TRENTON, NJ — November 29, 2022 – Damian G. Malave, who has once again secured the number one position in Trenton’s South Ward run-off election, wants the Council to explore reopening closed libraries.

“Four of our five library branches were shut down in 2010,” said Malave. “It’s not enough that the Skelton Library in the South Ward reopened briefly later as a learning center in 2012.”

Malave, who was born and raised in Trenton, said accessibility to library branches located throughout the city would create safe spaces for our children in particular – Trenton’s most valuable asset.

In the modern age, libraries are more than a repository of books – and offer different learning experiences and technology resources. Free library programs also serve as a benefit to adults and children alike.

“My wife Felita and I raised our four children here in Trenton,” Malave shared. “Our son Christian now works for the Trenton Free Public Library and understands its value.”

Earlier this year, Governor Phil Murphy announced a $302,250 allocation to the Trenton Free Public Library as part of the Library Construction Bond Act. In the press release publicizing the additional funding, Congressman Frank Pallone thanked Murphy for “his effort to ensure that libraries have the resources they need to stay open and accessible for years to come.”

The City of Trenton received $72,913,998 in federal American Rescue Plan money and designated $4 million for repairs and improvements to the library last year. As Malave sees it, this funding should allow the city to expand its investment opportunities and explore additional means of bringing in revenue.

Other local governments throughout the state have already begun taking in new tax dollars by allowing highly regulated cannabis businesses to open in their communities. A portion of the income could be applied to reopening local libraries, suggested Malave. The bonus would be creating new job opportunities for residents who call Trenton home.

“My family stayed in Trenton when so many others chose to leave,” said Malave. “ We live in the Capital City, and I plan to push for us to become a place where future generations can be proud to say they came from Trenton.”

Malave, the highest vote-getter in the General Election, is on the top of the ballot for a December 13th runoff election in Trenton’s South Ward.