan. These are the lucky ones with their adorable, excited tots in tow. They are just emerging from the Children's Librarian Mary Anne Guiliano's delightfully informative programs. Where else in town could one fine stimulating programs, especially geared for them?

What an intellectual and social haven for teenagers. Reservoirs of information at theri finger tips. Knowledgeable and accommodating experts to assist them. How about the spacious and attractive surroundings, so conducive for work and study.

I am sure Your Honor and able Council mmebers are familiar with our gracious assistants. Arcane material? Margaret Churley will dig up all you want? Recondite articles? Jennifer Kellerman will provide a raft of material. An energetic, innovating, dedicated, extremely well versed in contemporary technology, who else? Director O'Connor. The trustees certainly picked a winner.

During Election time, when I scan the list of prospective candidates for Council positions, I'm always impressed with the caliber and qualifications of those listed on the roster and those fortunate to serve. Very impressive. Now they are confronted with the distasteful tasks of cutting back, eliminating precious and helpful services. Where to turn?

I recall an Eddie Cantor movie, in which he sings "If I Were a Millionaire." If I were one, $48,000 would go directly to our Library.

I'm not a millionaire yet, but I read a lot about them, especially those in Congress. There's even one from New Jersey. Do you think you, Council members could convince the likes of him and other millionaires where they can direct you to some source of esoteric grants for such a plight that we are confronted with in our booming town of River Edge?

I know the Annenbergs donated 90 million for Negro colleges. And bless their generous hearts, George Soros and that exemplar (take note Mayor Moscaritolo), Mayor Michael Bloomberg donated 30 million to school our Black and Latino youths. Is there any member of our governing body who has teh chutzpah to seek a revenue source for our Library?

Don't bother asking the Swedish government; I tried. Won't even contribute one book by their Nobel Laureate Selma Lagerlof, first woman to receive the rpize in Literature. Our Public Library is the only one in Bergen County that has any, She's written 27!

I realize that if you attempted to eliminate that great atmosphere and noise polluter of pyrotechnic display, masquerading as patriotic fervor, you all would be rode out of town on a rail. I couldn't take it happening to a nicer bunch of people.

I'm sure that you'll come up with something. For us seniors, the Library is our intellectual and social Vahalla. Good luck! I know you will not disappoint. 

Respectfully

Isadora Castello

River Edge