Glen Ridge Public Library has new pick up lockers, new study rooms and a newly renovated Young Adult section. The changes, part of the library’s strategic plan, have kept library director Tina Marie Doody and her staff busy.
Doody, a self proclaimed “library kid,” spent countless hours in her local library as a child. She turned her passion into a career and has dedicated the last 20 years of her life to local libraries. Doody got her start as a reference librarian at the Montclair Public Library and then later worked her way up to assistant director at Plainfield Library. In March of 2022, Doody became director of Glen Ridge Public Library.
At the end of 2019, the library’s Board of Trustees adopted the five year plan. In the plan, the library surveyed the community needs. Residents ranked services such as 24-hour pick up lockers, extended hours and comfortable seating as what they would like most to see.
A New Young Adult Space
There are over 50 pick up lockers outside the library that are accessible at any time. There are three brand new ADA accessible study rooms. The library is also open for 11 hours three days a week. However, the most anticipated project is the newly renovated Young Adult section.
For the last seven months, the Young Adult section on the third floor went through a beautification project which is now complete. Doody and her staff are excited to see teenagers enjoy the new space. Alongside new book releases, the Young Adult section has more seating, a projector, a laptop bar and tons of charging ports. The book section is separated into three genres: Fiction, Graphic and Manga.
Staff thought about the convenience of their young adult population every step of the way. They added a new water fountain and portable floor cushions for the teenagers who prefer to sit on the floor.
As Doody introduces new projects to the public, she also wants to highlight current services and programming. Library card holders have access to a plethora of free perks. Glen Ridge residents have access to free passes to museums throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Or, if you’re in the mood for a new hobby, you can learn a language for free through the library’s partnership with Mango Languages. For those rainy spring weekends, card holders can cuddle up at home with a documentary marathon by logging into Kanopy through the library’s website.
Beyond the Page
Glen Ridge Public Library also frequently hosts author talks. Patrons can watch live online or through a recording. This month, two prominent authors will be speaking to the virtual audience. On May 8, Nina Simon will speak about her book “Mother-Daughter Murder Night.” In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Month, Rebecca F. Kuang, author of “Yellowface” will speak about Asian American representation in literature on May 21.
In addition to helping patrons experience literature and learning, the library is also a space for those looking to build community. Children and teenagers can bond over chess, anime, and Pokemon through their respective clubs. Parents can bring their kids to a toddler skills class or for Lego time.
Books aren’t the only thing card holders can borrow. Through their “Library of Things” residents can rent items such as Kindles, GoPros, a giant Jenga game or a pressure washer. The “Library of Things” has a wide variety of items for lending.
The staff strives to provide top tier services and programming, but Doody says they are also eager to see more faces in the library.
“We’re here to help everybody,” she said. “If anybody has a question or a suggestion, something that they would like to see us do, please let us know.”
For more information on the Glen Ridge Public Library, visit their website. If you are a Glen Ridge resident interested in receiving a library card visit the library at 240 Ridgewood Ave.