When it reopens in early June, the Bellevue Avenue library branch in Upper Montclair which closed in January will become a Monday-only operation, staffed primarily by volunteers (plus one staff member from the main branch). Last night, the Montclair Library Board of Trustees unanimously voted for the limited reopening.
“This is a tremendous victory for Montclair residents, and a shining example of how a community rallying together for a common cause can make a difference,” says Ilmar Vanderer of the Save Bellevue Avenue Branch group. I’m thrilled to have been part of this effort, and our group now looks forward to working with MPL officials to reactivate the Bellevue Avenue Branch library.”
Vanderer said support to reopen the branch came from former Mayor Bob Russo, 1st Ward Councilor Rich Murnick and former 1st Ward Councilor Gerald Tobin, and civic organizations including the Upper Montclair Business Association (AKA UMBA).
“The crowd that showed up to support the library last night was anxious to see it open sooner than June, but we need time to get all the details and staff in place,” Murnick told Baristanet today. “We’re going to take the time to do it right. When it reopens, people who walk in won’t know the difference between the volunteers and the paid staff.”
Murnick said that there are currently 25 – 30 people ready to volunteer, many of whom attended last night’s meeting (volunteers will need to be trained, apply here if interested).
“The financial restraints on keeping the library open were about paying for staff,” Murnick explained. “Now that they can staff it, the branch can stay open. Everyone is happy.”
The board is also seeking donations to purchase books and self-operated checkout machines (priced at about $50,000 each). In addition to having the library operate with volunteers, plans to rent the basement are still being considered.
All I can say is this: don’t mess with Ilmar!
When he sets his sights on some worthy issue, it WILL be done!
Dictators of the world BEWARE!
Congratulations and thanks for all your efforts, Ilmar!
Cary Africk
Would the training help those of us that volunteer in the school libraries? I can shelve, but if I can be trained to do more…
That’s the best news! Much appreciation to the committee!
It’s great that such community spirit exists. I wish them luck.
Agreed. This is something even I could get behind.
WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!!!!
happy dance ! happy dance ! happy dance !
A truly heartfelt thank you to everyone who is making this possible.
GREAT NEWS!!!! Congratulations and thank you Ilmar, volunteers and all who took positive action!!!
What a waste of space and possible tax revenue. It just does’t make any sense, one day a week. “plans to rent the basement are still being considered”
still being considered?