Statement from the Friends and Foundation of the Princeton Public Library

We appreciate the opportunity to respond to recent statements regarding the Princeton Public Library and its funding.

The Friends and Foundation of the Princeton Public Library is proud to support one of the community’s most valued public resources. Each year, through book sales, events, and the generosity of donors, we raise significant private funding to enhance the library’s collections, programs, and services. In fact, every book—print and digital—in the library’s collection is funded through philanthropy, not tax dollars. This is something our community has built together over decades, and it remains a point of pride.

At the same time, it is important to recognize that decisions about municipal resource allocation ultimately rest with the mayor and council, and we appreciate that they have multiple priorities to weigh. The library’s role—and ours—is to clearly communicate the resources required to operate one of the most heavily used public buildings in Princeton and to ensure that donor-supported funds are managed responsibly.

We also serve as stewards of the library’s endowment, managing these funds in accordance with donor intent, our investment guidelines, and the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act. The endowment is structured to provide sustainable, long-term support through a disciplined annual distribution while preserving its value in perpetuity.

For that reason, it is important to clarify that the endowment cannot be used to replace municipal funding. It was established explicitly to supplement and enhance public investment—not to offset recurring operating costs such as health insurance or utilities. Using endowment funds in that way would undermine long-term financial sustainability and would not be consistent with lawful management of charitable assets. This is not a “discretionary decision”; it is a fiduciary responsibility.

We also believe it is important to provide additional context regarding municipal funding. While the library’s share of the tax levy is often cited, that figure does not reflect the full revenue picture. Payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) from developers and voluntary contributions from large institutional property owners generate substantial municipal revenue ($9.5 million for 2026) but do not contribute proportionally to the library’s dedicated funding, even as they increase demand for library services.

Similarly, certain operational realities have been mischaracterized. Library staff are treated consistently with other municipal employees in having access to workplace parking. These and other factors are part of the broader operational context required to safely and effectively serve the public.

The Friends and Foundation remains committed to growing private support for the library. At the same time, philanthropy alone cannot sustain a public institution of this scale. A strong and effective library depends on a partnership between community generosity and municipal investment.

We will continue to advocate for the resources necessary to ensure that the Princeton Public Library remains accessible, welcoming, and responsive to the needs of our community.