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October 31, 1997 Van Buren Branch Library Reopens The Van Buren branch of The Newark Public Library, which had been closed to undergo complete renovations, will officially reopen on Wednesday, November 19. The public is invited to a special ceremony beginning 10 A.M. Generous support from the City of Newark and substantial grants from the New Jersey State Library and the Victoria Foundation have underwritten this revitalization project. This is the fourth branch library to undergo renovation and expansion; the other three are Springfield, Weequahic, and North End. "The branch libraries are an important community oasis," said Dr. Alex Boyd, library director, "because they serve the families in the neighborhood. The branch is usually the first library visited by the children of the neighborhood, to whom we feel a special commitment." The revitalized Van Buren branch has a special area for children's activities and for quiet work. It includes additional space for a community meeting room and for the establishment of new community services and programs. It is handicap-accessible and has a well-lit parking lot. The branch has all new furniture and fixtures. "We did not stop the modernization process with the building itself," notes Wilma J. Grey, assistant director for community library services. "We have responded to the ever-changing technology needs of the community by including state-of-the-art public-access computers to interconnect the patrons of the Van Buren branch with the information superhighway." The Van Buren branch, located in Newark's Ironbound district, opened its doors in September of 1923. Today it is a cultural anchor for a population of about 15,000 children and adults. The branch serves eight public schools and four parochial schools; it now is a site for the Library's popular "Club Success" after-school homework club. (For more information about "Club Success," call the branch at (973) 733-3897.) Adult use exceeds that of any other branch. |
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http://www.npl.org/Pages/Branches/VanBuren/press_release.html ©1997 The Newark Public Library |
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