Library celebrates 40th anniversary
By Chris Carbone
This April marks the 40th anniversary of public library service to the residents of South Brunswick.
The library, like our town, has seen significant change and growth over these decades. Having first moved to South Brunswick in 1978, I have experienced many of these changes first hand. At the time, my family enjoyed weekly visits to our library and looked forward to the Bookmobile stopping on our street. Today, I am thrilled to be the director of such a fine and popular library.
The library’s history began with the formation of the South Brunswick Library Association 1965, with members including former Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Kimple and the Rev. John Maltby. A public referendum to establish a library was overwhelmingly approved by the voters, and the first Library Board of Trustees was appointed in late 1965.
In June of 1967, the first library director, Catherine Pendola, was hired after the trustees worked hard to locate a facility. In November of that year, a $331,000 bond was approved for the construction of a library, and a two-acre parcel of land on Kingston Lane was purchased from the Bacharach family.
A temporary library was established in a rented house next to the Bacharach property and public library service began April 27, 1968, with the first library card issued to Mrs. Bacharach. The library housed a collection of 14,000 items, was open 29 hours a week and circulated 29,122 volumes in its first year.
Groundbreaking for a library building was held May 25,1968 and the new 8,200 square-foot building opened Aug. 11, 1969. To keep pace with our growing township, the library was expanded to 24,000 square-feet in 1988, and to its current 40,000 square-feet in 2005.
Through its history, the library has been led by former Directors Catherine Pendola (1967 to 1971), Robert Ross (1971 to 1972), B.M. Desai (1974 to1978) and Lorraine Jackson (1978 to 2007).
Today, the library is open 61 hours a week, with expanded access through our Bookmobile and online services. Our collections have surpassed 150,000 items and we offer programs for patrons of all ages. In 2007, 524,130 volumes were borrowed, making us one of the busiest municipal libraries in the state.
The library has enjoyed strong support over the years and heavy use by our residents. We will celebrate our 40 years of service throughout the month of April with many special events and programs. Highlights will include:
Tie Die Day will be Saturday, April 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring a white T-shirt and go retro at the library as we flash back to our beginning in the 60s.
Beefsteak Dinner will be Saturday, April 5 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Al- you-can-eat beefsteak and beer, sponsored by the Library Foundation. For ticket information, call 732-329-4000, ext. 7287 or visit www.sbpl.info.
Meet Gordon from “Sesame Street,” as actor and author Roscoe Orman offers special story times for all ages on Saturday, April 12 from 11 AM to noon.
Relive the early days of the Library with a 60s party and costume contest. The event will feature live 60s music and a 60s costume contest, as well as prizes, refreshments and fun!
A birthday celebration story time with Curious George will be Saturday, April 26 at 11 a.m.
Join us for the library’s anniversary celebration with cake, the dedication of a new sign for the library and a new display area on Sunday, April 27 at 1:30 p.m.
The Sunday Cinema Series will be each Sunday at 2 p.m. Enjoy films that feature librarians! For titles, call 732-329-4000, ext. 7286 or visit www.sbpl.info.
There also will be displays illustrating our library’s history throughout April.
Most programming at the library is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. To join the Friends, ask about membership at the check-out desk or join online at www.sbpl.info/Friends.
We thank you for 40 wonderful years and hope you will join in our celebrations. We look forward to many more years of excellent library service in South Brunswick.
Chris Carbone is the director of the South Brunswick Public Library. His phone number is 732-329-4000, ext. 7282.