| Author | Message | ||
     jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 670 Registered: 6-2005 |
Given that the library needs a new roof and now it sounds like it needs a new ac system, I would like to propose that the South Orange Library re-invent itself with a new bold vision, and work towards its execution. What we have now is a mediocre library which falls short on many fronts trying to be all thing to all people. Today the internet is the first tool of research. So what a library should function as has taken on new meaning. I went into the library the other day to look up some town information. It could not be located. The librarian thought it might be in the basement but wasn't sure. I looked around and nothing looked really great. The take-out DVD's were a meager selection. The periodical reading area was just ok. I think the children's section has issues. What about trying to have a premiere library which is the best in one area - maybe the most comprehensive perioidical collection, or the best children's library. Give up everything else. Its not being done very well anyway. Create a true destination library, but for one special need. For other things, people can use other libraries in adjoining towns or the Seton Hall library. (We used to use Millburn for microfiche research on old NY Times, for instance, anyway. South Orange had a terrible microfiche system.) I am curious how others feel about this idea. | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese  Post Number: 1590 Registered: 7-2004  |
Maybe South Orange should just use Maplewood’s library. We share schools, why not libraries. There is also the SHU library in South Orange. That would save taxpayers money. Also, the property could be sole to make more for new developments. | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 23136 Registered: 6-2001  |
Actually, I think the children's room is an excellent facility and has been since Mrs. Marlowe ran things in my childhood (how I miss her!). The main library could definitely use some improvement, especially the infrastructure (children's room was renovated 2-3 years ago). It's an embarrassment that this town treats its own facilities so shabbily (take a close look at Village Hall). | ||
| susan1014 Supporter Username: Susan1014 Post Number: 1597 Registered: 3-2002 |
We went to the childrens library tonight and found exactly what we needed for a school project, well cataloged and shelved, and reasonably recent and in good shape. I certainly don't expect the library to have a major DVD collection -- that is low priority in my opinion (and should be mostly whatever is donated). Obviously we need to repair the library, but the idea of ignoring all but one set of needs on the opinion that anyone who needs something else can drive to another town is just wrong. Not every library patron has a car, and those who do not are likely the ones who need a public library the most. Also seems foolish in an era of rising fuel prices. Start the fund drive to improve things, but lets not throw out the core meaning of a public library simply because ours needs some help. | ||
| SOrising Citizen Username: Sorising Post Number: 382 Registered: 2-2006 |
A librarian in West Orange told me there is some kind of pass that can be used in all or most regional libraries, including universities. She was the only one who seemed to know about it, however. When I asked elsewhere, no one had heard of it. There should be something like it if there isn't now and if there is a regional pass now, it should be easier to get than it is. I have had good experiences using and help from the inter-library loan department. A collection of good DVDs would be good. They could be about just about anything, including a primiere movies collection. The amount of junk in local video stores is stunning; a public library could distinguish itself by having a great, international film collection. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5226 Registered: 1-2004  |
I agree with bets about the Children's Room. Mrs. Marlow and (Mrs. Vorwick) did a great job with the Children's Room. But, unfortunately through no fault of our librarians, our library is in sad shape. Look how many computers Maplewood has! Livingston just built an awesome new library. Maybe someone can explain why our Village Government think it's more important for the town to spend more the 1/4 million dollars on a sculpture when buildings such as the library needs work? | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 9692 Registered: 4-1997  |
I think we should have the largest collection of propaganda posters and books about propaganda. We can have lecturers come in from universities throughout the world to discuss how governments misrepresent reality by co-opting or forcing artists to create slogan-based images and texts. We should begin by acquiring this rather amazing collection: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bpx/sets/72057594117941491/ | ||
| fiche Citizen Username: Fiche Post Number: 154 Registered: 3-2002 |
Bets: Big Fat Smooch to you. | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 23153 Registered: 6-2001 |
fiche: right back to you and all. It's the God's honest truth. | ||
| fiche Citizen Username: Fiche Post Number: 156 Registered: 3-2002 |
Thank you. Now go to bed. That's where I am headed. It's way past my bedtime. | ||
| Veritas Ultimo Citizen Username: Veritas_ultimo Post Number: 50 Registered: 12-2005 |
I think the library and particularly the staff are pretty darn good. I am, however, concerned about the fact that the Village has not addressed the roof problem for so long. Has the Board of Trustees and V.A. Gross ever considered placing Tau on the hole on the roof? Besides potentially making the Library watertight, it could serve as a beacon to extraterrestial life alerting it to the high level of art and culture we have attained in South Orange. Then, instead of fibbing a bit to obtain a grant from HUD, we could be truthful and get a grant from NASA. P.S. I think the idea of a Propaganda Collection is actually very good. People don't realize how current images / slogans can be propaganda because to be effective, propaganda must fit in some way with present beliefs / expectations (such as "Coming Soon"). It is only when you showcase propaganda out of its era / context it looks so obvious (e.g."Coming Soon"). | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 23155 Registered: 6-2001 |
Okay, Mom! G'night  No, really: I promise! Seriously. Why are you reading this? You should be in bed!! | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 23156 Registered: 6-2001 |
Veritas, perhapsn the T/VA/CFO Gross has never been to the library and therefore it is not a priority in his world. Then again, he works in Village Hall and that doesn't bother him, so, mebbe not. | ||
| Lizziecat Citizen Username: Lizziecat Post Number: 1251 Registered: 5-2003 |
Part of the problem with local library service is that Essex is the one county in New Jersey that does not hhave a central county library and a county library system. In Morris County, for example, local libraries are members of the county library system. Patrons of one town library can use any library in the county, and can borrow materials from any library in the county through their local library. All of the county's holdings are cataloged in one on-line system. Library circulation is also on-line. Materials are generally purchased through the county and cataloged centrally. The county library also functions as the main research facility. In Essex we don't have such a system. We have two lare area libraries--at East Orange and Bloomfield. The Newark P.L. functions as the main research library, with the area libraries in a secondary role. I don't know if there is a centralized on-line catalog for Essex county; there wasn't when I was a librarian. There used to be a county card--called the CECLS card--which you could get through your local library. I don't know what they use now. YOu should be able to obtain materials from other libraries through interlibrary loan, but unlet there is an online catalog accessible to anyone, the process is cumbersome. | ||
| bets Supporter Username: Bets Post Number: 23158 Registered: 6-2001 |
Orange has (hopefully still?) a truly stunning library. I wrote a feature article about it for the Orange Transcript maybe 20 years ago? | ||
| Lizziecat Citizen Username: Lizziecat Post Number: 1252 Registered: 5-2003 |
The Orange library is a Stanford White designed bulding, and, I believe, on the National Register of Historic Buildings. I worked there briefly, years ago. It was desperately in need of more space for its collections. | ||
| Elizabeth Citizen Username: Momof4peepers Post Number: 85 Registered: 12-2005 |
Having moved quite a bit, I was frankly stunned to see the incredibly sad shape of the SO library especially considering the level of taxes we pay. I was impressed with the children's programs given the poor facilities, and pleased with the helpfulness of the staff given the dismal conditions they work in. Perhaps with all the vacant lots around town, we should consider moving the library and build a much better, appropriate facility. | ||
| Hamandeggs Citizen Username: Hamandeggs Post Number: 305 Registered: 8-2005 |
Our card (that works for other libes, incl SHU) is the REBL card. Get it at the SO library and then you can use it in most libraries in the county. It needs to be renewed each year. Kids who are in our public schools can have a regular card at both M and SO libes. My parents live in Ridgewood so I have seen a truly gorgeous suburban library, but I love ours too. The people are great, the NJ historical stuff is fascinating, they'll order most books, and they do a lot with the space they have. I wish the children's area was run in a more organized manner, but hey... The WO library is very nice and quite close. They run a kids' summer program that can't be beat. | ||
| Nancy - LibraryLady Supporter Username: Librarylady Post Number: 3517 Registered: 5-2001  |
WWW.SOPL.ORG Use reference tab to access numerous online databases available at home, including full text journal and magazine articles, NY Times and other newspapers. Go to JerseyCat for online Stetwide catalogue. Come in and use your town library and get ReBL card that allows you to use most any other library in Essex County including Rutgers and SHU. Check out our Calendar for a huge list of programs offered ever month. Children programs that draw dozens and dozens of kids every week. Download Audio books from the comfort of hour home Find a notary on duty. Check the status of your account, renew items out and reserve from our library or orderfrom others at home or in person. And a LibraryLady who is responsive and posts on the non-offical town bulletin board Just come in and see. Simply informational..not an offical post of the SOPL | ||
| Suzanne Ng Citizen Username: Suzanneng Post Number: 769 Registered: 3-2002 |
Thanks Nancy, I was hoping you would post, especially about the ReBL card. I got my feet wet (both as a patron and a librarian) in the BCCLS system, and was surprised when I moved here that there wasn't a similar system in Essex County. Susan1014 -- I'm guessing the school project is the annual one on "ocean creatures" in preparation for the aquarium trip. <g> FWIW, the teachers at school have most of our books in their classrooms, so when the students ask me for items on specific creatures, I have to tell them the books are in the classroom already! Glad you found what was needed at the PL. | ||
| mjc Citizen Username: Mjc Post Number: 1158 Registered: 10-2004 |
jayjay, I really appreciate your stirring the pot about various issues/needs in town. Too many of us may think oh well, that's the way it is, instead of looking for possibilities. I have to agree with others above, though, that the town should continue to provide a "full service" library. There are a surprising number of people who don't drive, and many others don't want to spend time and $ driving out of town. As Nancy pointed out, the library makes a lot of research material available online to supplement the limited space and staffing in the building. For anyone who doesn't have internet access at home, the library also offers use of computers. Interlibrary requests are easy (and if I'm reading Nancy's post correctly, can also be done online, who knew?). To use other libraries in the county, all that's needed is to walk into the SO library and get a sticker on your card. Let's fix the building ASAP, volunteer where there's a need, and as someone suggested, donate DVDs, audiobooks and books for the library to either add to its collection or sell as a fund raiser. Keep on thinking, and happy weekend, all! MC | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5231 Registered: 1-2004 |
Lizziecat in response to: ***"Part of the problem with local library service is that Essex is the one county in New Jersey that does not have a central county library and a county library system."*** I don't think that's part of the problem. I think it's the fault of our town government the library is in the shape it is. Have you seen Maplewood's Library? They must have at least a dozen computers with Internet access. Millburn as a really nice library, Livingston just built an awesome brand new state of the art library. West Orange also has a decent library. Why not us? With the amount of money we pay in taxes, I think we should be able to afford a new library. Ours is falling apart. I know I wouldn't want to be working there on hot humid days as we're having now with no air-conditioning. I thought it was said at a recent BOT meeting the money was there to fix the roof and a/c; how come it hasn't been done yet? I know there are still plenty of people in town who don't have air-conditioning in their homes, apartments. I remember when I was a kid a bunch of us would spend a lot of time either at the pool or library to stay cool. South Orange residents can use any library in the county with a REBEL Card. South Orange Library can get books we don't own through "Inter Library Loan," which they have done for me more then once. I've used the Morris County Library dozens of times over the years. The librarians are great! They work hard and do the best they can with what they have. But they should not have to work in the conditions they do. | ||
| Lizziecat Citizen Username: Lizziecat Post Number: 1254 Registered: 5-2003 |
I wasn't talking about the library building, which everyone knows is in bad shape. I was referring to our lack of an organized, centralized county-wide library system. | ||
| FlyingSpaghettiMonst Citizen Username: Noodlyappendage Post Number: 166 Registered: 11-2005  |
SOPL has about 2/3 the population of Maplewood and 10 Internet accessable pcs (including the Children's room). So if Maplewood has a dozen JTA, who has more per capita?? | ||
| joel dranove Citizen Username: Jdranove Post Number: 554 Registered: 1-2006 |
d; all of the above. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5240 Registered: 1-2004 |
Lizziecat- Maybe Essex County does not have a county wide library system because the towns with decent libraries don't want to have to carry the weight of the towns who don't have decent libraries? FSK We have ten computers with internet access in our library? They must have added some since I was there last. I very rarely use the library's computers. The most I used them was last summer when my computer was having major problems and my laptop was too darn slow on the internet. Fixed that problem by buying a new laptop (which I don't even like). My desk computer still has it's moments; but it's ok if I don't try to shut it down. BTW - last time I was at the Maplewood Library on Baker Street; it had a lot more then 10 computers with internet access, not including the Children's Room which has at least three. As I said, it is not the fault of the staff. They are always very helpful. Don't know if you are aware of it or not, if you bring a laptop to the library you can get on the internet from their wifi. | ||
| Mayor McCheese Supporter Username: Mayor_mccheese Post Number: 1621 Registered: 7-2004 |
I say that South Orange should sell off their books, and cut the funding in half. Give the remaining 50% of the funding to Maplewood's library and share facilities. I bet that Ms. FlyingSpaghettiMonster agrees. | ||
| Lizziecat Citizen Username: Lizziecat Post Number: 1255 Registered: 5-2003 |
JTA: Essex does not have a county library sytem because it has the Newark Public library, which dates from the late 19th century. None of the other counties had a large public library comparable to Newark's way back then, so they had to develop other means of making good library services available to the puiblic--i.e. the county library system. Over time, the other counties surpassed Essex in the type of service and the efficiency with which it is delivered. I have never criticized the staff of our town library; if you read my posts you would know that. I think that they do a great job. But because our county has an inefficient system of library networking, everyone in the county is being shortchanged as far as service is concerned. | ||
| SOrising Citizen Username: Sorising Post Number: 385 Registered: 2-2006 |
Thank you, H&E and LL. The ReBL card was the one the WO librarian told me about. However, when I mentioned it to people in one or more library at SHU, they said they would not honor it. Is there any way to get another opinion from SHU? M. McCheese, even if MPlWD and SO were merged, we would still need a "branch" library at our own SO library. The facility and location should be kept for people on this side of "South Mountain", Orange Maple or whatever the new name would be. Also, if the ventilation system in the library still is not working, someone should report it to OHSA in the federal government (not sure if it must be someone who works in the building or not). They will send out an inspector for the sake of people who have to work there and help to speed things along nicely. No one should be in a building with no ventilation | ||
| Nancy - LibraryLady Supporter Username: Librarylady Post Number: 3525 Registered: 5-2001 |
Seton Hall Library does honor the Essex county ReBl card. Each library in the county has its own rules and regs on what the card allows, but they all agree that it can be used for basic services. SOPL allows RebL borrowers to take out anything the Library owns, but nothing that we have on a circuit. We also do not accept reserves from RebL borrowers or allow them to download audio books at ListenNJ.com. Maplewood has different limitations as does Milburn and SHU. Ask a full time staff member, not a student or page for further info. | ||
| Lizziecat Citizen Username: Lizziecat Post Number: 1256 Registered: 5-2003 |
Things are looking up, then, since I was working. However, I think it's still patchy and disorganized. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 5256 Registered: 1-2004 |
Lizzie Didn't think you thought there was a problem with the librarians. It was part of my response to FSM; who I think is an ex who tracked me down after 25 years around the same time FSM joined MOL. Since he likes to push my buttons, I added that to make sure nobody thought I blamed the librarians. I never knew at one point in time Newark had the best library around. It's too bad Essex County was left in the dust. I still think it might have something to do with the wealthier towns having to carry the poor ones. | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 672 Registered: 6-2005 |
Going back to the original topic, I guess i would like to see from the library board some kind of mission statement that defines what they are trying to be and achieve, and then some tactical steps and the money required for achieving it. Many on this post want to have a full service library within walking or short driving distance. Well if that is the prevailing opinion then we need to go through the process of defining what it reallly takes to deliver that. For example, a mission statement might read like: "To provide the residents of South Orange of all reading ages and capabilities an institution for accessing information and enhancing knowledge across a modest range of subjects and providing recreational reading opportunites." The tactical plan might read something like: "We will do this by: - Providing a physical facility which is clean, modern, and accessible. - Provide a minimum of X volumes in the following areas: reference, fiction, non-fiction. - Provide a children's lilbrary of X volumes - Provide a computer bay of X internet accessible computers - Provide a periodical section of X periodicals - Provide a collection of X DVD's - Provide a collection of X large print volumes - Provide a collection of X audio volumes - Hire a staff of X research llibrarians, X assistants, etc. - Provide X reading tables and carols - Provde X study rooms - Provide X community outreach programs (book discussions, children's programs, etc.) annually and so on. Then each one of the above would be further defined as to steps to achieve and the money and timelines to get there. But let's really get serious about this stuff. its our town and its time to take it back, and make it what we want it to be. Without this kind of discipline, I fear we will just keep plugging holes and plodding along in mediocrity. I look at Livingston and Millburn, for example, and wonder about what our spending priorities are in this town, and what it takes to shake things up. This is why I was proposing a major re-think of the library and what is can realisitically be, given the way money is allocated in this town. Something is clearly amiss. If we can't, as a town, generate enough money to have a first rate library, we either have to re-think the concept entirely of what our library needs to be and how to maximize the possibilities of having adjoing towns and a university supplement our efforts, or we need to do without other things, or we need to raise taxes. Those are the only possibilities I see, and I am not in favor of raising taxes. | ||
| algebra2 Supporter Username: Algebra2 Post Number: 4093 Registered: 5-2001  |
We are Maplewoodians and we use the SO Library a few times a week. We stop on the way home from school to do my son's homework. We also visit Maplewood's library but at SO we can go right to the upstairs and get homework done and not be distracted by computer games in the children's room. | ||
| Soda Supporter Username: Soda Post Number: 3994 Registered: 5-2001  |
JTA: An observation and a question: A) If you believe that FSM is your ex of 25 years, and has waited all this time to harass you, then you're either (a) still in his head, and should help him process the split, or else (2) you've been internalizing las' blog waaaaaay too much. And 2) If you think that being challenged on basic arithmetic is having your buttons pushed, how many ex-accountants do you have? -s. | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 673 Registered: 6-2005 |
Alegebra2- Is the library supposed to be a place for out-of towners to do homework without distraction? Shouldn't the school libraries or home be that place? I'm not sure the town library has to do this too. This gets to the point of having a clearly defined mission. And as far as providing computer games, I thought that's what arcades are for, not libraries. | ||
| Suzanne Ng Citizen Username: Suzanneng Post Number: 772 Registered: 3-2002 |
I will reply to JayJay as a district school librarian, but please note this is NOT an official comment, just my personal opinion. The elementary school librarians are contractually on the same daily time schedule as the teachers. Since our district does not offer a "late" bus for elementary students, and many of our students are bussed to/from school, extending the library hours past dismissal time (to allow for completion of homework) is not too practical. Please note the HS and MS have different schedules, which allow for students to use the library after dismissal time. As a student in the Maplewood/South Orange district, Alg2's child is entitled to a library card (with full rights/privileges, I think) in each library. As long as Alg2's child is a cardholder, I would not consider him an out of towner. Besides, that is what makes the library "public" , being open to all. | ||
| Nancy - LibraryLady Supporter Username: Librarylady Post Number: 3531 Registered: 5-2001 |
Also not offically, but the courts have rules that "Public" means all the public (Ask Morristown). And Lill StrawAlg is exactly the person who SHOULD be in the library after school. We welcome him with open arms. And if one would like to see the Library's mission statement, just come in and ask. It is available to the public. | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 674 Registered: 6-2005 |
Nancy- How about posting the mission statement? | ||
| bookie Citizen Username: Bookie Post Number: 12 Registered: 6-2001 |
Hey, Jayjay, how about checking the library's website?? Look under "about Us" and you'll find the mission statement. |
