By Tom Alrutz
As one of the oldest public libraries in the country and the largest municipal library in New Jersey, The Newark Public Library has a long history of community leadership. Public libraries like Newark have served as vital hubs that people count on for answers and resources.
On any day before COVID-19 hit, Newark Public Library has served as a safe place for teens to congregate after school and provides a warm place, or a cool space, for those individuals and families who may not have a place to call home. The Library offers valuable resources to immigrant and non-English speaking families who are struggling to make sense of their new country.
In addition, the library hosts an incredible array of exhibits, functions, and events that celebrate the diversity that thrives in Newark, educating the community about their neighbors’ unique histories, cultures, and traditions. It is a safe place for people who have questions, want to learn something new, or wish to empower themselves with the abundance of information and assets that are available.
Now, in this time of crisis and social isolation, libraries offer even more timely resources, all available on a computer, tablet, or cell phone to anyone with a library card.
Libraries have remained relevant and vital to patrons. In 2018, more than 300,000 patrons visited Newark Public library and in 2019, that figure increased to more than 470,000. Programming and attendance numbers also soared: in two years, the number of programs held in the Main branch increased by 81%. The number of participating patrons increased 112%. These local trends play out nationally; a new Gallup Poll showed that in 2019, U.S. adults visited their local library about twice as many times as they went to a movie theater or live sporting event.
Our No. 1 priority at this time is to be a lifeline to students forced to learn from home and their teachers and family members who are struggling to teach them. At the Newark Public Library, we are continuously updating our website with new resources, activities, and important information. Here is a sampling of the vital resources we currently offer, all by visiting npl.org:
• Newark Public Schools Learning Support – Students can connect with school district plans and tap into links for learning at all grade levels, as well as take advantage of live online homework help and writing assistance.
• Kids Place Virtual Storytime and Early Learning – Visit our Facebook page to tune in to our Virtual Storytime, read by library staff members LIVE weekdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Community storytime is on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., pre-recorded by community volunteers. These storytimes are already one of our most popular destinations. We are also addressing the importance of building early childhood literacy and offer bilingual tools to parents and educators.
• Free Breakfast and Lunch – School closings affect more than just students’ learning – they impact the thousands of our school children who would otherwise go hungry without free breakfast and lunch. Visit npl.org for K-12 resources and breakfast/lunch program locations.
• Free Mobile Counseling – For people experiencing the emotional toll of COVID-19, we offer services of the library’s professional social worker for those individuals and families in need. Email reference@npl.org for information or to make an appointment.
• Virtual Community Bulletin Board – Our website offers up-to-date community information and important COVID-19 updates.
There are opportunities to learn a new language, such as American Sign Language, which had more than 5,000 people in the first class, or to improve your computer skills. You can also check out free movies, join in a Newark Poetry open mic night, and help document the coronavirus in Newark by sharing your stories, pictures, and videos of life in these unusually challenging times. And, of course, you can always temporarily escape with a good audio or e-book.
Although our buildings may be shut, librarians are always available to answer your questions! Please don't hesitate to ask them by emailing reference@npl.org, calling 973-733-7779 for a general question, or by calling 973-733-7775 for a Newark or New Jersey question. You can also text us at 201-563-1034.
Visit us often at www.npl.org, and frequent our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/newarkpubliclibrary, to stay updated. Learn what’s happening on Twitter or Instagram at @NewarkLibrary. If you need a free library card, replacement, or card renewal, email us at librarycard@npl.org.
We are far from business as usual, but we are never far from being a neighbor you can count on, now and always.
Tom Alrutz is interim director of the Newark Public Library.
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