The Newark Public Library Annual Report 2015

“There is a lot to love at the NPL. The people, the place, the books!” ­— Patricia

The Newark Public Library Annual Report 2015 | i “Your caring customer support is a very special thing— and, having grown up in , it makes me proud that the Newark Public Library provides such a wonderful resource for so many people.” —Mitch

Library Trustees with Director Wilma J. Grey: Charles Auffant, Rosemary Steinbaum, Thomas Altrutz, Ms. Grey, Jeremy Johnson – Alternate for Ras J. Baraka, Mayor, Anasa Maat, Timothy J. Crist, President, and Trish Morris-Yamba

THE NEWARK PUBLIC LIBRARY Mayor 2015 Board of Trustees at Main Library Timothy J. Crist, Ph.D., President Trish Morris-Yamba, Vice-President Thomas Alrutz, Treasurer Anasa Maat, Ed.D., Secretary Ras J. Baraka, Mayor Jeremy Johnson, Alternate for Mayor Ras J. Baraka De’Shawn Wright, Alternate for Christopher Cerf, State District Superintendent, , as of July 9 Shauwea Hamilton, Alternate for Cami Anderson, Superintendent, Newark Public Schools through July 8 Charles Auffant, Trustee Sandra King, Trustee Rosemary Steinbaum, Ed.D., Trustee THE CITY OF NEWARK Ras J. Baraka, Mayor Municipal Council Mildred C. Crump, Council President Augusto Amador, Vice President, as of May 6, 2015, Main Library 5 Washington Street, 07102 • 973-733-7784 Council Member, East Ward Branch Brook Branch 235 Clifton Avenue, 07104 • 973-733-7760 Carlos M. Gonzalez, Council Member-at-Large Clinton Branch 739 Bergen Street, 07108 • 973-733-7757 John , Council Member, South Ward North End Branch 722 Summer Avenue, 07104 • 973-733-7766 Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins, Council Member, Central Ward Springfield Branch 50 Hayes Street, 07103 • 973-733-7736 Joseph A. McCallum, Jr., Council Member, West Ward Vailsburg Branch 75 Alexander Street, 07106 • 973-733-7755 Eddie Osborne, Council Member-at-Large Van Buren Branch 140 Van Buren Street, 07105 • 973-733-7750 Luis A. Quintana, Council Member-at-Large Weequahic Branch 355 Osborne Terrace, 07112 • 973-733-7751 Anibal Ramos, Jr., Council Member, North Ward

ii | The Newark Public Library Annual Report 2015 A Message from the Interim Director

The state of America’s public libraries has been well summarized recently by Yvonne Dooley in the May/June 2016 issue of the Library of Congress Magazine, by Robinson Meyer in the April 14, 2016 issue of The Atlantic, and by The Pew Research Center in an April 7, 2016 report.

Despite dire predictions of their demise, America’s public libraries are thriving. Previously recognized as repositories and lending places for books, public libraries are now centers for learning, innovation and collaboration. The digital age with its rapidly changing technology requires public libraries to evolve or risk obsolescence.

During the recent Great Recession, public libraries saw an all-time high in usage. Patrons came to libraries in droves to use computers, look for jobs and attend classes in addition to checking out library materials.

Americans value public libraries in their communities. 90% say closing of their local public library would have an impact on their community and 63% say it would have a major impact.

Libraries are helping to bridge the digital divide, often providing the only free Internet access in their communities, along with free access to e-books.

Yet, as demand for public libraries surged, funding dwindled. Newark Public Library is a prime example. The Library suffered a 35% cumulative decrease in City funding from 2009 to 2012, and no increase for 2013 to 2015.

Nationally, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) found that as investments in public libraries were reduced, mostly in reaction to post-recessionary budgetary reductions, decreases in library use followed. As investments in public libraries, such as revenue, staffing, and programs increased, so did critical use measures, such as attendance and circulation of library materials.

There’s strong evidence that usage tracks investment. If public funds for libraries are cut, usage goes down. If libraries receive more public funds, more people use them.

So, where is the Newark Public Library in this mix? Following those decreases in City funding for the Library, the Library cut staff, hours, and book budgets, and Library use decreased dramatically. With a reduced staff and budget, the Library had to figure out how to continue to serve the residents of Newark with greatly reduced resources.

2015 marked the turning point. Patron visits, reference questions, public computer use, program offerings and attendance, and library card registrations all increased at the Main Library and a few branches. These trends are continuing in 2016.

The Library is buying books and other library materials again. The Mayor’s budget proposal includes an increase in support for the Library for 2016. This is the first increase since 2008. It also includes capital project support for long overdue renovations and repairs to Library buildings.

2015 was a pivotal year and 2016 promises to be a time of moving forward in a very positive direction for the Newark Public Library.

Thomas Alrutz Interim Director, The Newark Public Library

The Newark Public Library Annual Report 2015 | 1 “Many, many thanks for your prompt reply, but especially for your ‘digging’ into archival sources, which is greatly appreciated…all of this has exceeded my expectations.”

Youth Services

Whether visiting after school for paired with a creative art project, at the homework help, checking out a book by Main Library. The program was funded a newly-discovered favorite author, or by an ArtStart grant from the Newark just or hanging out with friends, young Arts Council. people are happily visiting the Main Library and Branches. Story time, The Girls Who Code club met at the gaming, crafts, , and even Main Library weekly and graduated its cooking are just some of the services first class in May. Silvia Jaramillo- designed to welcome these children Regalado, Student Ambassador, and their families. The Library also hosts explained her decision to start a club, many school and community groups “I truly feel as though there is a deep and brings library activities into the interest in education technology and community through regular outreach. improving the school environment for students as well as their own lives.” At Mayor Baraka Goes to the Library, The club has provided computer Mayor Ras Baraka brought story times to the North End Branch and the Main programming instruction to girls in Library in conjunction with Read and grades six through twelve. Following Believe and Programs for Parents. The on the success of this group, a new Mayor’s office also coordinated a class began in the fall, led by volunteer donation of books from First Book that Gabby Rojas. were distributed to children and teens. Students and their parents took Newark Mommies organized Building advantage of weekly math coaching on Books, a series of toddler story times sessions provided by Brick City Thinks.

2 | The Newark Public Library Annual Report 2015 The Springfield Branch hosted three Every Hero Has a Story. Readers College Fairs, at which many students received incentives for participating in were given on the spot college the Challenge, and were awarded acceptances. Volunteers Lyndon Brown, certificates of achievement at Cheryl Crawford, Wilhelmina Holder, celebrations in August. Generously and Erika Jackson taught weekly SAT funded by the Victoria Foundation and preparation classes and helped the Friends of the Library, the program students to complete college encouraged children to read to help applications, financial aid forms, and prevent summer learning loss. The personal statements. Funding from the Essex County Environmental Center Victoria Foundation helped to support presented story and craft programs the College Prep Program. linked to the theme. Children’s librarians and library assistants staffed the Night Art classes for teens included at the Museum event at the Newark drawing workshops with Misako, Museum in June to promote summer jewelry making presented by the reading, with activities and games to TiaMarie Beading Studio, and encourage participation. drawing and cartooning taught by Paul Merklein. Funds for these classes were The Newark Black Film Festival Youth provided by the Victoria Foundation, Cinema screenings at Main Library which also supported purchase of new included ten children’s films. books for the Young Adult collections. The Write Stuff, a writing group for In 2015, the Summer Reading Challenge young people led by Campbell Hester, was the focus of daily activities at all continued to meet at the North End eight library locations, with the theme Branch.

Main Library Summer Springfield Branch Reading Challenge Summer Reading Challenge “Thank you so much for finding the article for me. I appreciate the help. It has taken a long time to find this much out and I could not have done it without you.” —Patrice

The Newark Public Library Annual Report 2015 | 3 “This program is so important and its impact is invaluable as it educates, familiarizes, and engages the community to gain a better understanding of the culture that is being highlighted. This year’s focus on Cuba couldn’t come at better time as new relationships are being developed on many fronts.” Programs and Exhibits Black History Hispanic Celebration Heritage Our annual Celebration celebration of Through a Black History selection featured My Soul of works by Has Grown Deep: Cuban- An Appreciation of American African American artists, Literature, an exhibit historical that made use of the maps of La Library’s extensive Habana, Examining Black Images in African American Literature collections of the program panelist Cheryl Willis Hudson, speaker Dr. photographs, and vintage Cuban postcards from the Library’s Brenda M. Green, and moderator Dr. Adunni Anderson, at works of African- Special Collections Division, the exhibit Beyond Exile: Cubans the opening of My Soul Has Grown Deep: An Appreciation American authors, of African American Literature. in New Jersey examined the roles of women, the arts, religion, exploring writing political culture and the effect of exile itself in the community’s from slave narratives to contemporary pieces. The opening immigrant experience. Sociologist Lisandro Pérez presented program included a panel discussion, Examining Black the keynote address at the opening reception. Dr. Pérez is Images in African American Literature, moderated by currently Professor and Chair of the Department of Latin Dr. Adunni Anderson, President of The Bibliophiles, American and Latina/o Studies at John Jay College of with panelists Cheryl Willis Hudson, editorial director of Criminal Justice, City University of New York. The opening Just Us Books; and Marva Allen, founder of the Hue-Man reception was cosponsored by the Friends of the HRIC. Bookstore. Dr. Brenda Greene, founder of the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY, was the Additional programs included: guest speaker. The jazz group Cobblestone Multimedia The History of Cuba in 12 Songs, performed by Gema Ensemble provided background music. Corredera, cosponsored by Libraries, Additional events included: as part of the Latino Americans: 500 Years of History grant project Pen, Pitch, Publish, Profit: a Self-Publishing Intensive for Aspiring Authors presented by Caryl Lucas and LaTanya Orr Defining La Regla Lucumí: Dispelling Misconceptions about Santeria, including storytelling, ritual drumming, and dance, Black on Paper, a conversation with poet Walee and presented in partnership with La Casa de Educación y Cultura playwright Chisa Hutchinson, hosted by author and Latina, Inc., of Perth Amboy, New Jersey publisher Dr. Anasa Maat Film screening and discussion of The Lost Child with writer Uncommon Genres in Black Literature, with Darrell Goza, and librarian Danilo Figueredo, filmmaker Gabriela Elise, and author of comics and graphic novels; Valerie Wilson Wesley, three former Operation Peter Pan children, who were part of mystery and paranormal novelist; and Donna Hill, romance the large project to bring unaccompanied Cuban minors to novelist the in the early 1960s Call Me Crazy: Diary of a Mad Social Worker performed by Moving to the Rhythms of Cuba, dance performance and actress/poet/playwright Helena D. Lewis lecture by Global Rhythms In recognition of National Poetry Month, poets and writers read from the works of and presented poems This year’s programs and exhibit were made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council of the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of and prose inspired by or dedicated to Baraka. the National Endowment for the Arts and administered by the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs, and by a grant from the New Jersey Funding for the Library’s Black History Celebration activities and exhibits was Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the provided by a generous grant from the PNC Foundation. Humanities. “The Newark G.A.L.S., Inc. LitCamp girls had an awesome visit to the Fantastic Tales exhibit at the Newark Public Library! The reading inspiration brought out their creativity, curiosity and silly faces.” — LitWorld, a partner in the Newark Read and Believe initiative 4 | The Newark Public Library Annual Report 2015 “This program is so important and its impact is invaluable as it educates, familiarizes, and engages the community to gain a better understanding of the culture that is being highlighted. This year’s focus on Cuba couldn’t come at better time as new relationships are being developed on many fronts.”

Art, Music, and Dance Domestic Violence Prevention Fair, a three-day event hosted Exhibit: Fantastic Tales: by La Casa de Don Pedro’s Adventures in Illustrated Domestic Violence Advocacy Children’s Books from the Program in collaboration with Special Collections Division, the Library and the Union City curated by Nadine Sergejeff Artist Collective Annual Spring Concert Panel Discussion and Book for Beyond the Eyes, an Left to right: Ryan Hill, Mary Bennett, Shané Harris, Author Guy Sterling Signing for The Prize: Who’s Dale Russakoff organization serving visually- in Charge of America’s impaired people: Janet Van Schools? by Dale Russakoff Kline Ensemble and tap Martin Luther King, Jr., Frances E.W. Harper with participants: author Dale dancer and choreographer Celebration Literary Society Russakoff; Shane Harris, Vice Maurice Chestnut President, The Prudential The Library, in collaboration Celebrating Black History Foundation; Mary Bennett, with the New Jersey Institute Month: Remembering Author Appearances educator, teacher/leadership for Social Justice and the Paul Robeson, Sr., and and Book Launches coach and advocate for Newark Community LGBTQ Remembering Paul Robeson, children; and Ryan Hill, Center, honored the memory Jr., with Kevin Maynor, Guy Sterling, The Famous, of the Reverend Dr. Martin Executive Director, KIPP NJ operatic bass the Familiar and the Luther King, Jr., with the Charter Schools; and Celebrating Women’s History Forgotten: 350 Notable program Injustice Anywhere Is moderator, Richard Roper, Month: discussion with civil Newarkers a Threat to Justice President, The Roper Group rights activist Catherine Everywhere. Produced by D.H. Figueredo, Revolvers Peppers Hill Black History program with and Pistolas, Vacqueros and Celeste Bateman & speaker Melvin Creamer, Associates, LLC, the day Celebrating National Poetry Caballeros: Debunking the cohosted by the Special included a performance by Month: a community read Old West Services Room and the New the Special Ensemble musical featuring works by Amiri Brendan O’Flaherty, The Jersey Black Deaf Advocates youth performance group; Baraka, Maya Angelou, Economics of Race in the poetry with Jaleesa and Louis Reyes Rivera United States History, Literature, McEachin, and a talk by Celebrating the Black noted writer , Are Fausto Romero, Los Rielos Diaspora: In the Memory and Film Dr. King and His ‘Dream’ Still del Tamarindo – El tiempo of Elombe Brath, Voices of In recognition of National Relevant?: Community, Social del Condor Liberation: Patrice Lumumba Poetry Month, local poets Media, and the New Activism. by Leo Zeilig Rita Williams-Garcia, Bottle read their own poems and the The program was hosted by Cap Boys: Dancing on Royal works of Amiri Baraka Jerome C. Harris, Jr., Interim Book Discussions: With Street President/CEO of the New Ossie and Ruby: In This Screening of Mate Burilado, Jersey Institute for Social Life Together by Ossie Davis Tradición Familiar (Carved Justice. and Ruby Dee; The Man Community Interest Gourds, A Family Tradition), Who Cried I Am by John A. Bergen Crafters, a crochet cohosted with Grupo Cultural Williams; Gonna Sit at the and knitting club, Clinton Tradiciones del Perú Welcome Table by Julian Branch Library Bond and Andrew Lewis; and Kindred by Octavia Butler Beyond the Eyes 8th Annual Open House, with facilitator Left to right: Jaleesa McEachin, keynote Film Showing: speaker Kevin Powell, Celeste Bateman, Ivis Alvarez Trejo, hosted by Library Director Wilma J. Grey To Kill a Mockingbird the Special Services Room

“The Newark G.A.L.S., Inc. LitCamp girls had an awesome visit to the Fantastic Tales exhibit at the Newark Public Library! The reading inspiration brought out their creativity, curiosity and silly faces.” — LitWorld, a partner in the Newark Read and Believe initiative The Newark Public Library Annual Report 2015 | 5 “The teacher’s ability to assess our needs and level of proficiency is really marvelous.” Collections and Services

The Library prides itself on the breadth Hispanic Research and Information Professor of History at Loyola University of its collections, and on the services it Center, hosted a table at Monmouth of Chicago has been using those provides not only to students and County Archives Day, one of the largest collections and oral histories from the everyday users, but also to scholars gatherings of archivists and historians in Latino Oral Histories Collection of PRCA and researchers. Our reference the state, presenting military service for her research on the Camden librarians continue to be the backbone materials from the Hernandez Gutierrez Uprising of 1971. of the institution. and Blanca Alvarez Blanco Papers, Several volumes from Special Collection which related to the 2015 theme about Independent scholar Peter Kidd visited World War I and New Jersey. Division’s copy of The Birds of America from England, to examine the medieval by John James Audubon, published in manuscripts in the Special Collections Two collections related to Latino New York in 1839, were loaned to Dana Division. Donating his time and his uprisings in the Puerto Rican Library at Rutgers-Newark for the Community Archives, the Newark ’74: expertise, he provided much useful exhibit The Art of Ornithology. information about the history and Remembering the Puerto Rican Riots – contents of these items, and wrote Records and the Latino Riots Collection, Photos from the Newark Evening News about an Italian Cistercian breviary on were used by journalists and scholars, Collection of the Charles F. Cummings his blog. including Star Ledger columnist Barry New Jersey Information Center were Carter who featured the Library’s exhibit used by CBS News Sunday Morning for The twenty members of a Book Arts Newark ’74: Remembering the Puerto a May 17 profile of author Judy Blume. class at Rutgers-Newark made several Rican Riots – An Unexamined History in The photos documented several plane visits to Main Library, touring the Library an essay. Michelle Nickerson, Associate crashes in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in the and Special Collections Division. The students saw specimens from the Library’s collection of artists’ books, and researched the Great Migration, with a special booklist created by Librarian Nadine Sergejeff, as part of their project with the Krueger-Scott African American Oral History Collection. The Newark Preservation and Landmarks Committee (NPLC) donated its archives to the Library, a significant addition to the collections of the Charles F. Cummings New Jersey Information Center. NPLC has worked to gain landmark status for many of the most beloved and most endangered features in Newark’s built environment. The NPLC archives will be an invaluable resource for anyone researching Newark’s architectural history. The Puerto Rican Community Archives, a component of the New Jersey

Mayor Baraka, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and Newark readers at City Hall

6 | The Newark Public Library Annual Report 2015 early 1950s. Those events were featured in Blume’s new adult novel In the Unlikely Event. Another author, working on a biography, used both clippings and photographs of Larry Doby,

who played for the Newark Eagles baseball Seated, Paula Baratta, Heidi Cramer, Director Wilma Grey; standing, Joseph C. Casale, George Wheatle Williams team in the Negro Leagues of the 1940s, and went on to become the first African American Awards and player in the American League. Clinton Branch Library was featured in a Accomplishments Cobblestone Media video made for the I Have a Dream Foundation, a Newark-based nonprofit Heidi Cramer was named Librarian “Discovering Artists’ Books at providing educational support and services for of the Year by the New Jersey Newark Public Library,” was local youth. Library Association. She was the published in the Summer 2015 Vice Chair of the NJLA fundraising issue of the NJLA Newsletter. The exhibit Fantastic Tales: Adventures in committee. She was also a Illustrated Children’s Books from the Special The Spring 2015 NJLA Newsletter speaker for NJLA’s Library Collections Division was featured in an online included an article written by Heidi Bootcamp webinar, and spoke article by Joanna Bonnum on the NJ Monthly Cramer and Natasha Osborne about successful grant writing at website and in a story reported by Luke about the Library’s very successful the NJLA annual conference. Margolis and broadcast on News12 NJ. Financial Literacy for Preschoolers Technological innovations in public service in Joseph C. Casale completed his campaign that began in 2010. term as President of the Rotary 2015 included a refreshing of the Library’s The Puerto Rican Community Club of Newark, and served as online catalog with a new interface that made Archives was featured in the searching for materials easier. A new digital an ambassador for the Newark book Archives Alive: Expanding microfilm scanner in the Charles F. Cummings Regional Business Partnership, Engagement with Public Library New Jersey Information Center simplifies the as a member of the Newark Archives and Special Collections process of saving research and emailing it to Walking Trail Project Committee, by Diantha Dow Schull where it patrons. and as a trustee for the Newark was cited as an example of an Downtown District. effective, vital, community-based Leslie Kahn served as secretary archive. “I like that you can learn at your on the NJLA Executive Board, Elizabeth Parker presented the and spoke in the NJLA annual paper “The Politics of Memory: own pace, and the teacher is conference session, Social Work Archiving Activism,” at the Rutgers in Public Libraries: Did I Sign Up – Newark Women and Gender friendly & helpful.” for This? Studies annual symposium. Ingrid Betancourt was recognized Dale Colston joined the Newark as one of the Most Influential “I grew up in Newark Black Film Festival Committee. Latinos in New Jersey by the Latino Leadership Alliance of Thomas Ankner continued his and spent many MANY New Jersey. service as Secretary of the Newark Preservation and Nadine Sergejeff mentored library wonderful afternoons Landmark Committee, trustee school students as part of the of the Genealogical Society of MentorNJ program of NJLA. at the Newark Public New Jersey, and trustee of the She chaired the NJLA Public Friends of Plume House. Library.” — Mark Relations Committee. Her article,

The Newark Public Library Annual Report 2015 | 7 Support for the Library Grants Edison Parking Foundation — $20,000 Booked for the Evening for the publication of Knowing Newark Colleagues, friends, family, and supporters gathered Friends of the HRIC — $3,000 for at Booked for the Evening, the Library’s annual collection development signature fundraising event, to honor Wilma J. Grey, Newark Arts Council — $2,200 on the occasion of her retirement. Ms. Grey, who ArtStart grant for the Building on had a 46-year career at the Library, was appointed Books programs as the tenth Director in 2005 and was the first African-American woman to hold the position. Newark History Society — $5,000 More than 200 people attended the festive event, for Knowing Newark held at the Library, which raised $156,000. Newark Celebration 350 Committee The featured speaker was Anthony W. Marx, — $15,000 for Knowing Newark website President of the New York Public Library, who New Jersey Historical Commission — shared his exciting ideas for reimagining libraries, $5,200 for the archival processing discussing accelerated digital initiatives, enhanced of the Charles F. Cummings Papers educational programming, and other innovative methods of serving the public. New Jersey Historical Commission — $60,342 for general operating support Benefit Chair Rick Thigpen, PSEG Vice President of State Governmental Affairs, hosted the event. New Jersey Historical Commission — Booked for the Evening Keynote $10,901 for the Newark at 350 exhibit Speaker Anthony Marx with Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Congressman Donald M. Honoree Wilma J. Grey Payne, Jr., served as honorary co-chairs, and joined PNC Bank — $22,000 for the in the warm admiration expressed by benefit guests Black History Celebration about Ms. Grey’s service to the Library and the City of Newark. Newark City Council President Mildred Crump described the honoree as “a living legend.” Prudential Foundation — $175,000 A video highlighting Ms. Grey’s career at the Library featured testimonials for capacity building from Newark notables such as Linwood Oglesby, Executive Director of the PSEG Foundation — $5,000 for Newark Arts Council, who noted her accomplishments in keeping the English for Speakers of Other Library vibrant and praised her as “a cultural treasure for Newark.” Languages classes TD Bank Charitable Foundation — $3,000 for children’s computers Turrell Fund — $5,000 for children’s programming Verizon Foundation — $5,000 for the Summer Reading Challenge Victoria Foundation — $11,000 for the Academic Support Program at Springfield Branch Library Victoria Foundation — $10,000 for the Summer Reading Challenge Victoria Foundation — $60,000 for computer classes, collections for job seekers, and programs and collections for young adults

8 | The Newark Public Library Annual Report 2015 “You have been so helpful! There should be more people like you. You really have been friendly and resourceful. I felt lost trying to get this project going, and once I spoke with you it turned out to be so easy!” — Nikky

Friends of The Friends Characters Walk the HRIC of the Newark The Third Annual Characters Walk successfully raised more than $1,100 Friends of the HRIC is a community Public Library for purchasing titles for children. This support and advocacy group that In April, the 24th Annual Book Sale, partnership between the Library and fosters the ongoing development and organized and staffed by volunteers the Rutgers Undergraduate Women operation of the New Jersey Hispanic from the Friends, earned $5,000. in Business group has the goal of Research and Information Center at the Unsold sale items were given to the increasing children’s literacy for the Library. In 2015, Friends of the HRIC Newark Downtown District and to City of Newark, through free access donated over $25,000 to support staff, several local charter schools. to books and learning resources collections, exhibits and new equipment Volunteers from the Friends continued through the Library. The event for the Center. They cosponsored the the collaboration with the Military highlighted favorite characters from book launch for Revolvers and Pistolas, Park Partnership at “Tuesdays in the children’s books, with costumes, Vacqueros and Caballeros – Debunking Park with NPL Friends.” The Friends games, a reading corner, face the Old West by Danilo Figueredo, and also instituted an “Everyday Book Sale” painting and other activities. the opening of the 2015 Hispanic on the first floor of the Main Library Heritage Celebration, Beyond Exile – where shoppers can make book Cubans in New Jersey. purchases from a selection of At their biennial Awards Dinner and children’s and adult titles. Silent Auction on May 14, 2015, the The Friends annual meeting featured Friends of the HRIC celebrated 14 years presentations by Troy West and of supporting NJHRIC and its mission: Matthew Gosser, both architects and to inspire lifelong learning in the Latino artists. West, professor emeritus of community, and to rescue and preserve architecture at New Jersey Institute the Latino historic legacy in New Jersey. of Technology, and Gosser, College Yesenia López, project archivist for the of Art & Design gallery director and Puerto Rican Community Archives, was curator, spoke about recent projects. one of the five individuals to receive the Shaping Our Future Leadership Award. The Friends made two donations to Grizel Ubarry and Carlos Medina each the Library: $5,000 for the Summer received the Maria DeCastro Blake Reading Challenge, and $5,000 for Community Service Award. collection development.

“Thank you tremendously for taking the time to customize a special tour. You have a very special way of interacting with the students — so heartfelt & warm!” —Jen Williams, lead teacher at West Caldwell Tech

Girls Who Code program participants

The Newark Public Library Annual Report 2015 | 9 “…you are the model of efficiency and helpfulness! Thank you so much for your swift attention to our request. You and the collection are in keen competition for ‘Gem of the Year’ award!…Speaking with you… reinforced my belief that librarians’ contributions to our world can never be over-estimated. Thank you again for everything you did to help us and to bring this wonderful collection to an even wider public eye.” —Andy Contributions 2015

The Newark Public Library enriches the lives of everyone in our community. Generous donations from individuals, foundations, corporations, and organizations help to ensure that the Library remains a vibrant, vital part of greater Newark. The Library’s resources and programs allow patrons to explore new ideas, improve their lives, and enjoy a unique sense of community. Charitable contributions from those who believe in our mission of providing opportunities for lifelong learning make the Newark Public Library a richer place for everyone! It is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge our donors who have contributed to our 2015 Annual Fund Campaign or to one of our many restricted funds. Their support is essential to our success! For further information on making a donation, please visit the Library’s website at www.npl.org.

Over $100,000 Mr. Robert Blackwell Ms. Barbara Ready Mr. Thomas P. Giblin Dr. Linda Rodrigues Prudential Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Bone Ms. Elizabeth Schrott Ms. Nirmala Gnanaseharan Mr. Richard Roper Mr. Michael Carroll Ms. Barbara Siochi Ms. Pamela E. Goldstein Mr. Carmin Roth $50,000 - $99,999 Mr. Mark Covey and Ms. Renee Swartz Mr. Richard Greenberg, Esq. Mr. Dudley Ryan Mr. Israel Ehrisman Ms. Nina Mitchell Wells, Esq. Mr. & Mrs. Ross Sandler New Jersey Historical Commission Mr. David S. Greene Ms. Mildred Davis Booker and Mr. Theodore Wells, Esq. Ms. Rebecca Sawyer Victoria Foundation Ms. Stephanie Greenwood Ms. Natasha Dobson Dr. Robert M. White, Jr. Mr. Richard Grossklaus Mr. Anthony W. Schuman Mr. Peter Englot Ms. Amanda Zega Ms. Patricia Henderson-Kusen Ms. Norma C. Sheffield $25,000 - $49,000 Mr. John Golden Mr. Ben Jones Mr. Jay Silverberg, Esq. Friends of the HRIC Hispanic Bar Association $100 - $499 Mr. George Jones Mr. Robert J. Singer of New Jersey Mr. and Mrs. Jared B. Ash Ms. Barbara A. Kaplan Ms. Geraldine Staadecker $10,000 - $24,999 Horizon Blue Cross Ms. Barbara Kauffman Mr. Morris Tanenbaum Blue Shield of New Jersey Mr. Charles I. Auffant, Esq. Dr. and Mrs. Timothy A. Crist Mr. Steven Kern Mr. Paul A. Tumbleson, Esq. Mr. Jeremy Johnson Mr. Rehim Babaoglu Mr. William J. Dane Ms. Celia King Mr. and Mrs. Simon Turner Jone Lang Lasalle Ms. Deborah W. Bailey Edison Properties Ms. Sandra King Ms. Betty J. Turock, Ph.D. Mr. and Mrs. Donald Karp, Esq. Mr. John J. Bakum Newark Foundation Ms. Melissa Kopecky Mr. and Mrs. Roger A. Vellekamp MCJ Amelior Foundation Mr. Larry Barnes Friends of Mr. William E. Barnes Ms. Laura E. Korfmann Mr. Gene Vincenti The Newark Public Library Newark Arts Council Mr. Omar Bey Ms. Angelique Lampros Dr. Olga J. Jimenez-Wagenheim Newark Celebration The Newark Museum Dr. Marion A. Bolden Ms. Sarah Lester and Mr. Kal Wagenheim 350 Committee Mr. Brendan O’Flaherty Mr. Donald J. Wallace and Ms. Mary Gallegher Dr. and Mrs. John A. Brennan Mrs. Judith Lieberman PNC Bank Mr. and Mrs. Fred Waring Panasonic Corporation Mr. Michael Bright Ms. Amy C. Liss PNC Foundation Ms. Gloria Washington of North America Mr. Joseph C. Casale Liss Foundation Prudential Financial Mrs. Ann Watkins Ms. Mary Jean Potenzone Mr. Andrew A. Cohen Ms. Catharine Longendyck Public Service Ms. Yesenia Lopez Ms. Anne Weisholtz Electric & Gas Company RPM Development, LLC Mr. Arnold Cohen Ms. Donna Lorenzo Mr. George Wheatle Williams Mr. and Mrs. Robert Steinbaum Mr. and Mrs. Dennis P. Ryan Dr. Patricia Connors and Dr. Daniel Schulgasser Ms. Kay Lucas Mr. Wilson Woodridge Verizon Dr. Martin A. Schwarz and Ms. Patricia A. Connell Ms. Joyce T. Copeland Dr. Anasa Maat Dr. Glenn Shafer and Ms. Heidi Lynn Cramer Ms. Paulina K. Marks Up to $99 $5,000 - $9,999 Dr. Nell Irvin Painter Mrs. Helen Briggs Crosier Ms. Helen Mazarakis Dr. E. Asyah Aquill Audible.com Ms. Alexandra Soto Ms. Annette Crowley and Mr. William Mikesell Mr. Thomas A. Banker Ms. Carol Greene Duncan Mr. Guy Sterling Mr. Joseph Sommer Ms. Janice Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Jerald D. Baranoff Ms. Wilma J. Grey TD Bank Charitable Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Czerniawski Mr. Jeffrey Monge Ms. Celeste Bateman Mr. and Mrs. Warren Grover Mr. Timur Davis Ms. Trish Morris-Yamba Ms. Latoya Battle-Brown Mr. Donald Katz and $500 - $999 Ms. Kathleen DiChiara and Dr. Zachary Yamba Ms. April Bedunah Ms. Leslie Larson Mr. Peter Abeles Ms. Patsyann Di Giacomo, Esq. Mr. Myerberg Ms. Frances Beiman Newark History Society Mr. Simon Young Bey Ms. Dolores DiLeo New Jersey Law Mr. John Beirne PSEG Foundation Chancellor Cantor Ms. Mary H. Donelik Librarians Association Ms. Patricia A. Bender Michael Rachlin & Co., LLC and Mr. Steven Brechin Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Dorn Mr. Linwood Oglesby Ms. Paula Borenstein RBH Group Council President Mildred Crump Mr. Vincent P. Dotterweich Ms. Joanne Orozco Ms. Barbara G. Bornstein Turrell Fund Ms. Erma Jones Mr. Heyward Ehrlich Ms. Henrietta Parker Ms. Marjorie C. Brandriss Verizon Foundation Dr. Steplight Johnson Ms. Evelyn Eskin and Mr. Paul Pattwell and Mr. David M. Kristol Mr. and Ms. George J. Kimmerle, Dr. David A. Major Mr. William A. Peniston Mr. and Mrs. James W. Buchanan $1,000 - $4,999 AIA Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Fernandes and Mr. George C. Robb Mr. Sean C. Burke Mr. Thomas J. Alrutz Ms. Tanya Mitchell Mr. Bruce E. Ford Ms. Mary Sue Sweeney Price Ms. Carla Capizzi Stuart S. Appelbaum Ms. Gina Nisbeth Mr. Max Frankel Mr. Robert C. Provost Ms. Mary J. Castellitto Giving Foundation Mrs. Edith Oxfeld Mr. Gustav W. Friedrich Mr. Barry Redlich Ms. Louise Castronova Atlantic Federal Credit Union Mr. Stephen B. Ravin, Esq. Ms. Kathleen P. Galop, Esq. Ms. Rosemary Rivera Mr. Walter D. Chambers

10 | The Newark Public Library Annual Report 2015 Mr. and Mrs. William Chappel Mr. Howard Levine Ms. Gale E.J. Shapiro Matching Gifts Daniel Kitchen Mrs. Rona Cohen Ms. Tara Levy, Esq. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Shapiro Chubb & Son Matching Funds Linda Lobdell Ms. Anita E. Crawford Ms. Lynda Lloyd Ms. Shileen Shaw Colgate-Palmolive Company Howard Myricks Ms. Marilyn Cruz Ms. Joan Loiacono Ms. Abigail Shure Matching Gifts Roberta Myricks Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cummings Mr. Christopher Loo The Honorable Patty Shwartz Prudential Matching Gifts New Jersey Library Association Ms. Constance Czekanski Ms. Marie Lowe Mrs. Arlene Simmons — Books for Kids Ms. Elizabeth Del Tufo Ms. Joan M. Lowry Ms. Jacqueline T. Spritzer Gifts in Kind Newark Preservation & Ms. Rebecca Doggett and Ms. Stella Ma and Ms. Jackie Stabnow Landmarks Commission Audible.com Mr. Joseph Thomasberger Mr. Chin Chuen Mr. David Steigerwald Brendan Nolan Joan Benevenia Mr. David P. Eisenberg Ms. Filomena Gomes Machleder Mr. Wilbert Stevens Paul Robeson Galleries Serena Bocchino Dr. Barbara Engler Ms. Gail Malmgreen Mr. Eric Stokes Michael Rachlin Timothy & Gloria Crist Ms. Kathy Fellows Ms. Lauri Masur Mr. Victor B. Stolberg Gladis Reyes William J. Dane Ms. Jeanne Fortin Ms. Susan Mazzeo Ms. Christina Strasburger Rotary Club of Newark Franklin Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Sid Frank Ms. Mary E. McCarthy Ms. Patricia Tavis Allison Tolman Bernard A. Flanagan Mr. and Mrs. Maurice J. Freedman Ms. Francesca McClalin Ms. Alejandrina Torrens The Museum Project Friends of the HRIC Ms. Marianne Gaunt Ms. Inez K. McClendon Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Weissbard, Esq. c/o Robert von Sternberg Carolyn Jacoby Ms. Joyce Gelb Ms. Lorelei McConnell Ms. Diane West Urban League of Essex County Peter Kidd Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Gibson Mr. John McIntyre Ms. Jeanette Kania Wiegartner Ray Veth Larry Kiss Mr. and Mrs. James T. Giese Ms. Sherli Geter McKinnie Worthington Law Group Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Gordon Mr. Antonio Medrano Mr. Michael Yesenko Ms. Barbara Nagazina Grant Mr. David S. Millen Ms. Jill Hamberg Mr. and Mrs. Gerald D. Miller Ms. Patricia A. Hammond Ms. Shirley Miller Ms. Geraldine Harris Ms. Kathleen Mollica Mr. Richard Hart Mr. David Moorman Ms. Susan Helber Ms. Linda Morgan Ms. Donna Holmes Ms. Donna Newman Ms. Willie Mae Holton Ms. Dianne M. Nicolette [American Sign Language instructor Dr. Claus Holzapfel Mr. J. Dennis Papp Ms. Theodora Immerso Ms. Dana Peterson Ms. Elizabeth Baker Jefferson Dr. G. K. Piehler and Lolata Greggs is] “a phenomenal and Ms. Carol Jenkins-Cooper Ms. Susan G. Contente Ms. Ellen Johnston Ms. Michelle D. Powell awesome teacher. I am so thankful Ms. Elizabeth King and Ms. Jean Quartiano Mr. Stewart King Mr. and Ms. Elliot A. Rosen Mr. Daniel-Christian Kitchen Ms. Barbara K. Sacks for the class.” —Jamaal Brown, Ms. Mary C. Kornegay Mr. Richard Schaeffer Mr. John Kowalski Mr. and Mrs. David Schear Mrs. Gaytha Kraushar Ms. Jane Seiden Assistant Director-Diversity & Community Ms. Barbara Kukla Mr. Donald M. Shachat Mr. Gaetano Lardieri Ms. Mary G. Shanahan Ms. Kathleen Latzoni Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Shapiro Programming, Rutgers University-Newark

The Newark Public Library Annual Report 2015 | 11 Facts and Figures

Patron Visits 400,870

Circulation including eLibraryNJ 145,132

Questions Answered 186,446

Employment Questions Answered 54,525 Library staff members Computer Use Sessions 156,867 New Library Card Registrations 7,393 Financial Programs & Attendance Summary (Library- and Community 1,097 programs Organization-Sponsored) 22,116 attendees Support and Revenues City of Newark Appropriation $10,080,901 State Library Aid 211,336 Unrestricted Donations 174,717 Grant-Related Revenue 457,541

Author and speaker Dan O’Flaherty Investment Income 19,634 Fines and Fees 59,070 Other Revenues 198,296 TOTAL SUPPORT AND REVENUES $11,201,495

Expenditures Salaries and Wages $ 5,419,813 Payroll Taxes and Employee Benefits 2,470,674 General and Administrative 275,211 Services by Contract 2,310,493 Books and Library Materials 186,027 Other Materials and Supplies 111,930 Capital Expense 77,213 TOTAL EXPENDITURES $10,815,361 Please note: The annual financial audit had not taken place when this Financial Summary was prepared.

12 | The Newark Public Library Annual Report 2015 Postcard view of the Library, from the collections of the Charles F. Cummings New Jersey Information Center.

“Forty years ago, I made sure that my children participated in the wonderful programs at the Newark Public Library. Please take advantage of this great opportunity for your children.” —Sol

Back cover photo: volunteers from Science Park High School, who helped at Van Buren Branch Holiday Open House The Newark Public Library 5 Washington St. PO Box 630 Newark, NJ 07101-0630

“Honestly the Newark Public Library is probably the best The Newark Public Library Annual Report 2015 school in Newark.” —Aaron