Library remains valuable resource in Internet age
Staff looks back on how facility's role has changed in 40 years
BY JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer

NORTH BRUNSWICK - If life begins at 40, then the township library has a lot to look forward to in the coming years.

A birthday celebration was held on the front lawn of the North Brunswick Township Public Library on Sunday in honor of its 40th anniversary.

"It's a neighborhood memory. Just like we have memories in North Brunswick, like going to the [Memorial Day] parade or going to the Recreation Department, they've been around 50 years or so … we've been here 40 years," library Director Cheryl McBride said.

The library first opened on Jan. 2, 1967, at Parsons Elementary School, but relocated to 880 Hermann Road in September 1972. Since then, the books-only facility turned into a comprehensive media center, now complete with Internet access, a computer room, a teen section, new databases and a change in services.

"The biggest change is the change in all libraries: computers," McBride said of the four decades of operation at the library. "By far, those didn't exist when we started. Otherwise, stuff is the same. People still come with their families to get books, they read books together, they go to story time, kids study, and adults still use it for recreational reading and self-improvement. … That hasn't changed."

Kathy Tevald, a member of the board of trustees, said that the hands-on approach of a library is incomparable to a computer or other resources.

"We'll never outgrow our need to hold a book. You can't hold a computer," she said.

"We still need the library. We need a community living room and that's what we continue to be," McBride added.

The need for a library is evidenced by the youth who come to visit. "I like to learn more about dogs," said 7-year-old Elizabeth Leung, who was sitting at the arts and crafts table. She said she goes to the library every Saturday to borrow books about nature, animals and rhyming. She said she likes to read "so I can learn more and be smart."

Thirteen-year-old Kinal Shah agreed, saying the library is one of her favorite places to go.

"It's relaxing and quiet and there are so many books you can explore," she said. "It's a resource. It's a place where you can meet your friends, after school you can go there and hang out and do your homework. Everyone from town goes there."

The birthday party was scheduled for a warm, sunny Sunday in June just because of the assumption the weather would be nice, according to McBride. There were munchkins designed in the shape of "40," games, Spin Art, face-painting and arts and crafts. Various birthday cards designed by local children were on display. Maps asking, "Where in the world/United States/New Jersey/North Brunswick were you in 1967?" were posted with pushpins available for residents to mark their locations.

To commemorate the success of the library over the years, the board of trustees has developed 40 programs for throughout the 40th year to celebrate the longevity of the facility. Thus far, there has been a collection for the food bank of a quantity of 40 different items they need; a tea party teaching the history of tea; a film festival featuring movies from each decade the library has been open; child programs with a birthday theme; and various lectures.

For the duration of the year, there will be a murder-mystery dinner, a foreign film festival, a summer reading club for children and a radio program for senior citizens, as well as other upcoming events. In addition, the library is seeking longtime residents of North Brunswick to come forward with their memories of the library, such as having a library card with a metal plaque on it or going up the stairs to the book room.

In the distant future, library members are hoping for a bigger facility, preferably on the Johnson & Johnson property, but mainly anywhere with adequate space.

"We'd be happy anywhere," McBride said.

For more information about library programs, call (732) 246-3545.