Interior Makeover progress report

Interior Makeover Progress report
What we have achieved so far:
• Completed wiring for new public computer locations
• Doubled the number of public Internet work stations and added a color laser network printer
• Increased broadband capacity to 50 Mbit
• Replaced lighting with brighter, more energy efficient system
• Planned new design of Library interior with Globus Design Associates (renderings available on request)
• Completed design of new circulation desk which will be A.D.A. compliant and improve access to the building
• Project manager hired. WG Project Management hired to ensure completion of carpeting, painting, installation of new shelving and furniture within our budget and in a timely manner
As of 10.29.2010 we are preparing documents to go out to public bid for new carpeting, painting, installation of the circulation desk, new shelving and furniture.

Circulation Desk design almost complete

Following an extremely busy summer we are almost finished the design of our new circulation desk. The new desk will be ADA compliant and will maximize the efficiency of our daily operations. It will also be a lot smaller than our current desk (leaving more floor space for public use).

The whole process has given us the opportunity of studying the way we do our work and investigate possible ways we can improve.

State cuts partially restored

We have had some good news this week. The State Library will be cut by about $6 million for the next budget year. The original budget proposed over $10 million in cuts or 74%. This means that the State Library will continue to fund essential services like shared subscription databases and delivery of inter library loans. Unfortunately, we will have a huge reduction in per capita State aid putting further downward pressure on our operating budget.

I still hope to complete the bulk of our Interior Makeover Project before the end of this year. The staff is currently working with our designer on the new ADA compliant circulation desk. In early July our project manager will meet with Borough officials to discuss the public bidding process. Funding for the project comes from the Borough of River Edge, grants and private donations.

We have contracted with an artist to design an historic tile mural which will be installed in the Library's vestibule. This will be an outstanding work of public art and a significant fundraising vechicle. The first tile will depict George Washington and other Revolutionary War figures at the "Bridge That Saved America". This exciting project will raise awareness of the history and cultural heritage of the community of River Edge and will be a source of pride for generations.

Happy New Year and thanks

I want to wish all of our patrons a happy new year. Thank you for your generous support in our recent fundraising efforts. Every dollar we receive helps in our goal to implement our new interior design. We hope to complete our "Interior Makeover Project" in 2010.

Note: the Library is now on Facebook. Look us up and join the group. You will be able to keep informed about news and events at the Library and post comments on our wall.

Again all the best for 2010,

Daragh

Fundraising campaign in full swing

Our Interior Makeover Project fundraising campaign is in full swing. The awesome mailer that we worked on over the summer has been sent to every home and business in River Edge and the response has been terrific.

We are receiving donations every day along with messages of support for the goals we are aiming to achieve, a newly designed interior that meets the expressed needs of the community.

In a major boost to the prestige we enjoy our excellent, devoted Youth Services Laura Grunwerg received a major award in recognition of her outstanding service to the community. The "I Love My Librarian Award" is sponsored by the New York Times and the Carnegie Foundation of New York. Laura is one of 10 winners nationwide out of 3,600 applications. A number of River Edge library patrons nominated her for the award. They gave her high praise for her hard work and innovative approach to delivering excellent library service to the community. I am so proud of her achievement! I think the whole community should be proud to be served by Laura.

New design rollout

Last Sunday I unveiled the new interior design that we hope will be implemented next year. The Board and staff have worked for 4 years on this project, taking our cue from the expressed needs of the community. For the last year we have had the services of Globus Design Associates, the leader in the field of library interior design in New Jersey.

Every square foot of the Library's 14,000 square feet of space has been scrutinized and evaluated. The result is a design that, when implemented, will result in a warmer, more spacious library that more effectively meets the considerable needs of the community.

Artist renderings and samples are currently posted at the entrance to the Library for all to examine. I am happy to answer any questions or concerns.

We will begin fundraising in earnest next month with a mailer that we hope will get the whole community talking.

Whew! What a summer!!

This summer was busier than ever with hundreds of children and young adults participating in our summer reading programs. How cool it was to see 100 River Dell students lining up to register for our Talk It Up and Talk Back book clubs! I was delighted to see some of the awesome programs, like Bubblemania attended by over 100 parents and children. We thank the Friends of the Library for sponsoring many of the summer programs for children.

Our computers were in great demand. Those patrons who are looking for work, or who simply cannot afford Internet service made use of the high quality, free Internet service we offer. In this and many other ways the Library is making an essential contribution to economic recovery in the community of River Edge.

The 6 day furlough meant that Mondays were the busiest we have ever experienced with over 1,000 items circulating each day. We hope we can avoid furloughs in 2010.