River Edge Public Library Director's Blog

Interior Makeover progress report

2010-10-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-12-30T07:58:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-14T08:24:00.000-08:00

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

2009-09-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

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!!

2009-09-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

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.

6 day furlough

2009-06-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

I regret to announce that the Library will close for 6 consecutive Fridays this summer. Budget cuts have made this action necessary, even as we are experiencing greater demand for our services than ever before. We chose Friday because it is usually the quietest day of the week during the summer.

I am hopeful that furloughs are not necessary next year.

On a happier note, a bill introduced in a State Senate committee that would halve the minimum level of funding for libraries, has been abandoned. In the last week over 2,000 messages of support for public libraries were received by our State senators. Advocacy works!

Big turnout to protest cuts to REPL

2009-04-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

"Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries." — Anne Herbert

This quote was used by one of the many concerned citizens who recently turned out at Mayor & Council to protest cuts to the Library's budget. I'm very grateful and encouraged by the response of the community in our time of need. Thanks.

Hard times for public libraries

2009-03-26T15:26:00.000-07:00

Budget cuts are impending and will mean shorter opening hours, cuts to programs for seniors, families and children and less computer, homework and reference help available. Naturally everyone is disappointed and we plan to have a vigorous advocacy campaign for the rest of the year to heighten awareness of the value of the public library in the community.

We encourage you to speak to the staff, or a Board member, or a member of Borough Council to voice your concern over the cuts.

Interior Makeover presentation

2009-02-23T11:44:00.000-08:00

This week we eagerly anticipate a presentation by our interior designer Suzan Globus. Suzan will unveil a new floor plan for the Library that will greatly improve the level of service we offer our patrons. The staff and trustees have been working with Globus Design Associates for about 9 months now. While Suzan has shown herself to be a leading expert in the area of library design, many of the best ideas have come from the staff and from public comments.

Once the new floor plan has been accepted by the Board graphic renderings will be produced, so that the public will have a clear visual idea of what we are working towards.

3 new Internet computers & Town News article

2009-01-29T17:26:00.000-08:00

I am very happy to announce the installation of 3 new PCs. They are reserved for public Internet use and feature MS Office 2007 (perfect for homework assignments, resumes, letter writing etc.). They also have 17" monitors that are easy on the eyes.

The new PCs come courtesy of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. We hope to add two more by the end of 2009 when additional funding becomes available, bringing our total to 10 public Internet work stations.

I had the Town News here on Tuesday to witness the large crowds that now converge on the Library between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday. I'm hoping for a nice article about how public libraries are more necessary than ever now that we have hit economic hard times.

Libraries are busier than ever TV spot

2008-12-15T12:06:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share this national TV spot about busy libraries nationwide. Check it out:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#28165432

Gates Grant Payment

2008-12-12T06:55:00.000-08:00

This week we received a check for $5,850 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The money is to be used to improve public access to the Internet via technology upgrades. I estimate over the next two year that we will install 5 new public Internet PCs and printers, 3 in 2009 and 2 more in 2010. They will have 17" monitors for maximum visibility and be perfect for computer classes for beginners. The funding will also be used to expand and improve our network and install software that allows the staff to manage our public PCs efficiently.

In other news, I was inspired by 2 Friends holiday season fundraising efforts made possible by our talented, dedicated staff. The Reader's Roast coffee has been selling very well at $10 per pound. Also, the River Edge Pet Calendar has been a big hit with 85 sold already. I have to admire the efforts of the staff in selling these products at the Circulation Desk, as well as the creativity of Jennifer & Laura in developing them.

Interior Makeover Project

2008-11-26T09:03:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Eve

Today I am thankful for the excellent work my staff has produced with our interior designer Suzan Globus over the last 6 months. We hired Globus Design Associates using funds raised during our "Usual Suspects" campaign. Suzan has a great deal of experience designing the interiors of public libraries and I think it shows. The design is nearing completion with many of the best ideas coming from our open-minded and imaginative staff members. I look forward to seeing the renderings of the final design and sharing it with our patrons.

Daragh

Better access to the Internet for all!

2008-11-15T12:58:00.000-08:00

This week I received notice that the Library will soon receive a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The purpose of the grant is to improve public access to the Internet in public libraries. All told we will receive $8,500 over the next 2 years.

Three years ago we conducted a Community Use Survey in the Library. At that time we noted that our patrons wanted more PCs and better PCs in their library. I am particularly pleased with the grant for this reason.

In 2009 I hope to add 3 new PCs with large monitors for maximum visibility. For those who are not computer users we are organizing classes for beginners. All of this will be announced in the press and our web page.

Our gorgeous gardens

2008-11-06T15:19:00.000-08:00

This week the Town News printed a letter I sent to the editor. In it I thanked the Beautification Committee and the DPW for the gorgeous gardens we have enjoyed over the last two years. Here at the Library we have heard many, many favorable comments from our patrons. My goal in writing this brief letter was to pass along the praise to those who deserve it most. Well done folks!

Daragh O'Connor