A decade of partnering with Camp Caldwell!

As I look at the summer reading program pictures, and say a sad farewell to our INVALUABLE Summer Library Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator, Susan Reeve - who disguises herself as a SPANISH TEACHER at JCHS from September to June - I still cannot believe this is our 10th reading to and programming with Camp Caldwell! I started here at CPL only a month or two before the Caldwell Community Center opened, and Camp Caldwell was unveiled. In 2001 we read to the campers here at the library, and, even then, Carol Shenuski (JCHS Math Teacher) and Dr. Gerardi (C/WC Superintendent) volunteered to be guest readers. From 2002 to 2006 we, library staffers, along with guest readers* (of all ages, and from all parts of our lives and communities), read to campers at the Community Center, either in the "tree house" or inside the Center. Then, from 2007 to the present, the campers returned to the library. Picking out books to read, finding (sometimes BEGGING) guest readers, became a major part of Susan Reeve's summer job description, and has she ever shone! So, Susan, deepest gratitude from literally hundreds of children whose lives you have touched over the past four years. And, thank you too, a million times over, to all the educators and administrators, from ALL the schools (including, but not limited to, Riverdale Public Schools, Caldwell College, Seton Hall Prep, all schools in the C/WC Public School System, and, as shown in this picture.....a teacher who taught at Jefferson School in the '60s - my Aunt Janet!) who volunteered to be readers. There are so many to thank, and we tried to say it in person when you were here, but please know how very much we appreciate your generous sharing of yourselves. - Karen (Kleppe Lembo)

* I feel as if I have the Romper Room mirror -- those of you of a certain age will understand this idea -- when I say thank you to the likes of: Barry Bachenheimer, Nancy Caplan, current and retired CPD officers and chiefs, Dr. Blattner, Scott Keena, Jim Brown, Dr. Barnes, Claudia Dargento, Sue Ploch, Scott Chamberlain, Cindy Kellenberger and countless teens who then were rewarded with volunteer hours!

Summer Reading Program Finale!

Wow oh WOW did we have a BLAST as well as a SPLASH last night! Our Summer Reading Program end as it began, in the pool at the Caldwell Community Center and was then followed by our basket raffle (Congrats to all!), as well as the wild sharing of all sorts of great books, prizes and of course cool reading certificates signed by Mrs. Khost and Mrs. Lembo. (Collector's items, to be sure!) We ended the evening on a fabulously high and sweet note - with italian ices from Gelotti. Thank you a million times over to our dear friends at Gelotti - now - don't you need a gelato or an ice cream?!?!

Don't forget: "Make a Splash" and "Make Difference"

Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 10th doesn't mean "end of fun" but it DOES mean the finale to our Summer Reading Program here at Caldwell Public Library.

We will end as we began, by MAKING A SPLASH at the pool at The Caldwell Community Center! Come in your bathing suits at 6:30 p.m. ready to "Make a Splash" and consider bringing some food for our Food Pantry or Beanie Babies for "Project Gratitude" to "Make a Difference."

After our swim we will be handing out certificates and drawing for the baskets. FUN!

BOY, did we ever "Make A Splash" yesterday!

The summer reading program KICK OFF yesterday was FANTABULOUS! Thank you again to all of our friends at the Caldwell Community Center for a positively refreshing and fun and splash-filled pool party. And, thank you Mrs. Khost, Mrs. Walker, Ms. Reeve and our countless teen library assistants and volunteers who made the sign up go so "swimmingly" at the Library beforehand.
Now, must head out for "Art in the Afternoon" brought to us by Mrs. Stewart -- who just can't stay away from art, even when school is closed for the summer!

Make a Splash, Make a Difference!

We are counting down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds until....BLAST OFF! Kick Off for the 2010 Summer Reading Program is "officially" next Wednesday, June 30th, but we are readying and have been for months. Flyers, info, 0nline sign up - if you wish! - and more is all on our website. As usual, we are putting our own spin on things and instead of simply "Mak[ing] a Splash, READ!" we are asking all to "Make a Splash, Make a Difference." More to come, but we have a kids, teen and adult component on the website and programs to meet all needs - and desires - we hope. How better to celebrate the longest day of the year?!

John Paul Endress Photo Exhibits June 2 - June 30, 2010

If this picture doesn't say "I can't wait for the Caldwell Public Library Summer Reading Program to begin" what does?!

So, okay, I took a little poetic license on that one, however, please do race over before the end of the month to savor our June exhibit of the Masterful Photography of John Paul Endress. And, thank you so much John for sharing your talents and treasured work with our community.

Check out our website - especially the "Events" page for more details on John and his work.