The Second Century - The Newark Public Library

Since 1989, The Newark Public Library has focused on the rejuvenation of the branch system. When the Vailsburg project is completed later this year, a state-of-the-art facility will reside in each of the city’s wards.

More than $5,000,000 in city funds has been invested in the renovation and expansion of the North End, Springfield, Weequahic, Van Buren and Vailsburg locations. The Victoria Foundation provided further support for these projects; the Turrell Fund furnished additional assistance for the Vailsburg renovation.

Now is the time to turn to upgrading the century-old Main Library.

"We have begun a deliberate planning process involving the community," said Dr. Alex Boyd, Library Director. Focus groups are evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the current facility and its services. Patrons are voicing their "likes" and "dislikes." Of major concern are such matters as:

Parking
Accessibility of the stacks
Heating/air-conditioning the entire structure
A user-friendly layout

Library building consultants are developing a program for this project. The "building program" will tell the architects what to plan to accommodate the Main Library’s current and future services. The present structure at 5 Washington Street is a splendid landmark building. It will serve as a cornerstone for the “new” Main Library.

The Prudential Foundation has given the Library a $1,000,000 grant to help support the renovation and expansion. Although this is a significant amount, the grant will cover only a fraction of the cost of the project. A feasibility study for fund-raising is the next step in the total process.

Sharpe James, Mayor, City of Newark

Donald Bradley, South Ward, City Council President

Newark Municipal Council
Augusto Amador, East Ward
Cory Booker, Central Ward
Mamie Bridgeforth, West Ward
Anthony Carrino, North Ward
Gayle H. Chaneyfield-Jenkins, At-Large
Luis A. Quintana, At-Large
Donald Tucker, At-Large
Bessie Walker, At-Large

The Second Centuryis published by the Development Department of The Newark Public Library, Dr. Alex Boyd, Library Director, and the Board of Trustees: Alberto Coutinho, President; Betty S. Rufalo, Vice President; Trish Morris-Yamba, Secretary; Joseph Yeadon, Treasurer; State District Superintendent of Schools, Marion A. Bolden, Doris Culver, Alternate; Mayor Sharpe James, Dolores Henry Metz, Alternate; Howard Jonas, Dr. Clement Alexander Price, Dr. Debbie Salas-Lopez.

Address all correspondence to:
The Second Century
The Newark Public Library
5 Washington Street
P.O. Box 630
Newark, New Jersey 07101-0630
Telephone 973-733-7793
http://www.npl.org

ISSN 1049-5509

Editorial, J. Dennis Papp
Design and Production by Jenkins Graphics
Printed by Coordinated Graphics, Inc.

The printing/distribution of The Second Century is funded by The Library's administrative budget and in part by a Community Development Block Grant/HUD administered by the City of Newark

http://www.npl.org/Pages/ProgramsExhibits/SecondCentury/vol12num1/

webmaster@npl.org