Asbury Park Press
ASBURY PARK — A $19,500 grant for the Asbury Park Public Library from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation means at least 12 new computers or double the number the library has now, said Malakai Oglesby, the library's information systems manager.

The foundation recently announced $8.1 million in online grants over two years to help public libraries in 11 states "improve and sustain free, quality access to computers."

In New Jersey, $969,800 in Opportunity Online grants are available to 83 libraries, which must apply and show they can meet requirements to match the grants.

The eligible libraries include Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Keyport, Bayshore Branch and Elberon Branch in Monmouth County.

The latest announcement of $19,500 over two years comes — for the first time — with the requirement for a local match of 25 percent the first year, and 50 percent the second, she said. Oglesby said she believed the library can match the grants.

Currently, the library has nine computers for the adult library and three in the junior library.

"Overall, without this foundation, I'm not sure what the status of our computers would be here," Oglesby said. "This program allows us to provide more technology resources for our patrons."

A release from the Gates Foundation said the grants are geared to libraries "serving communities with high concentrations of poverty that are at risk of having outdated technology."

The Internet age also happens to be the golden age of American libraries. Who would have thought it?

Instead of falling prey to the fast and easy glut of electronic information available in one's home via the personal computer, libraries — in all of their bookish glory — have instead been able to capitalize on the advent of computers and their links to the World Wide Web, mostly by luring patrons who want Internet services along with a good read.

Libraries have adapted in other ways few could ever have imagined, expanding their roster of services to include classes for children and adults, video clubs and video nights, even trendy coffee bars next to the stacks. Most amazing, libraries have morphed from a solitary experience into participatory community endeavors, places where neighbors can meet, learn a thing or two, and exchange ideas in a now fashionable setting.

A Sunday story in the Home News Tribune noted how Spotswood introduced weekly yoga classes not long ago. Over in East Brunswick, one of the big attractions was an ice cream social that drew 600 people. Woodbridge libraries are keeping pace by hosting film nights. Computer classes are all the rage across the area. Some venues are even extending their educational efforts to help recent immigrants qualify for citizenship. Libraries also are becoming the stage for presentation of the literary classics, as the Bridgewater Library was when it hosted a recent performance of Moliere's "The Learned Ladies."

Amid all of this, libraries are enjoying burgeoning usership.

Libraries are making an especially aggressive pitch to lure suddenly older baby boomers. As the folks who run the Old Bridge Public Library have figured out, for them to stay current, that's a winning strategy, since those born between 1946 and 1964 now number approximately 78.2 million Americans. They are well educated and by in large well off. And they do one other thing that some members of younger demographic groups do not: They read - voraciously.

In Old Bridge, that is translating into a new pilot program called Senior Spaces, a change in philosophy and offerings designed to accommodate the needs, interests and concerns of this dynamic and prolific group. Smart move.

What's in the offing? To start with, cushy chairs; a "bookshop" with materials tilted toward the interests of older readers; "the front porch," with furniture and fixtures tailored to encourage sitting and conversation; a listening area featuring television, DVDs and phonograph, and a special-needs space for the visually or hearing impaired.

It's clear that anyone who might have doubted the value of libraries in the Internet world — or wondered about their future — had nothing to worry about.

As playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan wrote, "A circulating library in a town is as an evergreen tree of diabolical knowledge! It blossoms through the year!" And throughout the ages, often in spite of changing trends, tastes and technology.

That's wonderful news.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008
By Heather Simione
hsimione@sjnewsco.com
PENNS GROVE Ñ The Penns Grove-Carneys Point Public Library continues along an uncertain path of meeting community needs as financial hardships become more evident along with the structureÕs physical deterioration and obsolete equipment.

In an effort to alleviate some of the pressures in cash-strapped communities such as Penns Grove, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has offered a grant to aid public libraries with their battle to fight illiteracy.

However, because libraries must provide funding to match the grant, the local library will most likely not receive the money.

"In todayÕs economy, it is critical that people have equal access to the information and knowledge that are available online," said Jill Nishi, deputy director of the U.S. Libraries initiative at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. "Nearly all public libraries in the United States provide this access as many struggle to keep pace with advancing technology and rapidly increasing community demand for these services."

Those problems affect Penns Grove, but with the boroughÕs bleak economic outlook, itÕs unlikely that the library will receive the assistance.

Part of the problem of low funding stems from the aftermath from last yearÕs fiscal crisis surrounding former board President H. Donald Stewart Jr. who embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars.

It was learned that over a period of 14 years while serving as board president, Stewart had funneled more than $500,000 in funds from the library's general account into a separate, private account of which only he accessed.

"Our budget is tight and we really need things weÕre not able to get now," said Linda Huff, board president. "We've done fundraisers ... intend to do more. We're trying to come up with more ideas like basket bingo."

The lack of a bike rack, an insubstantial parking lot, peeling paint, and no computer desk chairs are just a few of the continuing problems incurred over the years as the library suffered from a deteriorating budget.

The library, which is located at 222 South Broad St., is a non-profit organization meant to serve roughly 14,500 residents from Penns Grove Borough, Carneys Point Township, and Oldmans Township based on means it receives through fundraising efforts and donations.

Even though the Gates FoundationÕs offer is considered grant money, itÕs meant for libraries to match the funding. While primary funding for public libraries is obtained from local sources, the grant requires participating libraries to secure funds demonstrating they can maintain investments in technology into the future, according to the Gates Foundation public relations department.

"It was our understanding that it is not an outright gift," she said. "ItÕs matching grant funds and weÕre not able to do that financially. We did the paperwork and went over it, but donÕt think itÕs possible. WeÕre open to ideas and suggestions."

Huff agrees that as students prepare for their return to school, demands for newer technology increases almost daily from teachers with homework assignments.

Despite the difficult time the library is facing, Huff said there are some positive improvements being made.

"The library has got a lot of new books on a regular basis through donations," she said. "We just updated our computers. Made it so the kids can come in with their memory sticks, save their information, and make homework easier."

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MIDDLETOWN — Jessica Lamonico, 6, is dancing in the library.

While she swings her arms to a Hannah Montana song, turned way up, the library staff doesn't seem to mind. Jessica is taking full advantage of the library's family Wii night, a free program offered Tuesday that allows library members to have free play on several different Wii games for two hours that evening.

"It sounded like a lot of fun," said Ellen Montemarano, her mother.

"We have a Wii at home, but (we) don't have this one," she said, gesturing to the Hannah Montana game.

Corina Cepleanu of the township's Belford section, along with her husband and sons, Sebastian, 8, and Gabriel, 6, came by the library to test out the console.

"(We've) wanted to buy a Wii for the longest time. They love it. They're very excited," she said.

Frank Bolanos of Middletown sat and watched his son, Adrian, 6, take a turn on Wii bowling.

"He just has "Wii Sports,' (so) he's trying the rest of the games." Bolanos said.

Meanwhile, at the Waretown branch of the Ocean County Library, it was all about Them.

Them, held Monday, was a program introducing people to insects such as African millipedes and hissing cockroaches. (The name of the program derives from the mid-1950s movie of the same name about radioactive mutant ants taking over the U.S.) But the focus of the program could also be another "them," introducing children and adult patrons to the different offerings of the Main Street branch.

"We come to all these library programs," said Audrey Vernon of Waretown, a parent of one of the child participants.

Kim Donlevie of Doylestown, Pa., who was also at the event, agreed.

"We come to this library a couple of times a month," Donlevie said.

No longer synonymous with dusty bookshelves and librarians with "Shhh!" constantly on their lips, libraries are being transformed into community centers, offering recreation, socialization and information, places for community members to gather for leisure as well as to increase their brainpower. And with the changing appearances of libraries, patrons are showing up in crowds.

Variety of programs

At the Middletown library, the Wii family night is one example of a program that has taken off quickly. The New Monmouth Road branch saw a 47.8 percent increase in visits from 2002 to 2006, and offers a wide array of programs in addition to crafts, book clubs and story time. Available for both adults and children are diverse programs such as art exhibits, a children's meet-and-greet with a K-9 police dog, musical performances, computer classes and even a knitting circle.

After undergoing massive renovations for about 18 months, the Middletown library reopened in October 2004, with an influx of new offerings to welcome patrons back.

Director Susan O'Neal said that the library decided to expand on its programs with the reopening. Childrens' programs already were a core offering, but the library has since expanded on its adult and teen offerings.

"We finally (have) the facility to do these things and do them well," she said.

O'Neal said funding for the library's programs is "minuscule" compared with that allotted for buying materials and maintaining technology. A large part of it comes from the Friends of the Library Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to supplement the library collection and subsidize programs not included in the budget.

"The Friends of the Library have a long-term commitment to help us," O'Neal said. "We spent less than $2,000 on the Wii project."

Ken Sheinbaum, director of the Monmouth County Library system, said that the amount allotted for programs also is much smaller than that for buying materials. Sheinbaum said that in 2008, $358,856 was allotted for all programs at all sites, but the materials budget was about $6.2 million. It is a big gap, but the programs budget is being increased on a yearly basis, he said, with the 2008 programs budget up 4.6 percent over 2007's budget.

"A lot of that is because we're pumping more money to branch and member libraries, especially for childrens' programs," he said. "Childrens' programs are a lot cheaper."

Sheinbaum said that while it may cost between $7,000 and $8,000 to fund an adult program, the budget for childrens' programs is much smaller, with programs potentially costing less than $4,000.

"We get a lot more mileage out of childrens' programs," Sheinbaum said, noting that the adults who accompany them usually also check out an armful of books during their visit.

O'Neal gestured to the attendees of Wii night.

"It's a beautiful summer night, and all these people are here," O'Neal said, of the game night. "There's something to this."

Expansion in Ocean

The goals of the Ocean County Library are listed on the home page of its Web site. The library is the focal point of the community. The library is a catalyst for growth and change. Every Ocean County resident uses and champions the library.

Evidence of that can be seen at the headquarters of the Ocean County Library on Washington Street, Toms River, where $12.9 million was spent between 2002 and 2007 to expand the building. Part of that expansion included a 50,000-foot addition that nearly doubled its size.

Part of that addition is the 250-seat multipurpose room named after James J. Mancini, an Ocean County freeholder and liaison to the library from 1982 until his death in 2003. An adjacent Green Room can be used as a preparation room for Mancini Hall events or as a 30-person meeting room.

Some events also are able to utilize an atrium framed in part by the library's elevator and main staircase. An attached, former 19th century Presbyterian church, which moved to a new building and location in 1970, was incorporated into the library and used for events and presentations starting in 1981. In May 2007, a Dunkin' Donuts franchise opened in that space.

There is also the McConnell Gallery on the first floor, where community artwork is displayed and rotated every seven weeks or so. Artwork also is displayed elsewhere throughout the building, and the library is always looking for people who want to exhibit items from their hobbies, crafts, or collections.

Four other branches have or will be expanded, and two — Beachwood and Stafford — will be replaced to meet public demand, according to the system's approved facilities plan. Two other "reading centers" — a smaller version of a library branch — are to be established in the North Dover section of Toms River and the Bennetts Mills section of Jackson by 2010.

And while other branches may not be as spacious as the library headquarters, each has something to offer, said Scott Rodas, who oversees special programming at the library.

"There's plenty of demand. In 2007, I was personally responsible for 48 programs systemwide, most of which were at Toms River. In 2008, I've already put together 33 programs," Rodas said.

Many of the patrons who attend events at the library are repeat visitors, he said.

"Everybody who attends has been really grateful, and we've received some really great compliments," Rodas said.

"People say they can't believe this is the Ocean County Library. It's becoming a well-known venue for all sorts of events," Rodas said. "The word is spreading."

According to a study done by the National Center for Education Statistics, many libraries in New Jersey have seen an increase in both patronage and circulation from 2002 to 2006.

During that time, the Tinton Falls library saw an increase from 2002's 15,050 visits to 2006's 32,795 visits, a 117.9 percent increase.

"When the economic situation is poor, people tend to come to the library," said Pat Whitehead, head librarian at Monmouth County's library headquarters in Manalapan.

Whitehead also credited the increase in visitors to the array of multimedia that the branches offer, including DVDs for both adults and children and books on CD. Both the Middletown and Red Bank public libraries also offer wireless internet connections.

The independents

The Keyport Public Library, which is independent from the Monmouth County system, saw a 21.7 percent increase in visitors, and an 18.4 percent increase in circulation during the five-year period from 2002 to 2006.

Director Jacqueline LaPollo said that the programs offered by the library played a part in bringing in more people.

"One of the things that has become really popular is the childrens' programs in the summertime," LaPollo said.

She added, "Reading programs are really what made us have a really big jump for July and August," as well as other factors including having more computers in the library as well as offering DVD rentals.

The Beach Haven Public Library is the only one in Ocean County that is not a part of the 21-branch county system. The building at Third Street and Beach Avenue at the southern end of Long Beach Island had about 10,000 visitors in 2006, up from 7,925 visitors in 2002.

That pales in comparison to the 3,216,465 visitors to libraries in the county system, the state's largest, in 2006. Still, the Beach Haven library is comparable to other libraries in the county, said Virginia Donnelly, its librarian.

"We have a big tourist population in the summer. If it is a nice beach day, we're not as crowded," Donnelly said.

But those tourists also are patrons of the library.

"A lot of people on vacation may not have a computer, so they're here, checking e-mail, all day long. We have students from eastern Europe (and elsewhere outside the United States) who work in restaurants and other businesses in Beach Haven, they all check their e-mail," Donnelly said.

The library features community programs as well. A book discussion group meets once a month. During a summer program called Colonial Chats, local historian Jack Lamping gives an hour-and-a-half presentation that is well attended, Donnelly said. One recent talk focused on George Washington.

"With no video store in town, people who want a movie come to the library," which has a selection of DVDs available to rent, she said.

"We're just like the Ocean County Library, just on a smaller scale," Donnelly said.

The article includes material from previous Press stories. Staff writer Bob Vosseller contributed to this story. Jennifer Bradshaw: (732) 888-2621 or jbradshaw@app.com

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SHREWSBURY — While Monmouth County Library Director Kenneth Scheinbaum described the Eastern Branch's expansion project as "no easy feat," the hundreds who attended Sunday's dedication ceremony said they were thrilled with the final product.

"It's so cool," said 8-year-old Kara Forest of Red Bank, who said she saw a funny play and participated in face painting and drawing during the afternoon event.

"This is my most favorite place aside from the beach," Monmouth Beach resident Carol Spies said. "We all complain about our tax dollars, but when I come in here, I'm so happy I pay for this."

The catalyst for the $10.1 million expansion was the need to expand the Children's Library, Scheinbaum said.

"You couldn't put another book on the shelves," he said.

With that, the library commissioners and administration began looking for ways to make the library more functional and friendly, he said.

Along the way, there was a delay in a shipment of steel and water damage to a collection of books when a portion of the roof gave way. Then windows were delayed, and by the time they were delivered, there was a glitch in the installation process.

"My part in this was really just to be a shoulder to cry on," Scheinbaum said.

In the end, the project, which included a state grant of $1.36 million, took two years longer than expected.

"We needed two extensions," Scheinbaum said.

With newly refurbished collection areas, a doubling in size of the children's library and an expansion of the business and legal services reference areas, the 45,000-square-foot facility also boasts a cafe, added quiet rooms and more public Internet stations, said library manager Janet Kranis.

"We've been increasing the size of our circulation," Kranis said. "Right now we are on target to break our circulation record."

And while the project took longer than planned, it did come in time for the 325th anniversary of the county's birth.

To mark the occasion, performers from the American Historical Theatre of Philadelphia gave their interpretations of George and Martha Washington, Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin, who was instrumental in starting the nation's first lending library in 1731. The actor who played him talked about that.

"Well done is better than well said," said Franklin interpreter Dean Bennett. "As I look around this library, I see that it is well done."

The day's events included an array of activities for children, the Pipes and Drums of the Atlantic Watch's performance and concerts featuring jazz and 1960s music to commemorate the era when the library was built.

A 1,200-pound bronze sculpture by Baltimore resident Bart Walter and a cement free-form piece by local artist Nick Caivano were unveiled.

Attending were the entire Board of Freeholders, the library commissioners and Assemblyman David P. Rible, R-Monmouth.

Library Commission Chair Renee Swartz credited Freeholder Director Lillian Burry with bringing the long-awaited project to its conclusion.

"Anything worthwhile like this is worth waiting for," Burry said. "This building has been transformed into a state-of-the-art information center."

The collection of materials at Monmouth and Ocean county libraries is as diverse as the patrons who frequent them.

Census figures show that nearly one in five New Jersey residents was born in a foreign country.

In 2007, the Ocean County Library was awarded a $25,000 grant from the New Jersey State Library "to help start, strengthen or expand programs that serve residents who may encounter difficulty using traditional library services due to challenges such as age, disabilities or language," according to a news release about the grant.

The large Hispanic population in Ocean County expects to find Spanish-language materials in the Ocean County Library branches, said Angela R. Zebrowski, a senior librarian at the Toms River headquarters and a co-chairwoman of the library's diversity committee.

"Spanish is in great demand, especially in Lakewood. I would say that the materials there are used on a daily basis," Zebrowski said. But material in other languages are also available, she said.

"The Ocean County Library is a truly multicultural institution. We respect, honor and celebrate all cultures and our collections reflect this commitment," Zebrowski wrote in an e-mail.

The foreign-language materials and services include:

Language Line — Over-the-phone interpreting services for over 170 languages, available in all branches;

Foreign language films with English subtitles;

Spanish language databases, including Ebscohost, for full text articles from magazines and journals; World Book Encyclopedia; Informe, the first electronic database of journals and magazines in Spanish; ListenNJ, for downloadable audio books; and Salud, for health information;

A listing of the library's services in Spanish on its Web site, as well as an online list of resources for immigrants;

English as a Second Language classes held at various library branches as well as the posting of links to ESL classes held at other organizations; and

U.S. citizenship classes, which will be held beginning Sept. 22 at the headquarters on Washington Street in Toms River, in partnership with Catholic Charities.

"Our staff strives to welcome all cultures. To make this possible, we offer them training in cultural awareness and basic and conversational Spanish. We want to make the library the focal point of the community," Zebrowski said.

In Monmouth County

Meanwhile, in the Monmouth County Library system, bilingual programs and materials have become as popular as the technology and recreation programs.

The English and Spanish bilingual reading programs that the Keyport Free Public Library hosts are a popular offering, Jacqueline LaPollo, Keyport's director, said. The Broad Street library is an independent library, not part of the county system.

Material in other languages is available at other Monmouth County libraries. At the Eastern Branch, on Route 35 in Shrewsbury, bilingual books and books on tape for both adults and children are available in such languages as Urdu, Arabic, and several dialects of Indian, in addition to German, French, Spanish and Chinese.

"A week doesn't go by that we're not taking somebody over to that section," said Donna McClendon, Eastern Branch childrens' librarian.

"The Spanish and Chinese area (is popular) because there are a lot of bilingual kids in the area or just coming over" to the United States from countries where those languages are spoken, she said.

Like Keyport, the Beach Haven Public Library at Third Street and Beach Avenue is not a part of the Ocean County Library system, the only public library in the county that isn't. But like its larger counterparts, Beach Haven also carries foreign-language materials.

"We have several items, not a large collection," said Virginia Donnelly, librarian. "They're mostly Spanish, but we do have a few French (materials)."

Hartriono B. Sastrowardoyo: (732) 557-5705 or harts@app.com

MORRISTOWN -- Charles Belfield stops by the library just about every day to check e-mail, search for a job online or listen to music on one of the library's computers.

"It is pretty good, but I wish they would let you stay on longer," the 36-year-old Morristown resident said of the Morristown and Morris Township Library. "I try to come every day."

In the face of fears that the Internet would kill libraries, free access to computers and the Internet has actually proven to be a boon in Morristown.

"A lot of people have been coming here to use the Internet, whether to check their e-mail, do job searches or anything else," said Polly Lacey, head of the library's reference department.

The "anything else" could be listening to music or filling out online applications for such things as jobs at Morristown Memorial Hospital, Lacey said.

"It's a wireless hotspot," she said of the reference section.

Over the past few years, the library has purchased more computers, bringing the total to 28. All have broadband Internet connections, and the ones in the juvenile section contain filters to prevent the young ones from viewing inappropriate material.

A couple years ago, the library hired a computer technician to facilitate software that limits the amount of time library patrons could use on a computer.

Known as SAM, an acronym for "smart access manager," the software also charges patrons a fee for printing pages.

The time system briefly caused a drop in usage, but officials didn't mind since it made the process more fair.

"It's really made a wonderful difference," she said. "It was hard to get them off and the staff had to intervene."

This year, the library is averaging 5,000 Internet sessions a month, up from the 3,000 monthly average in 2004.

Internet use in the library seems to also have a seasonal correlation. For example, in June, the library reported to have 4,648 Internet sessions. In January, there were 5,401 session.

"I guess during the winter months, there's nothing to do," she said.

Besides not being able to do such things as burn CDs, the reference department head said patrons pretty much have free rein on the computers.

The added foot traffic in the library as a result of the computers is a plus, Lacey said.

"We like it. It brings more people to the library," she said. "How you use the computers is wide open, really."

Library officials hope to add electronic reference books on the computers in the future. The library computers currently contain links to Americana and Grollier encyclopedias, she said.

Angela Scott, 27, another resident, said "the service is quite good" and she comes by regularly because she doesn't have a computer at home.

On Wednesday morning, she was listening to music on a Web site.

S.K. Ahluwalia, 73, was visiting his daughter in Morristown on Wednesday, had dropped by the library on South Street to visit the Web site of some foreign newspapers at a stand-only console.

While the libraries in his native India have Internet access, Ahluwalia said the libraries in this country are "much better, bigger and have many more selections."

Ahluwalia, who ran a steel factory in India before retiring, said the Internet is a valuable tool that connects the world, and he is glad libraries provide the service.

Minhaj Hassan can be reached at (973) 267-9038 or mhassan@gannett.com.

Daily Record

WASHINGTON -- Each year, more than 1 billion people visit libraries to borrow books or videos, log onto the Internet or participate in various community programs.

But government support for libraries, and how much community residents use them, varies widely across the country.

Gannett News Service analyzed data obtained from the federal government's National Center for Education Statistics for 2002 and 2005 and from individual states for 2006.

In some categories, 2005 data was more reliable or complete than information from 2006.

• Two Morris County municipalities have library systems that include more than one location; Parsippany has three branches while Rockaway Township has two. The Morristown-Morris Township library is the only with a bookmobile.

• The Morristown library has the most registered borrowers -- people with a library card -- more than 44,000 while Parsippany has the most visitors, almost 400,000 a year.

The Morris County Library had the most items borrowed, 588,000.

• Overall in Morris County, 13 of 35 libraries reported a decrease in visits -- the number of times someone comes into the library -- between 2002 and 2006.

More than half of the libraries -- 22 of 35 -- reported a drop in the number of items borrowed despite increases in visits in 63 percent of libraries.

• The Morris County Library has the most computers of any library in the county: 76. The county library also has the biggest budget -- about $7.7 million.

• Visits to libraries nationwide increased roughly 10 percent between 2002 and 2006 to about 1.3 billion.

• The South lags the rest of the country in per-capita visits to libraries, according to the 2006 state numbers.

Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Texas and Tennessee ranked at the bottom.

• Circulation, which measures how often library visitors check out print or electronic materials, increased nationwide about 9 percent, from 1.66 billion to 1.81 billion, between 2002 and 2006.

• The number of Internet-capable computers soared 38 percent between 2002 and 2006 -- from about 137,000 to nearly 190,000.

• Rural states in the Midwest and New England had the highest numbers of Internet-ready computers per capita, according to the 2006 state numbers. Vermont, Kentucky, Iowa, Maine and Indiana were at the top. The District of Columbia, Nevada, Hawaii, California and Delaware were at the bottom.

• Nationally, library spending on day-to-day costs such as staffing and materials was $31.65 per person in 2005. The District of Columbia, and local governments in Ohio and New York topped the list, spending at least $50 per capita. Local governments in Mississippi, West Virginia, Arkansas and Tennessee spent the least -- less than $17.

• In 2005, 42 percent of all circulation in Vermont's public libraries involved children's materials -- the highest share in the nation.

Mississippi had the lowest percentage, at 26 percent.

• From 1995 to 2005, library spending per person grew by $20 in the District of Columbia and Ohio -- the biggest dollar jump nationally.

Spending increases were lowest in West Virginia, Hawaii, Mississippi and Georgia. Library spending in those states grew by less than $5 per capita.

CENTRAL JERSEY —The Internet was supposed to send America's public libraries the way of eight-track tapes and pay phones. But it turns out they're busier than ever.

Libraries have transformed themselves from staid, sleepy institutions into hip community centers offering Internet service, classes for children and seniors, and even coffee and video gaming nights.

Some have classes on citizenship for recent immigrants or provide sessions on improving computer skills. Most offer wireless Internet service, and many consult teen advisory councils for guidance on how to attract young people.

Spotswood's library has recently introduced weekly yoga classes. East Brunswick's library recently held an ice cream social that drew 600 people. Woodbridge's library holds film nights. Many Central Jersey libraries offer computer classes.

More than books

Books remain a staple, but libraries also offer DVDs, CDs and electronic audio books playable on portable MP3 devices. Many allow readers to reserve and renew items online.

"As a group, libraries have embraced the digital age," said Lee Rainie, founding director of the Pew Internet & American Life Project, which has surveyed public attitudes toward libraries. "They've added collections, added software and hardware, upgraded the skills of their staff. A lot of institutions have had to change in the Internet age, but libraries still have a very robust and large constituency."

In East Brunswick, residents visit the library for myriad reasons, said library director Carol Nersinger — there are the 50 Internet stations and the wireless connection, computer-training classes and a newly created teen space with a large flat-screen television. Eighty percent of township residents have library cards, Nersinger said.

"What we're getting better at is trying to make the public aware of what is available," she said. "If you haven't been in your local public library since you were in school, you have to go back and visit, because there's a lot more there."

The Woodbridge library also draws residents with its varied programs, resources and events. And while the Internet stations are always full, people also visit for the old-fashioned reason — books (especially children's books).

"Our use of children's services has increased significantly — it's become the largest part of our checkouts in borrowing," said library director John Hurley. "In the summer, you come here and you can't find a parking place in the main library. I am amazed at how full the parking lot is when i come in at lunchtime."

Use will grow

A December 2007 Pew survey found that more than half of Americans — 53 percent — visited a library in the past year. That's expected to grow as more people look for free resources and entertainment in a slowing economy.

People between 18 and 30 were most likely to visit a library and also were the most likely to say they'd return, the Pew survey found.

The GNS analysis compared data from 2002 and 2006 on the nation's nearly 9,200 local library systems, using information provided by the National Center for Education Statistics and by each state and the District of Columbia. GNS also looked at state-level data compiled by the center for 2005, because in some cases that data was more reliable or complete than information from 2006.

The analysis found that libraries are thriving in the Internet age:

Attendance increased roughly 10 percent between 2002 and 2006 to about 1.3 billion. Regionally, Southern states lag the rest of the country in visits per capita.

Circulation, which measures how often library visitors check out print or electronic materials, increased about 9 percent, from 1.66 billion to 1.81 billion during the five-year period.

Nationally, library spending on day-to-day costs such as staffing and materials was $31.65 per person in 2005. The District of Columbia and local governments in Ohio and New York topped the list, spending at least $50 per capita. Local governments in Mississippi, West Virginia, Arkansas and Tennessee spent the least — less than $17.

The number of Internet-capable computers soared 38 percent between 2002 and 2006 — from about 137,000 to nearly 190,000. Libraries in rural states in New England and the Midwest led the country in public computers per capita in 2006.

The increase in Internet access is thanks in part to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which launched a national program in 1997 to bring the Internet to libraries, beginning with the South.

By 2003, the foundation had spent $250 million on some 47,000 computers, as well as training and tech support, bringing almost every public library online, said Jill Nishi, deputy director of the foundation's U.S. Libraries initiative.

"You should be able to walk into any library and find Internet service," she said. "It's free, unfettered access to information."

Woodbridge installed its first Internet stations in 1996. Spotswood library director Mary Faith Chmiel estimates that the small borough's library first started offering Internet access about 10 to 12 years ago.

And library Internet stations serve as more than just a gate to the Web, librarians say.

"We add value to the Internet," Hurley said. "We provide on our Web site links to recommended home pages about certain subjects; we also have Internet-mediated services — things that you might pay for at home you get for free at the library."

Woodbridge's librarians participate in a statewide service that allows people to go online and ask librarians research questions 24 hours a day. The service, www.qandanj.org, is free.

Live chat help

"If you're having trouble finding something on the Internet or you need to get information, you get a live chat session with a trained librarian who helps you find what you're looking for," Hurley said. "I don't know how many times someone has said to one of our staff members, "Gee, I've been looking for this for a couple of days and you found it in three minutes — how did you do that?'

"And that is what this is its about — having experienced staff members."

In the last few years, more libraries have been installing wireless connections to allow visitors to work off their own laptops. Woodbridge, Spotswood and East Brunswick all installed wireless connections between two and three years ago. Spotswood funded it through a grant from the New Jersey Library Network. All three libraries have since seen the numbers of visitors using their own laptops grow.

"The usage of wireless, especially after we put in a cafe, (has increased)," said Nersinger, who has been with the East Brunswick library for two and a half years. "And now that we have a brand-new quiet study area, people come in all day and bring their computers and study. It's fantastic."

Librarians in Woodbridge have noticed a similar trend. And while some visitors lounge around the library with laptops, the Internet stations are also always full.

"When I walk through the library, I see a lot of laptops flipped open, people browsing, instant-messaging, e-mailing, what have you," said Hurley, who has been with the Woodbridge library since 1997. "There have been plenty of studies that show people who may not be able to afford a computer at home fully understand the library is the place to go to get internet access."

Income a factor

Only about a third of households with incomes below $25,000 have Internet access, according to federal data.

That makes free Internet access particularly important for low-income people, said Ken Flamm, an economics professor at the University of Texas at Austin who has studied the role of the Internet in public libraries.

"In a world in which Internet access is increasingly important for all sorts of things, from getting a driver's license to preparing a homework project or looking for a job, this is becoming a vital lifeline for the least advantaged segment of the population," Flamm said.

Despite their success in meeting new demands for information, libraries aren't immune from budget cuts.

Portland, Maine, has proposed closing a branch that is seeing 8 percent growth in circulation, according to the American Library Association. Libraries in Modesto, Calif., reduced the hours and days they're open after their budgets were cut 14 percent.

In 2006, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library in Tennessee cut the days its branches are open because of a budget shortfall. Some residents still lament the move, praising libraries for the role they play in teaching children to read and providing Internet access to people without a computer at home.

New Jersey libraries may be facing similar fates. Gov. Jon S. Corzine's 2009 budget proposed a 10 percent cut in the State Per Capita Aid Program for public libraries. Meanwhile, municipalities with stagnant state-aid awards are often forced to pass their budget woes down to their libraries.

In Woodbridge, the cut in state aid will amount to about 2 percent of the township library's budget, or about $10,000, said Hurley. But the libraries will be able to avoid major cuts through careful budgeting, he said.

"We can cope'

"Although (the cut) is not insignificant, it's not something we can't cope with," Hurley said. "We knew it was coming so we've adjusted our budget accordingly. I know that the library is important to Mayor (John) McCormac and to the people of Woodbridge, and we have their support."

Like Woodbridge, many local libraries have evaded the budget crisis so far, while others haven't been so lucky. Piscataway's libraries were forced to end Sunday operating hours and bookmobile service in order to cope with budget cuts. Highland Park cut $40,000 from its library budget, forcing the library to lay off part-time staff and scale back on hours.

East Brunswick, meanwhile, has been able to expand its hours (from 67 to 80 hours a week) using consolidation and creative scheduling.

"We're like any other business, nonprofit or government agency — we are looking at how can we do more for less," Nersinger said. "We've been trying to increase our services without increasing the cost, but things change, you can't predict more than a couple years out."

Last year, East Brunswick received a 2 percent aid increase, but higher cost of living, combined with an rising cost of mandated benefits, meant the aid bump was more than offset by increasing expenses.

"We've had to trim back, and we really try very hard not to affect services when we do that," Nersinger said.

Spotswood has also maintained its programs through careful planning and budgeting.

"You're always preparing; you're always looking to the future," said Chmiel, who has been with the Spotswood library for nine years. "Part of whats nice about working in a library in a small community is you're forced to be creative. You don't have endless funds, but it's a challenge to see how far you can make the funds go."

Monday, July 14, 2008
By EMILY ANNE EPSTEIN
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
While the weather may make you want to hum "No more pencils, no more books," the Secaucus Library is the place to be during the summer months.

Head Reference Librarian Jenifer May, who has worked at the library since 1998, has observed the habits of Secaucus' bookworms.

"We don't have that rush of schoolchildren coming in to study after school, but there are more people coming in for leisure reading," May said.

And just what are people reading these lazy days?

"This time of year, people want a lighter read, usually fiction, mystery, suspense or romance," May remarked.

The Young Adult section gets a lot of traffic, too, with the "Clique" series by Lisa Harrison almost always off the shelves.

Thirteen-year-old Josie Sosa looks forward to reading the entire series of Ellen Hopkins books.

"I want to read "Crank," "Glass," "Impulse" - all of them in the two weeks after school's out," she said.

Daksha Jhaveri likes to spend her summer reading best sellers by Danielle Steele or Sidney Sheldon, but enjoys the options provided at the library.

"They have a very wide range of books to choose from," she said.

Zhen Sullivan said she brings her 20-month-old son Connor regularly to play.

"We often come here for the playground and children's section."

Connor's favorite book is "Goodnight Moon," and the mom-son duo make sure to come for every LaptTot program to learn the different songs and rhymes.

The library has many different events scheduled for summer, from Tuesdays at the Movies to a Secaucus resident art show.

There are handy monthly calendars available at the front desk and online at the library's Web site, http://secaucus.bccls.org/.

May also mentioned another main attraction: the air conditioning. "We definitely have people who come in for the A.C.," she joked.

So forget about that age old melody and check out some of the activities and reading recommendations at the Secaucus library. Enjoy the books ... and the temperature.

Friday, July 11, 2008
By JACQUELINE LINDSAY
Staff Writer
BELVIDERE -- Warren County Library officials are taking steps to expand the hours of operation and update services at libraries in Belvidere, Blairstown, Franklin and Hackettstown. Their goal is to make the libraries more accessible for patrons.

Warren County Library Headquarters in Belvidere and branches Catherine Dickson Hofman Library in Blairstown, Franklin Library and the Northeast Library in Hackettstown expanded their summer hours after reaching an agreement with Local Union 3287, which represents library employees

"We're trying to make it more user friendly for our patrons," said Library Director Richard Moore. "The expansion of the hours is part of a larger scale attempt to make ourselves more accessible and more convenient to use."

In March, library commission members adopted a resolution to expand the summer hours. Moore suggested changing the hours to accommodate patrons, but library employees and their local union questioned whether the changes could be made under their current contract.

In the past, county libraries instituted shortened hours in the summer -- the library headquarters opened 9 a.m. five days a week and closed at 8:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The Catherine Dickson, Franklin, and Northeast Branches opened 10 a.m. and closed at 8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and were open the same hours as Belvidere the other days. All four libraries were closed on Saturday and Sunday.

In September when winter hours take effect the libraries open 9 a.m. and remain open until 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the library headquarters and until 8 p.m. at the branches. All county libraries close 6 p.m. on Friday in the winter and are open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Library employee Karen Hahn, who serves as the shop steward/union representative for the county libraries, called the agreement "a good thing" for everyone.

"We're going to be open and we're going to serve the public as we always have," Hahn said of the negotiations. "At this point I don't think any employees are dissatisfied. We all worked together to solve the problem."

Moore said the new summer hours work hand in hand with other changes being instituted. Library patrons will soon be able to borrow DVDs, new and old, for a seven-day period; put a reserve on all DVDs, new and old; and borrow other formats, including books, games, recorded books, music CDs, and other items, for 28 days. Previously new DVDs had a two day limit and no renewal or reserve ability.

In addition, patrons can borrow up to 50 items per card, which was previously limited to 25. People can also borrow a total of 10 DVDs at a given time, in lieu of the six DVD limit, and renew DVDs that are not reserved by others.

For more information about the library, their materials and services, log onto www.warrenlib.org.

Staff Writer Jacqueline Lindsay can be reached at (908) 852-5103 or jlindsay@njnpublishing.com.

Somerset County Library System patrons can turn a simple search into research with the library's new federated search engine, called Research Pro. A federated search allows library card holders to search magazines, journals, books, e-books, audio e-books, the library's catalog, the internet and more all on one site. This is one stop shopping research!

This fast and effective tool offers a way to find multiple resources, without needing to guess which databases to search. Students, professionals and consumers will be pleased to have easier access to about 30 resources that can be searched simultaneously, making the research process both more reliable and much faster.

Research Pro may be accessed directly from the Library's main catalog at http://catalog.somerset.lib.nj.us/search . A valid Somerset County Library System card and PIN number is required to use this service. A help button is available on the Research Pro screen.

To learn more about the Somerset County Library System visit the library's website at www.somerset.lib.nj.us.

The Somerset County Library System has library branches in Bound Brook, Bridgewater, Hillsborough, North Plainfield, Peapack, Rocky Hill, Warren and Watchung. Member municipalities include; Bound Brook, Branchburg, Bridgewater, Green Brook, Hillsborough, Millstone, Montgomery, North Plainfield, Peapack-Gladstone, Rocky Hill, South Bound Brook, Warren and Watchung.

The possibility of closing the four neighborhood libraries has prompted an outcry from patrons and some city council members. The proposal, which would maintain only the main library on Academy Street, was sparked by a request by city officials for all departments to cut their budgets by 10 percent.

Library officials have proposed three scenarios for the libraries, all requiring fewer employees.

If the system loses 10 percent of the $3.5 million it received from the city last year, it would close the Briggs, Cadwalader, East Trenton and Skelton branches, library director Kimberly M. Bray said.

Under the second scenario -- in which the libraries receive a slight budget increase -- the East Trenton and Briggs branches share one staff and the Cadwalader and Skelton branches share another. Each branch would be open two and a half days per week, Bray said.

The third scenario, under which the system would receive $946,000 more than now proposed, would allow all of the branches to keep their current hours.

The director said the 10 percent cut would lead to closing the branches because of several factors, including the rising cost of salaries and benefits, as well as the inability to draw from depleted library investments.

"We put a great deal of time and effort into looking to maximize the resources that were given to us," said Bray, who emphasized that she understands the situation the city faces and knows the library wasn't singled out for cuts.

While the library system is managed by a board that is separate from the city government, it relies on the city for more than 90 percent of its budget.

City officials asked each department to prepare 10 percent cuts to deal with a $7 million budget shortfall for the fiscal year that started on July 1.

City spokesman Kent Ashworth said every town is looking to reduce costs and that every department has the opportunity to find alternate sources of funding. Ashworth said officials wouldn't comment "piecemeal" on each department's budget.

Library patrons at the Briggs Branch on Greenwood Avenue were stunned when told of the proposal to close the branches.

"No, they can't do that," said Keke Nyemah, 15, a 10th-grader at Trenton Central High School. "That's where I go to get my quiet and peaceful time."

TCHS English teacher Lorraine Hemans said she encourages students to use the branches.

"Especially if you want to make education a priority, how can you do away with your libraries?" Hemans asked.

She said computers in the branches are essential.

"Global access depends on the internet and for a lot of people, this is where they get it," she said.

Councilman-at-large Manuel Segura said he disagrees with closing the branches "150 percent."

"If we're going to cut the budget, let's cut the budget in some other area where it's not going to hurt the people in that way," Segura said.
He called for a special council meeting to discuss each department's budget. He added that he is concerned that the city administration hasn't brought any budget proposals to the council.

South Ward Councilman Jim Coston said he would support keeping the branches open this year, with the goal of having libraries raise funds for next year.

Paying for the libraries is "an investment that will pay bigger dividends in the future," Coston said.

Coston said the city may explore savings by asking the Mercer County Library system to assume management of the city's library, as long as the branches remain open. He also said the city could look to the county park and health departments to share services.

West Ward Councilwoman Annette Lartigue, who has called for budget meetings for months, said she is concerned about the effect of the budget across every department. She said of the branches: "It would be absolutely unacceptable for them to be closed permanently" but that part-time hours are "worth a look-see."

Library board president Adrienne Hayling said the possibility of closing the branches is personally devastating.

"Our children are not very mobile," Hayling said, adding that some parents would be concerned about children being bused to the main library.

Hayling said the possibility of keeping all branches open at the current hours is only possible "if we have an angel come down," but keeping all branches open part-time would be a much better option than closing them.

Hayling said that part-time hours would be a temporary solution as the system looks for donations that would allow it to expand service in the future.

Library board member Philip Albert said the budget crisis comes at a difficult time, adding that library use has been up, new programs have been launched and Bray is off to a strong start after joining the library in April.

Albert urged city officials to examine whether other city departments can sustain deeper cuts than the library.

Contact Andrew Kitchenman at akitchenman@njtimes.com or (609) 989-5706.

Saturday, June 07, 2008
BY NORMA BLAKE

With the summer recess from school right around the corner, many parents are thinking of ways to keep their children's minds and bodies active after those first weeks of euphoric freedom erode to boredom. Let me suggest that, before they become frazzled, their local library may offer a solution.

For the past six years, the New Jersey State Library has supported the New Jersey Library Association's statewide Summer Reading Program with a $50,000 grant. This worthwhile initiative has attracted more and more children and teens each year. In fact, in 2007, more than 154,550 children and teens across New Jersey participated in public-library summer reading programs, reading nearly one million books. Since its inception, the Summer Reading Program has mo tivated children to read purely for fun -- without the pressure of tak ing tests or writing book reports -- keeping their minds sharp, improving their reading skills and expanding their imaginations.

Each year the Summer Reading Program has a theme, which many libraries adopt. This year, young readers will enjoy getting "bugged," as the themes are "Catch the Reading Bug" for children and "Metamorphosis" for teens. Public libraries all over our state will be scheduling activities for children and teens from mid-June through August, not only to entertain them with stories and activities about in sects, such as ladybugs and fireflies, but also to educate them about the nature and benefits of these small creatures. Using their attraction to bugs as a springboard, we hope to bring more young people into our libraries, at tract new users, promote the services and materials our libraries offer the public, and offer children and teens a valuable social experience through many different activities, such as book discussion groups, crafts or the Monmouth County Library's Battle of the Bands.

As more children and teens make their local library the place to go this summer, it will give parents a chance to get acquainted with what the library has to offer them, such as access to a variety of newspapers and magazines, audio books, business databases, movies and meeting areas for local groups. It will also give parents a chance to talk to their children about what they are reading and what is interesting them and tying it to other activities. If your child enjoys books about baseball, go to a game together. If a book your child reads has been made into a movie, watch it together and discuss the differences.

We know that for teens, reading leads to success. It expands their vocabulary, improves writing skills, increases their knowledge and expands their view of the world. Another big dividend is getting a good score on the verbal section of a college admissions test. No other activity builds the vocabulary and comprehension skills needed to do well on those tests as well as reading.

Who would have guessed that so many benefits could come from a summer reading program? Participating libraries are registering children and teens for their programs early this month. Check to see what your local library is doing. I encourage all parents to look into this great program with their children. It just might result in a "bugging me-free" summer and better grades in school next year.

Norma E. Blake, Library Journal's 2008 librarian of the year, is New Jersey state librarian.