Long gone are the days when public libraries simply loaned books.

In an increasingly digitized age these taxpayer-supported institutions have repositioned themselves as information clearinghouses, computer centers, family gathering places, study and lecture halls, classrooms, meeting rooms, headquarters for various clubs and organizations, historical archives, movie theaters, music venues and research facilities. In addition to books printed on paper, libraries lend electronic books, as well as DVDs, CDs and a host of other computerized entertainment and information.

Adults visit the library to read newspapers and magazines; teenagers do their homework; youngsters play educational games or listen to stories. Others use the free computers or Wi-Fi to check their email, or simply to enjoy a quiet time in a comfortable chair.

As a result, attendance and circulation have expanded, along with public appreciation.

That's why this newspaper is particularly pleased that New London Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio announced his support last week for significantly increasing the city's financial contribution to the Public Library of New London.

"New London is embarking on a comprehensive, citywide initiative to improve our education system. Our public library is a key educational resource for all New Londoners, from preschoolers to senior citizens," Mayor Finizio said last week. "In a city with a median income of under $23,000 and with so many children qualifying for free or reduced price lunch, early childhood education in particular is essential to helping our children reach their full potential. By investing in our library, we can change a generation of New Londoners' lives."

Mayor Finizio calls for doubling the city's annual appropriation for the library from $625,000 to $1,247,890.

Realistically, it is doubtful this full increase will be approved by the City Council and taxpayers at a time when all other government expenses are rising and revenues are shrinking, but we agree that New London must contribute much more toward such a valuable municipal service.

Even if the council appropriated the total recommended increase, New London still would fall slightly below the state per-capita average funding for a public library.

Suzanne Maryeski, the library's executive director, underscored the need for added funds.

"Since 2009, library hours have been cut from 68 to 48 hours a week and our book budget has been cut in half. With this additional funding, we could extend the number of hours we are open, hire full-time children's and reference librarians, and implement One Thousand Books Before Kindergarten, a program which encourages parents to read to their preschool children," she said.

"Libraries can transform lives, and we have a vital role to play in the community," Ms. Mary-eski added. "We can make a difference if we can get out there to all the day care centers, wherever there is a group of children, to make sure we're there giving the center books they can use for two weeks, having a good story hour or connecting with parents that way."

These goals are admirable, as is the sentiment expressed by the mayor.

"Education does not start and does not stop in our schools. We need youth programs, we need cultural institutions that ... support education as a lifelong endeavor, and no institution in New London does that more than the Public Library of New London."

New London falls below even the minimal standards of financially strapped urban municipalities, providing only about a quarter of the state-average, per capita spending on library materials.

This trend must be reversed.

Though it is held in trust by a nonprofit association, the library receives about 89 percent of its budget from the city's general fund.

Mayor Finizio is expected to present his full municipal budget proposal to the city in April, and final approval likely won't come until later in the summer.

Traditionally the budget process has provoked pitched battles over spending for education, public works, and police and fire protection, and some taxpayers object to any added expenses. We encourage such naysayers to consider the long-term and widespread benefits of the library in supporting a generous expansion of support.