Monday, March 26, 2012

Art in Education Grant Winners on Display


Libraries and schools go hand-in-hand, providing the community with access to creative educational resources. I'm proud to say that we have a great relationship with our area schools, and we're always looking for ways to assist them in their educational endeavors.

On March 21st we had the honor of hosting students from Washington Elementary School and James Caldwell High School's English and Computer Graphics Classes at a Reception to celebrate their Art in Education Grant. The day began with a morning reception before the library's regular operating hours, where the elementary school students were honored for their contributions, and were treated to a story time featuring the books written by the students. In the evening, the library hosted a reception for the public, where students, their families and teachers, could show the art work to the community. This worthwhile grant produced some top-notch art and literature. Everyone should be proud of these amazing students who were able to collaborate so beautifully on this project.

The Art in Education (AIE) grant involves building upon a mentoring program instituted by Special Education teacher , Robin Keil. Students in Mrs. Keil's 10th grade English class have been mentors to the Washington Elementary students. The grant has given the students of James Caldwell High School's Computer Graphics class an opportunity to help progress this mentorship through a professional illustration experience.

Thanks to the AIE grant, the illustrators as well as the writers had the opportunity to work with professional artist and book creator, Irene Kelly. The results of this collaboration will be on display during in the Caldwell Public Library during the month of March. We look forward to hosting more school-library partnership events in the future. Stop by in April to see Colonial Dioramas created by the students of Lincoln School.



Check out some of the spectacular work created by these students involved in the AIE grant:










Wednesday, March 7, 2012

A Note to the Residents of Essex Fells

In the past, the Borough of Essex Fells reimbursed the Borough of Caldwell for library use by their residents. We were informed at last night's Caldwell Council Meeting that Essex Fells will no longer pay the usage fee. All Caldwell Library cards held by Essex Fells patrons will expire on April 1, 2012.

While waiting for the Borough of Essex Fells to make their decision, we extended the cards as a courtesy to our Essex Fells patrons. We are saddened that in these times when residents need a library most, cuts are being made.

The Caldwell Public Library, like many libraries in the state, offers free access to the internet, job search tools, access to free programming, and of course the free lending of books, magazines, e-books, DVDs, and other materials.

We hope that Essex Fells will reconsider this decision. In the meantime, a paid family membership to the Caldwell Public Library may be obtained at the circulation desk.

New Website

The Caldwell Public Library is pleased to announce that they have uploaded a new website. The site, designed by Zenith Technologies, was funded by the Caldwell Public Library Foundation.

The new site features links to many of the photographs in the Library's historic collection. Staff members are in the process of learning how to upload and change the website's content.

Come check out the new site at http://www.caldwellpl.org/Welcome/