transforming lives

I have been bringing my son to the library since he was five years old. His reading level was a little low when he got into the upper grades, but he enjoyed coming to the library to get books and take part in the summer reading program that was offered. He won an award for 100 hours of reading which lit up his eyes. That encouraged him to want to read more.

All started in January of 1996

I attended a Word Perfect class at BCIT from January 1996 to May 1996. My instructor was wonderful. I came from Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania and worked in data processing for over 20 years. Needless to say that work experience did not provide PC training on a daily basis. Therefore I was a not able to utilize a personal computer ... period.

I've always used our public libraries for education and entertainment in a variety of ways because of all the many resources and programs available at them. Even when I was out of work, the Morris County library was a big help in my job search.

- John, Morris County Library
 

My life transformation from "resident" to "retailer" took place via Crown Point Road home of the West Deptford library and Creamarie Ice Cream Parlor. As a resident and new mother, the library which is conveniently located within stroller distance from my home, was a favorite destination for my toddler and myself to interact with others as we participated in Story Hour, Puppet Shows and other hands on Arts & Crafts or to just come in to sit near Clifford (the huge red stuffed dog) to read a book or two.

 An English maxim says that "when one door closes, another opens" and so it did for me. I had moved to a distant town and missed my earlier community involvement. I searched for similar oppotunities, but nothing quite answered my concept of civic obligation until the day I visited the Paramus library. There, posted on a bulletin board, was an appeal for volunteer tutors for its LVA program.

I take my kids regularly to the library to loan books as buying them is expensive and the activities at the library are great for my kids during the summer holidays. North Edison Library was a second home to me during the time I was preparing for my CPA Exams. If it weren’t for the library I wouldn't have got the quiet time I needed to study and pass my exams. –N.T., North Edison Library

I needed it to finish a paper for my doctoral program. I read my sources there before writing both papers for my course. Michael, Miller Branch, Jersey City Library

During the time I was job searching, I would come into the library practically every day. Not only did its valuable resources, such as job guides, resume help, etc. aide my job search, but it also provided me with the peace and mind to do so. Living with four roommates, my living situation was not the best for concentration and I often found myself needing to get out of the house to get work done so I could make ends meet. The library provided just that-- a quiet atmosphere where I could concentrate that eventually helped me to get a job.