Glen Ridge Library Sets May 4 Grand Opening for Renovated Young Adult Space

Glen Ridge Public Library's Board of Trustees confirmed that the grand opening of the library's newly renovated Young Adult space will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11 a.m. The celebration will include remarks, tours, and giveaways including Scholastic-donated "Be True to Your Shelf" tote bags, along with water bottles and zippered pouches. Books returned to the area on March 17th and public access resumed March 26th during what the library called a "soft launch," though the space is still awaiting a laptop table, built-ins for two study rooms, and stacking chairs. Redesigned patron library cards are also on track to be ready in time for the event, and a self-checkout unit called meeScan has been ordered for the space, though the library is still waiting on a separate meeScan unit from a regional library consortium known as BCCLS, as well as fixes for ongoing acoustic problems in the new space and study rooms.

The Board voted unanimously to approve an amended Gift Policy governing how the library handles patron and corporate donations, including a plan to preserve commemorative bookplates in a shadowbox display if donated items are eventually discarded. Separately, residents Frances Mielach and Shannon Muldowney asked the library to acknowledge Christian and other religious holidays in its newsletters; Board President Bonnett responded that the library generally does not feature religious holidays in its newsletters, relying instead on methods like make-and-take crafts and displays. Mielach also raised concerns during public comment about religious and cultural representation in newsletters and displays and suggested the library post religious holiday greetings on Facebook; Trustee Tina Payne noted that current displays already represent a variety of religions, and Bonnett said the library would use its "full toolkit," including staff, to address the concern. Mielach additionally requested a list of topics covered in past newsletters. Resident Mary Ellen Cusumano asked about the categories used in children's programming statistics; the Director explained those categories are required by the State.

Financially, the library reported first-quarter expenses at 95% of budget and materials spending at 98% of plan, with bank balances lower because funds are held in the New Jersey Investment Fund, currently totaling $340,104. Year-to-date revenue stood at about 27% of the annual budget, with expected state aid not yet received. The March bills list totaled roughly $76,669 in accounts payable, covering salaries, materials, and renovation costs. Several invoices tied to a construction grant known as the LCBA Grant were paid for the ongoing third-floor bathroom and interior renovation, including payments to Commercial Interiors Direct, Anchor Moving & Storage for relocating the Young Adult book collection, Daniel Kopec Architectural Design, and a deposit to All Pro Audio Video for third-floor sound equipment — together totaling $15,603.74 for the month. The library's financial report also showed an unbudgeted $68,487.45 LCBA Grant-related expenditure and $4,808.02 in unbudgeted trustee expenses. Separately, Tina Payne was reimbursed $4,628.02 for costs tied to retiring staff member Carol Harpster's celebration, which included a painting, framing, flowers, and a reception at Fitzgeralds. The library also spent $150 on a state library association conference registration and $150 on an annual membership renewal for Director Tina Marie Doody, $250 for an archival CD of a local newspaper for the Local History Room, and small reimbursements to staff member Sydney Young for workshop travel and a children's "Busy Town" event.

The Friends of the Library reported that a Kenny Garrett concert generated $8,060 in net revenue, to be split with the Kiwanis Club, while the Friends separately noted the concert brought in about $3,000 in profit for their organization. The Friends also adopted new bylaws and announced additional lockers will be installed, alongside a Shredding Day set for April 27th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Central School parking lot and a Selected Shorts event on May 16th featuring Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker, for which tickets are now available. The library also reported giving away 500 free eclipse glasses ahead of the April 8th eclipse, running out before the event and fielding more than 200 phone calls the day of the eclipse from people still seeking glasses.

Children's Librarian Sydney Young presented to the Board on youth programming, participation, and circulation, covering author visits, take-and-make activities, displays, scavenger hunts, summer reading, and performances; she separately read to a third-grade class for Read Across America Day and gifted books to students. The Adult Desk's cross-generational "Tiny Art Show" displayed finished pieces on the second floor throughout March, and online author events drew more than 1,200 views during the month. Staff member Helen Beckert was recognized for historical research contributing to a This Old House magazine feature on a Glen Ridge home, and was invited to the project's wrap party. The Director reported attending the Public Library Association's biannual conference, participating in a panel on library book bans and challenges at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, attending the first of five state-run strategic planning sessions, joining Essex County library directors to discuss a funding request to the county and the status of the Orange Public Library, and attending a planning committee meeting for BCCLS. Damein Phoenix discussed a senior work-study option allowing students to earn credit through public service work, with Caitlin Riley named as the high school contact. Staff also reported that updated bereavement leave provisions in the library's policies manual have been well received.

What to watch

• The Young Adult space's grand opening on Saturday, May 4th, including debut of redesigned patron cards.
• The Friends' Shredding Day on April 27th and the Selected Shorts event on May 16th.
• BCCLS strategic planning interviews expected to occur in April, with a final recommendation to go to the BCCLS Executive Board afterward.