| Author | Message | ||
     SaigonGuy Citizen Username: Sidrn Post Number: 46 Registered: 6-2005 |
Let me start off by saying that I love the South Orange Library. The staff is wonderful. Unfortunately, they have to operate on about half the budget that the Maplewood library receives. As a result, we get fewer new books, movies, etc. Although I am not happy about it, I understand that So. Orange has less money to devote to its library. However, when I went in there last winter, the roof was constantly leaking and the staff complained that they were not given the money to fix it. I was in there yesterday and the air conditioning on the lower level, the children's section, was out. What is going on? Does anyone know who we can speak with regarding the upkeep of the library? It is absolutely appalling that we let our library deteriorate to such a state. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 2698 Registered: 5-2001  |
Don't you know....it's much more important to the politicans to buy a quarter million dollar statue than spend money on something as silly as a library.  | ||
| Pdg Citizen Username: Pdg Post Number: 184 Registered: 5-2004  |
MHD - I believe the total cost is currently estimated at $440,000, not counting the wasted costs associated with the creation of the gazebo and fountain if they are replaced by the sculpture. But that is just hearsay until our local government publishes the actual facts. I hope you will do your part to encourage John Gross to recommend that this info is published so that all residents know what is about to cost them closer to half a million dollars than a quarter million, and why we need to make that expenditure now. Call John Gross at (973) 378-7715, then press 2 to get the Administrator's office. Or send an email to jgross@southorange.org | ||
| Sheena Collum SHU Citizen Username: Sheena_collum Post Number: 391 Registered: 4-2005  |
SaigonGuy - In addition to the library in S.O., please feel free to come use the SHU library. MHD & Pdg - stop thread drifting! lol  Go back to the other thread. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 7166 Registered: 4-1997  |
Cost of building the sculpture is estimated at $80,000. $30,000 has been raised in private fundraisers and there is a $250,000 grant available to cover construction and maintenance. The opportunity to be in a position to accept a gift of a Tony Smith sculpture comes but once. I believe John Gross is the source of these estimates. Keep up the fight, though. You're real troopers against art. Meanwhile, have you checked into getting more facts about the $3,000,000 bond deal? (Didn't think so.) | ||
| Jim Murphy Citizen Username: Jimmurphy Post Number: 216 Registered: 5-2001 |
Dave, Why do you keep insisting that the grant is available? As Mark Rosner stated: the funds have been used for SOPAC. | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2184 Registered: 4-2002 |
Actually, we have already bonded money towards repairs for the library. Work will be done as soon as the bidding process is completed. And by the way, this was part of the $3,000,000 bond deal. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 7167 Registered: 4-1997 |
Good to hear. | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2185 Registered: 4-2002 |
By the way, Sheena brings up a good point. Residents of S. Orange are welcome to use the SHU library. It is a resource and more of us should take advantage (especially students who need to do research). | ||
| Pdg Citizen Username: Pdg Post Number: 186 Registered: 5-2004 |
Wish I knew the facts as Dave seems to - I've put my call into John Gross' office, and I can only hope we will all have the facts made available to us in the newspaper, Gas Light Newsletter and the most efficient place, the website. Sorry for the thread drift - I was just curious about the new library thread b/c I too was dripped on over the winter. Happy to hear the BOT is dealing with it MRosner, thank you! And Sheena, thanks for reminding us that we may use SHU's library! I use our library mostly for the great kids room, but I'll have to 'check out' your school's facilities one of these days! What would the procedure be? Do you have to plan ahead to get a guest pass or something? Is there parking? PS. I just recently noticed that Maplewood has two (well, two that I know of!) libraries, so perhaps that is why their budget is larger. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 2700 Registered: 5-2001 |
I could be sarcastic and respond that "the responsibility to pay for maintenance of a Tony Smith sculpture goes on forever" Seriously, though, is there a "time limit" to fabricate & install this "gift"? If not, what is the Rush? Why not wait until enough funds are raised privately and then build it? | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2186 Registered: 4-2002 |
MHD: Since you insist on thread drift..... 1) there has been maintenance costs for the fountain and for the gazebo too. 2) The sculpture was first bought to the BOT at least two years ago, so I don't think it can be considered a rush. But back to the library? Does everyone have a card or use the library? | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 2701 Registered: 5-2001 |
Spending money on something before you have the money for it (without dinging the taxpayers) and when there are higher priorities certainly seems like putting the cart before the horse. ...and yes...I have a library card and do use it periodically (no pun intended) | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 2288 Registered: 11-2001  |
I haven't been for years. I heard there's a dragon inside. ...just kidding... | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 159 Registered: 6-2005 |
I know this may sound like heresy, but perhaps the town library should be closed, and only a smaller improved children's library created. Since residents can use the SHU library, adults can be accommodated at SHU. This would save money for the taxpayers and would be a step toward shared services...only this time with the univeristy rather than a neighboring town. After all, that's what's happening with SOPAC. | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 2291 Registered: 11-2001 |
I agree. Furthermore, look to merge the children's library with Maplewood's. To the extent we can keep a summer reading group in town at a public facility would be beneficial. I can remember as a child at the old South Orange Pool there would be someone there to read stories aloud to the younger children. Now that's reaching out and being proactive. Edited to Add: We need jitneys to make this happen for easy access to the campus by seniors and all others. | ||
| Camnol Citizen Username: Camnol Post Number: 85 Registered: 3-2005 |
Can Maplewood residents use SHU's library? | ||
| hariseldon Citizen Username: Hariseldon Post Number: 405 Registered: 5-2001  |
The only reason that So. Orange residents can use the SHU library is that both Libraries belong to the ReBL system,as do most libraries in Essex County. Maplewoodians can use the SHU library as well as West Orange, Milburn, etc. We get no special preference because Seton Hall in located In South Orange. | ||
| Lizziecat Citizen Username: Lizziecat Post Number: 792 Registered: 5-2003 |
"I believe John Gross is the source of these estimates..." And we really trust John Gross, don't we? | ||
| hariseldon Citizen Username: Hariseldon Post Number: 407 Registered: 5-2001 |
Seton Hall allows non-Setonians to use their library...like if we want to use the internet we are NOT permitted to sit but must do so standing up!!! | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 2294 Registered: 11-2001 |
You can go wireless and have access where ever you are on campus. And, some people will find accommodations no matter where they are...  | ||
| susan1014 Supporter Username: Susan1014 Post Number: 937 Registered: 3-2002 |
Does the SHU library have full lending rights for South Orange residents? The REBL card is a fine thing, but it has limits -- for example, I recall not being allowed to check out books on tape in Millburn. But let's get real. Every suburban town worth its salt has a public library (and not just for kids). I wouldn't have moved into a town that didn't have one, since the local library was a huge part of my childhood. I think that maintaining a public library is important, both as a service and for its impact on property value. Having Seton Hall's library available for special projects is great, but not so convenient to most of us for quick trips. It probably also isn't a key part of their mission to manage circulation of multiple copies of the most recent best seller, or to have a wide selection of books on tape (for example). There really is a difference between a university library and a public library. | ||
| SO1969 Citizen Username: Bklyn1969 Post Number: 79 Registered: 7-2004 |
MRosner notes that there have been maintenance costs with the gazebo and fountain as well. I think ongoing maintenance and the durability of installations/infrastructure in public spaces needs to be elevated in the decision making/thought process of the Village and the BOT in particular. It just doesn't seem like much of that kind of thinking goes into the choices for landscaping, streetscaping, sidewalks, etc. Nor does it seem to go into funding ongoing maintenance for existing buildings..library, village hall, firehouse. Seems like the strategy is let it fall apart and get a big grant to pay for it or bond for it (e.g., firehouse - some improvements functional, but the place desperately needed paint too, which seemed like had been ignored for years). I happen to like the gazebo...seems like a potential target for graffiti, but otherwise I don't see it requiring a lot of maintenance...other than... The fountain is a mess. It is going to lead to problems with the brick sidewalk if it hasn't already and may cause water damage problems for the gazebo, because it is poorly designed, with water seemingly always outside the fountain...I've never seen a fountain designed with a basin where when it is running normally, the fountain spray lands outside the basin. I say "normally" as in almost always is, perhaps it was intended to run differently, but it never seems to. Having said all this, the Tony Smith sculpture does not belong on that site. Nothing (ie, a bare spot in the brick sidewalk) would look far better than the Tony Smith sculpture there. Limiting the discussion only to location, SOPAC and the Baird Center seem far more appropriate - perhaps there are other sites as well. | ||
| Pdg Citizen Username: Pdg Post Number: 189 Registered: 5-2004 |
Right on SO1969!  (But talk about thread drift...) | ||
| South Orange Maven Citizen Username: Somaven Post Number: 7 Registered: 8-2005 |
All roads (and threads) lead to Tony Smith these days! But Susans's comments are right on. There are great differences between an academic and a public library and no, S.O. residents get no special privileges beyond what a ReBl card buys 'em. | ||
| Southorangemom Citizen Username: Southorangemom Post Number: 208 Registered: 6-2003 |
I appreciate Sheena's thoughts about townies using SHU library. However, there are a couple of issues. 1] parking at SHU is difficult, at best 2] the library staff is not very friendly or accomodating to non-students 3] by keeping a large part of the collection [including databases] reserved for students, one feels like an interloper. 4] the collection of an academic library is very different from a public library's collection SouthOrangeMom | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 161 Registered: 6-2005 |
Well then, how about joining forces with Maplewood? Make one a super kids library and the other, one that really caters to adults. Specialization would raise them above mediocrity. More and more, library research will be done on-line, and any adult library should provide state of the art computers with access to many kinds of databases and subscription services. If we are going to support the libraries, they must present a vision and be something special. They can no longer be all things to all people in today's fiscal climate of finite resources. | ||
| South Orange Maven Citizen Username: Somaven Post Number: 8 Registered: 8-2005 |
Het JayJay , check this out at SOPL.ORG Access these Databases at the LIbrary only • Access Science • Accunet/AP Multimedia Archive African-American Biographies (password: soplj) • Contemporary Authors • CountryWatch • Custom Newspapers • Digital Sanborn Maps • EbscoHost :Magazines, Novelist, Poetry • Encyclopedia Britannica • Facts on File Online • Hoover's Online Business Information • Jersey Clicks - Search Multiple Databases • Reference Suite @ facts.com • ReferenceUSA Directory • WilsonWeb Biographies Access these Databases from anywhere with a library card Access Science • Contemporary Authors • Custom Newspapers • Digital Sanborn Maps Log-in • EbscoHost: Magazines, Novelist, Poetry • Facts on File Online • JerseyClicks-Multiple Database Search • Reference Suite @ facts.com • Reference USA Directory- Click on Custom Search Area & Statewide Library Catalogs • East Orange Public Library • JerseyCat - Libraries Statewide • Maplewood Memorial Library • Millburn Public Library • Newark Public Library • Seton Hall University Libraries • West Orange Public Library Business & Finance • Big Charts • CEOExpress • NJ...Open for Business • NYPL Small Business Resources • Reuters.com • The Motley Fool • Thomas Register of American Manufacturers • U.S. Small Business Administration Consumer Information • Better Business Bureau • Consumer.gov • Consumers Union • Food & Drug Administration • National Do Not Call Registry • NJ Division of Consumer Affairs • Welcome Wagon Current Topics • BBC News • LexisNexis US Politics & World News • New York Times Online • Space Shuttle Discovery • World Weather Information Fast Facts • FedStats • Google Maps & Directions • InfoPlease.com, World Almanac • Internet Public Library • Q and A NJ • RefDesk • Statistical Resources • U.S. Maps and Data Health • American Psychological Association • Centers for Disease Control • Health Info on Household Products • HealthFinder.gov • HealthWeb: Health Statistics • HealthWorld Online • HealthyNJ • MedlinePlus • National Mental Health Info Center Jobs • America's Career Infonet • Career Resource Homepage • CareerOneStop • CareerPath.com • Federal Jobs Digest • New Jersey Dept. of Personnel • Salary.com • USAJobs • Work Force New Jersey Language & Literature • Bartlett's Familiar Quotes • Book Browser • Free eBooks - UVa • Governor's Book Club • Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary • One Book New Jersey • Who Reads What? Law & Government • Federal & State Benefits • Findlaw • Gateway to U.S. Government Info • League of Women Voters of NJ • LSNJLaw • NJ Administrative Code (in library only) • NJ Law Librarians Resources • NJ Law Network • NJCourts Online • Register to Vote Online • Thomas-Legislative Information • Using the Freedom of Information Act Lifestyle & Interests • AllMusic • Antiques Trade Gazette • Broadway & London Theater • Gardening.com • Gardening: The Garden Gate • Genealogy.com • Genealogy: Family Search • Internet Movie Database • Pets: ASPCA • Travel-Library Local Information • Main Street South Orange • South Orange Home Page • South Orange Virtual Community • South Orange/Maplewood School District New Jersey Services • Council on Affordable Housing • Division of Taxation • Motor Vehicle Commission • New Jersey Helps • NJ Health Care Profile • NJ Voter Information People • AnyWho • Baby Names • Biography.com • Central Database of Shoa Victims; Names • International Telephone Directories • NJState Data Center • People Search-Bigfoot • US Census Online Search the Web: Type any word or phrase, pick a Search Engine and click "Go." Alta VistaGoogle SearchDogpileExciteGalaxyHotBotGo.comLycosMoviesMusicNBCiYahoo | ||
| SaigonGuy Citizen Username: Sidrn Post Number: 48 Registered: 6-2005 |
Susan is absolutely correct. A good library is indispensable to the quality of a town. You need to have a place in town where both adults and kids can come to read and learn. It's an absolute outrage that the library staff has to work in such environment. Having a huge kiddie pool right in front of the entrance to the library to catch rain water leaking from the roof during last winter shows how little the leadership in this town cares about anything worthwhile. I, for one, would accept the yearly tax increase with less bitterness if more money would go to the library. | ||
| Sheena Collum SHU Citizen Username: Sheena_collum Post Number: 396 Registered: 4-2005 |
If anyone would like a tour of the SHU library, I would be happy to show you. Parking is a problem on campus during the school year between the hours of 9-5pm Monday-Thursday. At night or Fri-Sunday, you can find parking a few feet from the main entrance in the Duffy Lot. Very good point about the differences between the SHU library and a public library. The SHU library provides a great deal of books related to research and academic journals etc. It may be a little tougher finding a good romance novel or "The Cat in the Hat"... But we do have WONDERFUL databases to engines such as lexis-nexis, etc. Plus, it is very quiet and the furniture is very comfty. Please come visit... would love to give anyone a tour  | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 162 Registered: 6-2005 |
South Orange Maven- That list is a nice starting point for e-databases, but my point was about shared services with Maplewood. If we can do it for the schools, we can do it on a municipal level too, and the library might be a good place to investigate. Plus, I really like the idea of specialization where best practices can be utilized to create specialized libraries with focus. I believe it would set our towns apart and bring renewed interest. In addition, it seems like the physical plant itself is being neglected, so a different approach seems necessary to me. Not just more of the same. | ||
| susan1014 Supporter Username: Susan1014 Post Number: 938 Registered: 3-2002 |
Shared services in terms of shared back-office might be fine. However, your version of shared services seemed to point to specialized libraries, longer drive times for patrons, fewer patrons who can walk or bike to the library, and no option for parents and children to go to the library together, and both go home with books. So I'm not with you on this. Lets improve what we have, enhance what we can, but remember that one of the goals of a public library is accessibility for those in our community who need it most. I'm not willing to tell either the seniors/jespy residents/etc. or the children that they need to get in the car and go to Maplewood if they want books. One of the things that we might be able to enhance is private fundraising. Jayjay, work with the library, put together that business plan for special services, and volunteer as a fundraiser...you might be surprised how many of us would be willing to ante up! | ||
| Pdg Citizen Username: Pdg Post Number: 195 Registered: 5-2004 |
Susan - You're right. Especially if the details were made easily available to all of S.Orange's residents via the paper, the GasLight, and via a link to the town's official website! BTW, have there been fundraisers for the library that I've missed?? Seems everything I read about the library is opportunities to be enjoyed, but I don't recall specific fundraising. Heck, one of those Hyperbolic Funnels that you roll coins down and watch go round and round... installed in the children's library area would probably go a long way toward defraying costs (replacement tropical fish, more copies of popular kid's DVDs...) Kid's love that more than they love throwing coins into a fountain! | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 2296 Registered: 11-2001 |
Susan - You're right, but fundraising for what, the Tony Smith Sculpture or the library? | ||
| Pdg Citizen Username: Pdg Post Number: 204 Registered: 5-2004 |
The library! (Were you being funny, Pizzaz?  ) | ||
| South Orange Maven Citizen Username: Somaven Post Number: 13 Registered: 8-2005 |
So, a former candidate for Trustee of South Orange Village and current leader of the community would want to close the South Orange Library. This is scary.For shame!!!! | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 2301 Registered: 11-2001 |
I corrected myself as you know. To the extent where we can join forces and make the libraries better for both communities, I support. To the degree we can have residents more inclined to venture onto campus to use the university library, I believe would be an added benefit to the residents of South Orange. | ||
| South Orange Maven Citizen Username: Somaven Post Number: 14 Registered: 8-2005 |
I would be pleased if you pointed out to us where you posted a correction to your statement that you agree that the town library should be closed, Pizzaz. As you've also posted, you haven't been in the Library for years (your post Friday 8/19 2:55pm), maybe you think the rest of us really don't need a library? | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 2303 Registered: 11-2001 |
My agreement with Susan as she so correctly states:
BTW: As for use of the library, my kids are grown, and as you know the internet provides resources beyond what we have been accustomed to in the past. Don't you think? But fear not, I do support a strong public library that should not encounter the disgraces of a prolonged leaky roof or deferred maintenance and repair work. | ||
| South Orange Maven Citizen Username: Somaven Post Number: 15 Registered: 8-2005 |
I must of missed your agreement with Susan's post if it was before 4 minutes ago.Your "right" to her post seemed to only agree with the fundraising part. (and even that had you confused.)You only came out in support of it when I posted how bad it looked for a person of your import to advocate closing the library.Seems like I had to bully you into pronouncing your support for the South Orange Public Library. And since when is the Library only for use by your kids? |
