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December 30, 2009

Record year is in the books at local libraries

By Independent Press
http://www.nj.com/independentpress
December 30, 2009, 1:33PM

Public Libraries are riding a record-setting wave of popularity powered in part by unemployment and the sluggish economy, but also by the proliferation of new media and the welcoming environment of newly renovated facilities.

The Summit Free Public Library is always a busy place, but this year has been especially lively. Every month, library card holders have borrowed an unprecedented number of books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, and other materials. During the summer, it became clear that if the trend continued, total number of items borrowed in 2009 would go over 300,000 – an all-time record for annual circulation.

The record was broken by the end of November: more than 300,000 items borrowed during the year to date. “This is exciting news,” Library Director Glenn Devitt said during December, “especially since the year isn’t over yet. We’re all eager to see what the final number will be.”

The difficult economic times are partly responsible, Mr. Devitt commented. “People have told us that they’ve stopped renting DVDs, and they can’t afford to pay $15 to $20 for a new book.” Still, it’s not the whole story. “This upward trend in library use has been going on for years. It’s not just a recent development.”

As you walk through the font door of the New Providence Memorial Library, your visit is registered by an electronic counter.

Library Director Colleen Byrne said the library is on a pace to exceed 200,000 visitors this year which amounts to about a 10% increase over 2008.

Much of that increased usage is driven by a stepped-up offering of programs with family-wide appeal. Recently there were standing-room-only crowds that attended a Russian music and dance performance and an additional group that performed Brazilian and Spanish guitar and percussion music.

With the expansion of the library a few years ago, a multi-purpose room was added that can easily accommodate 100 guests. A popular use of the room is a free film feature on Tuesday afternoon. The room has a large screen and surround-sound.

Byrne noted a large increase in the usage of the library’s eight computers, particularly by people who are seeking jobs. “We’re helping people who have no experience on a computer to apply for jobs on the Internet,” she said.

The amount of loaned materials is expected to be close to a 10% increase over the previous year with 22% of the total circulation derived from audio books and DVD’s.
With a large smile and a twinkle in her eyes, Berkeley Heights Library Director Stephanie Bakos recalled a recent visit by a young college student.
“He said he couldn’t remember the last time he’d been in a library and was lost,” Bakos said.

It seems that one of the young man’s professors demanded more research from reference materials and less reliance on the Internet. “We saw him everyday for over a week which means we must be doing something right,” Bakos added.

Bakos noted that in these difficult economic times there has been a surge in demand for video cassettes and DVD’s. “It’s a family project to pick out what you’re gong to watch,” she said, noting an influx of moms accompanied by their young children.

There has also been a large increase in documentaries and foreign films especially Chinese, Spanish, French and German films. The library’s total collection of cassettes and DVD’s exceeds 5,000, Bakos said.

The head librarian also noted a large increase in usage of the library’s 14 computers connected to the Internet. “We’re seeing a lot more people in their twenties,” she said.
The total number of loaned materials has increase dramatically to over 160,000 through the end of November. That’s a 12.3% increase over 2008.

The Library of the Chathams has always been busy, but never as busy as it has been this year. In fact every month is busier than the previous one, according to Library Director Diane O’Brien.

This year approximately 17,000-21,000 people have visited the Chatham Library every month. The numbers are up from previous years’ averages of 15,000–18,000 monthly.

The 2009 circulation numbers are not yet available, however, according to O’Brien circulation has grown steadily. Circulation in 2008 was at 196,256 compared to 152,606 in 2000.

The year 2009 has been an exceptional year for the Chatham Library. A lot of the growth is “economy driven,” O’Brien said. More people are not only borrowing books and DVD’s, but utilizing the computers and the library’s data bases for job and relocation searches.

Many people are cutting expenses where they can. Some have cancelled their newspaper and magazine subscriptions and come to read them at the library. Some may have also given up their internet accounts replacing such usage with the library computers, O’Brien explained. The library also offers work stations where patrons can hook up their own laptops.

This year the library has taken a further step to aid those who have lost their jobs. It has a brand new job searching service that was funded by the Friends of the Library.

Patrons can also use the database through their home computers. Additionally, the library has resume writing software available. According to O’Brien the library staff offers individual consultations to help patrons find the right job searching tools as well as the appropriate databases. “We work on a one-on-one basis and look for resources that are especially good for them,” she said. Although the library does not offer group meetings for those looking for a job, the library staff often refers patrons to various networking sessions within other organizations.

O’Brien suspects that there are many individuals who do not know about the vast resources that are available at the library. She especially encouraged commuters who work in the city and rarely have time to come to the library to familiarize themselves with what the library has to offer. She emphasized that most databases are accessible from home computers.

O’Brien reminded library card holders that the inter-library systems provide access to books and materials in other area libraries. “We have even gotten material from Europe” for residents working on their theses, O’Brien said.

“We are trying to make it easier for people,” O’Brien said. In order to accommodate more readers the library has acquired a kindle reader that allows patrons to read their newspapers and periodicals on the computer if the paper copy is occupied.

According to O’Brien the recession is visible in the library. As an example she told about a young reader who used to buy all her books, but since the economy took a downturn decided to get her reading material from the library was able to save hundreds of dollars. O’Brien also gave another example of a family of five that took out 65 books in one day. Had they bought all those books they would have spent $945, she explained.
O’Brien expressed a concern that during economic downturns when more people are using libraries many municipalities are cutting their aid to them. Fortunately, that has not been the case in Chatham. The Chatham library also receives funding from the Friends of the Library. Furthermore, it is managing its funding conservatively. “We are running a tight ship here,” O’Brien said.

At the Millburn Free Public Library, circulation figures have been on a steady upward trend since the library joined the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS) back in 2002, according to Library Director Bill Swinson.

The library had its best year for circulation of materials since joining BCCLS, Swinson said. “Although the year is not completed, the library has already circulated over 255,000 items in 2009—well over the 238,842 total for 2008,” he said.

When the BCCLS circulation and catalog system went live in November of 2002 it gave card holders access to more than five million books, videos, DVDs, audio books and compact discs and they didn’t even have to leave their homes to request them.
The BCCLS program allows access to approximately 73 other libraries that participate in the system.

The library is also a more attractive, comfortable place to be since interior renovations were made earlier this year to expand seating and modernize the interior of the building.
Swinson also credited public interest in the library to its strong programming schedule, the highlight of which was the appearance of the WNYC program staff of “Selected Shorts” starring Isaiah Sheffer, Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker. In addition, The Friends of the Millburn Public Library sponsor the long-running chess tournament and a variety of children’s programs which also brought people to the library, he added.

"We have definitely seen an upward trend for borrowing in the past couple of years," said Adrienne Tawil, Head of Adult Services at the Madison Public Library, citing a 5 and a quarter percent increase from three years ago. From January through November, 163,000 items were borrowed from the library including media, adult books and children's books.

She noted that traffic flow is also up from previous years. "In the first three quarters of the year from January through September 111,000 people came through the doors."
Tawil said that the economy has been bringing in new people to the library who ordinarily had bought books and CDs.

"They are borrowing them now," she said, adding that teachers are also sending more students to the library for research rather than just allowing them to jump online to get information.

Note. Writers who contributed to this report were: Marianne Ivers, Patricia C. Kelley, Stacey McEvoy and Mike Neavill.

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December 29, 2009

Local Business Report: Cumberland Insurance aids Bridgeton library

Dec. 22. DailyJournal.com

BRIDGETON -- The Cumberland Insurance Group recently supported fundraising efforts to help save Bridgeton Public Library.

The company donated $1,000 to help with repairs to the library's leaky roof.
"As a company, we are committed to living and working every day as a proud member of the community," said Cumberland Insurance Group President and CEO Robert P. Brady. "The Bridgeton Public Library provides children and adults the opportunity to experience new ideas, explore great minds, and learn about local history, while at the same time providing a sense of place for gathering. It reflects the diversity, character, needs and expectations of our community, and we are proud to make this investment for the future."

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Warren County closes on purchase of new library branch location in Independence

By Warren Reporter
December 28, 2009, 12:02PM
WHITE TWP. — Warren County closed on the purchase of a building in Independence Township that will become the new location of the county library system’s Northeast Branch, Freeholder Director Richard D. Gardner announced.

“It’s going to be pretty exciting,” Gardner said. “This was an opportunity that this board could not pass up.”

The county took ownership of the building at 30-42 Route 46 on Dec. 23 in a $900,000 purchase. On Dec. 9, the freeholders approved an ordinance appropriating up to $1.1 million for the project, with that money going toward the purchase and construction work to adapt the facility for a library.

The building previously was the location of Best Fruit Farm and other stores. Included in the purchase is the building of about 9,000 square feet on a two-acre tract, and a parking lot with 56 spaces.

The existing Northeast Branch of the Warren County Library is located about a quarter-mile away, in a cramped location with only a handful of parking spaces.
Richard Moore, who retired earlier this year as the county library director, said the purchase was a “sensible and prudent” move.

“I think the freeholder board should be complimented on taking this step,” Moore said, adding it is a gift to library patrons “that’s going to keep on giving.”

The county will now move to hire an architect to plan the building’s redesign, then solicit bids and begin construction in 2010, Freeholder Everett A. Chamberlain said.

Gardner said the freeholders are continuing to work on possibilities for a new county library headquarters to replace the insufficient facility now used in Belvidere. Gardner said he hopes to have an announcement in six months or sooner on the headquarters.

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Millville library to finally get more cash

DailyJournal.com
By JOEL LANDAU • Staff Writer • December 25, 2009

MILLVILLE -- The city gave the municipal library an increase in its annual appropriation for the first time in years, and officials are continuing to work on a new building.

The City Commission adopted the 2010 municipal budget at its Dec. 15 meeting. The library received $684,680, an increase of more than 5 percent, or $33,680, in its annual appropriation.
The library usually receives a nominal increase, but Library Director Irene Percelli asked for the raise to supplement an increase in utilities and costs due to increased programs. Percelli said the commissioners' decision makes the library feel good about the future.
"It shows we are a priority. We hadn't been one for a really long time," she said. "It's a sign they really want to work with us now."

The library is now waiting for the city to select a site for a new facility, and then the library's board of trustees will pay for a feasibility study.

The municipal budget included an 8-cent increase in the tax rate for city residents, but Joe Derella, director of Revenue and Finance, said the city also raised the library's rent, so they will recoup the increase over the year.

Giving the larger allocation allowed the library to apply for additional grants and other sources of revenue, Derella said.

"I'm happy we're able to provide more services to the residents," he said.

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Bookmobile provides meals -- for the mind -- on wheels

DailyRecord.com
Donors keep vehicle rolling
By KATELYN FARAGO • MORRISTOWN THIS WEEK • December 23, 2009
The Morristown and Morris Township Library's Bookcar began bringing books to children in the community in 1923.

However, some feared the service would be lost earlier this year, as the bookmobile that was purchased in 1987 began frequently breaking down.

"We knew our days were numbered if we weren't able to get a new one," said bookmobile librarian and driver Kelly Simms.

Thanks to a $25,000 donation from the Friends of the Library and a $5,000 donation from the Paula Rosina Santoro Foundation, the library was able to purchase a new bookmobile this past fall, and will get back into full swing — with 16 stops a week — this January.

Stocked with about 2,500 books for preschool-age children up through young adult readers, the new bookmobile visits the Morristown Neighborhood House, local nursery schools, day care centers, and after school programs in the Morris School District. In the summer, the bookmobile will also visit playgrounds, pools and summer enrichment programs.

"We're dedicated to getting books into the hands of kids," said Maria Norton, the assistant library director.

Norton said the goal of the bookmobile program is to reach out to children who, for whatever reason, cannot get to the library themselves. Many of the children served by the program have two parents who work full time and do not necessarily have the free time to spend at the library.

When the bookmobile visits their nursery schools or day care centers, these children have the opportunity to look at books, check them out and take part in story time.

Gail Glennon, founder and director of Teddy and Me Day Care Center in Morristown, said she has hundreds of books at the center, but the children prefer the books from the bookmobile.

"The bookmobile books are special," she said. "It's how we come by them — we get on the bus, we pick them out, and they are going to be shared and returned. It makes those books special."

The children, who range in age from 2 and half to 6, borrow one book each per week, and then place their books in a special box to share with the rest of the class.
It's another way to expose children to good literature and pique their interest," Glennon said.

Because Teddy and Me Day Care Center does not host field trips, it would not be possible to take the children to the library during the day. But for the last 10 years, Glennon said the bookmobile has brought the library to them.

"I love that they get to go to the library even though they are staying right here on our property," she said.

Simms, who has worked on the bookmobile for about 10 years now, said she stocks a wide range of books and tries to keep everything up to date. She asks the children for ideas of what they might like to see on the bookmobile, and often takes their advice.

At their urging, Simms said she recently began stocking a small collection of graphic novels, like "Avatar," "Batman," and "Yu Gi Oh." She also carries the second installment of the widely-popular "Twilight" series, "New Moon." And to encourage the children to try reading some of the classics, Simms said she has stocked some graphic novels of "Moby Dick" and Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein."

But Simms had some help in stocking the new bookmobile. The students at Woodland Elementary School in Morristown collected hundreds of books for it through a book drive.

Simms said she will be adding three more shelves to accomodate those books and any others that may be added in the near future.

For more information, or to make a donation to help pay for the new bookmobile, contact Maria Norton at 973-993-1291 or send a check to the Morristown and Morris Township Library Foundation, 1 Miller Road, Morristown, NJ 07960.
Katelyn Farago: 973-428-6630; kfarago@gannett.com

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December 13, 2009

Warren County freeholders approve spending for courthouse repairs, new library branch

Thursday, December 10, 2009
By BILL WICHERT
The Express-Times
WHITE TWP. | Warren County residents can expect to see two capital projects under way in the new year: a new library branch in Independence Township and extensive renovations to the county courthouse in Belvidere.

County freeholders signed off Wednesday on roughly $7 million worth of combined spending to relocate the Northeast Branch of the county library system as well as make repairs to the more than 180-year-old courthouse building.

The largest amount of the approved spending is going to Passaic County-based The Bennett Co. Inc., which was awarded a contract for about $5.8 million to renovate the courthouse.

Construction on the initial phase of improvements is slated to kick off within the next few weeks and be completed in 18 months, county Freeholder Everett Chamberlain said.

That work is to include constructing two new courtrooms, a new jury assembly area and basement inmate holding cells.

The improvements are planned to address concerns over the passage of inmates, who currently travel through hallways and stairwells to reach courtrooms. With the renovations, prisoners would be escorted from the holding cells into an isolated elevator then to a secure room. Prisoners could meet with their attorneys there or proceed directly into a courtroom.

Chamberlain said the courthouse renovations will "help us become more efficient in our service to the public."

County freeholders also adopted a capital ordinance Wednesday to allocate $1.1 million for the purchase of the new library building and other related costs.

The governing body has already approved the $900,000 purchase of the former farmers market building at 30-42 Route 46. That building is down the road from the existing Northeast Branch, where county officials have said space is tight and there are too few parking spaces.

Marking the first new branch location in nearly 15 years, the proposed building is nearly three times the size of the existing library and the parking lot can accommodate more than 50 vehicles. The new library could open as early as next year, officials said.

Reporter Bill Wichert can be reached at 610-258-7171, ext. 3570, or by e-mail at bwichert@express-times.com.

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December 12, 2009

Teens get their own space at Voorhees library

Dec.10, 2009

Courierpostonline.com

by Rachel Misenko

Beneath a chain-link fence hanging on a wall and urban street lights, teens flooded Wednesday into The Corner -- a new 1,245-square-foot space in the M. Allan Vogelson Regional Branch Library.
The center, designed for patrons between the ages of 12 and 18, was more than a year in the making. Jennifer Druce, youth services manager at the library, said she wanted to create a space that would draw in more teens.
"We had a few computers and a nice collection of books, but we didn't have anywhere for the teens to sit around and talk," Druce said. "Now we have diner-style booths for them to use, a 52-inch flat-screen TV and even a small stage."
The space was funded in part by a $40,000 grant awarded by the South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative and the New Jersey State Library. The Camden County Library System provided the rest of the funds.

Mark Amorosi, public relations director for the library, said the entire space cost about $138,000 to create. The space, which is a separate room in the back corner of the library, features amenities that are brand new to the library.
"One of the things I'm most excited about is the graffiti wall," said Christen Orbanus, teen librarian. "It's basically like a big chalkboard where the teens can draw whatever they want on it."
The Corner also features six new computers with animation software, various video game systems, including Nintendo Wii, and a stage for upcoming performances.
Orbanus said she plans to host open mic nights and possibly a battle of the bands event in the future, something the library previously didn't have the space to do.
"I'm flabbergasted," said Hannah Pike, a 16-year-old from Voorhees and a member of the library's Teen Advisory Board. "I'm excited about using the animation equipment. I've always wanted to try, but I don't have programs I need."
The new computers all face a wall of windows in the urban-style room. Colorful computer desks, red diner booths and sleek black lounge chairs add to the relaxed atmosphere, Orbanus said.

By creating a space for young people, the library was also able to round up a collection of popular teen books, anime and graphic novels. Before, the books were scattered across the library instead of being housed in one place.

Juwan Cook, 16, a member of the Teen Advisory Board, said he visits the library at least once a week.
"It's better than I expected," said Cook, of Lawnside. "I like the (Nintendo) Wii and the fact that all of the books are in one place now. I think once other people see the space, more teens are going to want to come to the library."
During the debut of The Corner, retired judge M. Allan Vogelson, the library's namesake, stopped by to congratulate the teens and explain why the new space is so significant.

Teen Space Opens at Voorhees Library
"Dream, explore and imagine," said Vogelson, reciting the library system's motto. "You can't comprehend what those words mean to a kid from the projects. I got out of the projects because of books, it's as simple as that."
The library is one of two in New Jersey to receive the A+ Teen Space Project grant. The Atlantic City Public Library was also awarded the grant to create a teen space, Druce said.
Reach Rachel Misenko at (856) 317-7871 or rmisenko@courierpostonline.com

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December 9, 2009

For curator, library's art a rich legacy

Wednesday, December 09, 2009
STAR-LEDGER STAFF
nj.com
For weeks now, little altars of sorts have appeared outside Bill Dane's office in the bowels of the Newark Public Library.

One day, there might be an array of replica coqui, tiny tree frogs from Puerto Rico, where Dane likes to vacation. Another day might bring interestingly shaped bottles, from perfume to liquor. Or watches -- vintage Mickey Mouse specimens alongside garish, blinged-out timepieces he bought from street vendors, not one of which actually work.

As head of the library's Special Collections Division, Dane has amassed one of the finest public collections of prints in the country, including works by Rembrandt, Matisse, Picasso, Miró and Warhol.

Now, after 62 years at the library, he is curating his own departure. Starting with his desk.

The 86-year-old Dane is retiring, and his final act as Keeper of the Prints -- a title he appropriated himself and snuck past a civil service clerk by insisting he had passed the (nonexistent) exam -- is to give the biennial John Cotton Dana lecture at the library tonight.

"It's a good time for the institution and for me, because things in this particular division are very positive," Dane said. "It seems to be just a fine time to pursue other things, like perhaps going to back to school and traveling a bit more. Cleaning house."

Dane wanted to slip out the door after a cup of coffee with his colleagues but, said Patricia Bender, president of the Friends of the Library, "We wanted one more opportunity to celebrate the phenomenon that is Bill Dane."

Dane is a lover of art and design, both high and low, and expanded the library's art acquisition efforts to include artists' books, pop-up books and even shopping bags. He has mingled with Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, and befriended many important New Jersey graphic artists, including printmaker Luigi Rist and Louis Lozowick, a precisionist painter and lithographer. But Dane also cultivated up-and-comers, creating a democratic collection that will continue to grow after he leaves thanks to an endowment he created in memory of his sister, Gertrude.

"I do find that the longer one works with materials, the more everything becomes interesting and interrelated," he mused. "The more you know, the richer is your experience, and through travel and education, I've had a nice, broad experience."

Dane, a World War II veteran, moved to Montclair with his mother and sister after the death of their father. In 1947, he started working as a clerk in the library's art and music department. But his love of art blossomed in Paris in 1950, when he studied at the Sorbonne.

Often ahead of the curve in art world trends, thanks to his constant study and travel, he is old-fashioned in other ways. No computer -- senior librarian Chad Leinaweaver prints out his e-mail -- and Dane types his notes on a 1960s-era manual Royal typewriter.

"He asked me, "Who do I ask about taking that typewriter? Do you think I could buy it from the library?' " Leinaweaver recalled. "I said, "Bill, you could probably have it. They'll probably bronze it and give it to you if you want it.' "

Vicki Hyman may be reached at vhyman@starledger.com.

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December 8, 2009

Man returns Jersey City library book 54 years late, forgiven under 'library amnesty'

By Brian Donohue/The Star-Ledger
December 07, 2009, 6:00AM
Ledger Live: N.J. man returns a library book 54 years overdue

During the past 54 years, Frank Lancellotti has gone from Jersey City college student to Brick Township retiree, marrying, becoming a dad, then a grandfather and moving a half dozen times. But he never got around to one thing: returning that darn library book.
Until last week, that is, when Lancellotti finally came clean and returned the Spanish-English dictionary he borrowed from the Jersey City Public Library on January 12, 1955. The $1,750 in fines will be forgiven under an amnesty program that starts today and runs for two weeks.

The 54-years overdue library book.
Library officials call the amnesty a way for fugitive bibliophiles to redeem themselves before fines double to 20 cents a day from 10 cents on Jan. 4. It's also designed to get people who may be reluctant to return tems out of fear of being charged heavy fines in a time of high unemployment and recession.

Lancellotti's book, library officials told Ledger Live, appears to be a record breaker. "No one remembers anyone bringing back a book this late,'' said Assistant Library Director Sonja Araujo. She added the library may put it on display as part of an effort to encourage more people to return books under the amnesty program.

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December 6, 2009

The joy of Julia Metzler lives on at library

DailyRecord.com
December 2, 2009
A joyous remembrance of a happy little girl was held when the Mendham Borough Library recently rededicated its children's room.

The Metzler family gathered with family and friends to celebrate the dedication of the children's room in memory of their daughter Julia.

The renovation was accomplished through the efforts and generosity of the whole community. Major funds were donated by the Metzler and Helene families and specific items were chosen for the room by the Metzler family and the library board of trustees. Other members of the community helped with donations for puppets, dress-up clothes, books, bookshelves, comfortable seating, and more.

The room was unveiled to reveal a vibrant, hand-painted, jungle-themed puppet stage, which converts to a puppet theatre. The new shelving arrangement opens up the space to provide a perfect setting for puppet shows and children's productions. Dress-up clothing and puppets will provide new avenues for children to imagine and explore the world of books.

The room is now reopened and all are invited to visit. Sign-ups are ongoing for story times on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 2 p.m., preschool sing-a-longs on Mondays at 10:30 and 11:45 a.m., and for book clubs for school-aged children in after-school hours.

Numerous groups generously gave their time and labor to build and paint the theater, clear out and paint the room, design and build a computer desk and create wall art, as well as other meaningful contributions.

Additional gift opportunities still exist. Gifts can be sent to the Mendham Borough Library at 10 Hilltop Road, Mendham NJ 07945. Contact Pat Charney, library director, for information.

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Cumberland County to explore shared library services amid money worries

nj.com

By Joe Green
December 04, 2009, 7:17PM
BRIDGETON — County officials are looking for a firm to explore the possibilities for shared library services involving at least Bridgeton, the county library and Cumberland County College (CCC).

A request for proposals on a feasibility study was issued Friday, and proposals from prospective firms are due Jan. 6.

County director of shared services Joseph Veight III said officials will apply for a $20,000 state grant to fund the study. He added that the county will not go through with the project if the chosen firm’s bill exceeds the grant amount.

Grant funds would come from money set aside for shared services coordinators, Veight said.
He, Bridgeton city council president Albert Kelly and councilman Bill Spence said on Friday that they’re not targeting any specifics. Instead, they want to see what the chosen firm recommends.

Veight said Millville officials had not responded as of Friday to an inquiry on whether they wanted their library to be involved.

Vineland, he said, is open to looking at the results of such a study and considering becoming involved.

Veight explained that the CCC board, county library and Bridgeton library officials will review proposals and recommend a firm for the study to the Freeholders, who will then make the final decision.

The idea of building a new Bridgeton library altogether has also circulated.

“That was just speculation on my part,” Veight said. “A new library altogether is a possible result of the study.”

He stressed that it was not something for which there are any concrete plans now.

Kelly and Spence concurred, but Kelly said he’d like to see a brand new library here.

“If we could have a wish list, that would be on my wish list,” he said. “But it depends on what the feasibility study finds.”

The challenge would lie in finding the money to do it. Kelly said he would like to somehow find a funding source “without adding to the tax rate.”

“And hopefully, we can decrease the tax rate through shared services,” Kelly added. He said he and others had no plans to suggest a new library to the firm conducting the study.

As officials at every level of government crunch numbers every which way to keep services running, Bridgeton especially stands out as a community that needs help.

The city already contributes almost $190,000 to the library each year, and that number doesn’t include insurance, pensions and other such additional costs.

But the administration here is unsure even of how much distressed cities aid it will receive from the state this fiscal year. Last year’s aid dropped from an initial figure of $2.5 million to $1.8 amid state financial worries.

Two local groups, Save the Library and Friends of the Library, have held a number of fundraisers to help with repairs. Friends of the Library announced in late October they’d raised more than $32,000 with one effort.

City council last month gave permission to contract for renovation work to the building.

Should a funding source open up for a new library, city council members say they’ll keep the building housing the current one. Part of it houses the former Cumberland National Bank built in 1816, a historic site local preservationists intend to keep viable.

Spence liked the idea of using the former police and court complex on Commerce Street, which hasn’t been used since police and court facilities were moved to their current home on Fayette Street.

“My dream would be to use the former police station,” he said. “Maybe add some classrooms to the back.”

Spence offered the idea of making the facility an “extension of CCC, or Rowan (University) or Rutgers.”

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December 4, 2009

Gates Foundation announces grants for libraries

December 1, 2009

The Associated Press
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is announcing $3.4 million in grants to help libraries in five states improve broadband Internet access.

Libraries in Arkansas, Kansas, Massachusetts, New York and Virginia will get money to improve and maintain Internet connections in local libraries.

The foundation also announced Tuesday that it will be helping another 14 states compete for federal money for improving Internet access. The money is being offered as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Advertisement A recent American Library Association study reports that 60 percent of all public libraries report their current Internet speed is insufficient. And nearly 40 percent of Americans still don't have high-speed Internet access at home.

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