Time to Raise the Montclair Library Book-O-Meter

Montclair residents will be receiving annual appeal campaign notices from the Montclair Public Library Foundation this week.

The foundation's goal is to raise $200,000 to help supplement the budgets for materials, programs and technology, as well as continue to provide outstanding resources and services. 

Two major projects for 2014 include implementing a self-checkout and self-return "EZPass for Books" at both the main library and Bellevue Avenue branch, which will celebrate its centennial next year, as well as installing solar panels at the main library, according to Library Director David Hinkley. 

“These innovations will respectively free staff to devote more time to patrons and reduce operating costs using clean-energy technology," Hinkley said.

The library is also striving to maintain weekend hours, materials and programs with $800,000 less than it had four years ago.

"We want everyone to feel a sense of pride in the Library and all it has to offer,” said Wilford Adkins, President of the Montclair Public Library Board of Trustees. “Data from our strategic plan indicate that Montclair views our library as one of the remaining social and cultural centers of the community.”

The progress toward the $200,000 goal will be tracked with a Book-O-Meter sign on display at both locations. 

To make a donation to the Montclair Public Library Foundation, visit montclairplf.org.