Advocacy

NJLA Legislative Priorities

New Jersey Library Association Legislative Priorities 2025-2026

  • Library Network Aid - $4,299,000 - This funding makes possible cost-saving shared services through the Network including LibraryLinkNJ, which includes statewide delivery of materials, and the JerseyConnect statewide technology services and infrastructure.  NJLA will also continue to advocate for LSTA funding.

  • Per Capita State Aid - $4,676,000 - This program provides direct support to public libraries, allowing them to remain strong community anchors throughout the state. This funding is the equivalent of less than 50 cents of funding for library services for each New Jersey resident.

  • S1674 - Fair Practices for Libraries Purchasing Electronic Materials - This bill eliminates unfair costs and terms for libraries to obtain electronic literary materials from publishers, distributors, and other entities. This bill will require that libraries are not unfairly treated in the purchasing of electronic literary materials for its residents.

  • PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) - NJLA will review the impact of PILOT and other additional programs on public library funding.  Unlike schools and many other services, public libraries serve all who work, live and visit our communities.  Local funding provides 99% of all funding for New Jersey libraries, and is critical for much-needed services in nearly every community. 

  • S3440/A1654 - Requires that public school districts ensure all New Jersey public school students have access to trained school library media specialists and a highly effective school library program. The numbers of certified SLMS continue to decline, currently there are a total of only 1,160 serving all of 1,426,840 NJ students with a ratio of 1,230 students to 1 SMLS. 

  • Additional Construction Funding for New Jersey Libraries - The 2017 Library Construction Bond Act provided $123 million for 75 of New Jersey’s public libraries. Additional capital investment in public libraries, designed and built by New Jersey workers, supports vital local economies, strengthens community ties, and empowers individual achievement.

  • Artificial Intelligence Education & Training - As AI reshapes education, work, and civic life, libraries must be recognized as essential partners in preparing New Jersey residents. Public and academic libraries should be explicitly included in all state initiatives around AI literacy and workforce training, ensuring equitable access to emerging technologies, age-appropriate learning opportunities, and staff capacity to deliver ethical, inclusive instruction at scale.

  • Reduction of Healthcare Costs - In 2024 New Jersey public libraries spent over $114 million dollars providing fringe benefits to staff compared to $96.4 million in 2015.  In 2024, the cost of benefits was nearly 20% of the total of all local funding for libraries.  NJLA will partner with other organizations to push for reduction of health care costs for public employees.