By Amy Batista, Special Writer
EAST WINDSOR – This year’s National Library Week theme is “Libraries Transform,” something that the township recognized during its March 22 council meeting.
Mayor Janice Mironov presented local librarians with proclamations and support during the meeting.
The local libraries were represented by Hickory Corner branch manager Sharon Galbraith Ryer; Jeanne Murray of the Twin Rivers Library branch; and East Windsor Township Mercer County Library Commission representative Phyllis Anker.
“I’ve actually come to believe over time that the importance of our libraries has actually grown from what it used to be for lots of reasons,” said Mayor Mironov.
At the top of those reasons has been the technology advancements, something that libraries have embraced.
“The library is actually still a real place,” said the mayor. “A real building. A real place with real books as well as many other resources that people can can go to and take them out or use them there – magazines, periodicals, music.”
The mayor said it’s nice to have an actual structure and a place that “focuses on all those terrific resources.”
“The flipside of it is our library has grown into the high-tech era and you can now borrow the books and the music and movies and magazines without going to the library through varies apps and programs that they provide,” she said.
Two of the library facilities are in East Windsor: The Hickory Corner Branch is located at 138 Hickory Corner Road while the Twin Rivers Branch is located at 276 Abbington Drive.
“They are both very busy,” said Mayor Mironov.
She said in addition to housing resources, the library branches also have host many programs, speakers as well as be a meeting place for many organizations.
“They are really one of the most vibrant and focal points in East Windsor,” she said. “We love our libraries.”
The mayor presented the proclamation, along with Barnes and Noble gift certificates donated by Shiseido America, to each representatives of the two East Windsor branches of the Mercer County Library system.
The mayoral proclamation states: “Our public libraries safeguard the right of Americans to free access to read, learn and connect to information on all subjects and representing all points of view, serving as a cornerstone of our democracy.”
Ms. Ryer thanked the mayor for the proclamation and Shiseido for the gift card.
“It’s nice to see such support from the mayor and the town council and to also look around this room and see so many patrons and volunteers of ours who are here,” said Ms. Ryer.
She said that the mayor mentioned that the library branches have transitioned into the digital age, but emphasized the libraries still have a physical presence in the community.
“We have a lot of groups that meet there,” she said. “We have a lot of on-going programs.”
There are programs on genealogy, coloring for adults and a new science and technology story-time on Tuesday mornings.
“There is a lot more that you might not have seen so come visit us soon if you haven’t lately,” she said.
Ms. Murray also expressed her thanks to the mayor and council.
“It’s so wonderful to have a mayor and government who really cares about the library,” she said. “It’s very important to the community.”
Ms. Murray touted her branch’s summer program.
“Before we know it, summer will be upon us,” she said, adding that there will be opportunities for teens to volunteer over the summer. “This summer we are focusing on health and wellness as well as literacy, bringing power and improving your reading and enjoying your reading. So we hope everyone can come out for summer reading this summer.”
She said programs will start the last week of June and go into the first week of August.
“Please join us at any of our branches,” she said. “You are welcome at all and any of our branches in the entire county.”
