And some council members say they were caught off guard — sent a new version of the plan before they had a chance to weigh in.
Peter Coyl
Posted inLatest Stories, News
Montclair’s library director leaving for 28-branch Sacramento system as power struggle continues here
He’s leaving for a giant library system in a state capitol as a battle over budgets and oversight with the township administration continues.
Posted inLatest Stories, News, Top Stories
Montclair Library director leaving for new post, as fraught talks with township continue
But Peter Coyl says the negotiations or possible loss of autonomy weren’t factors in his decision to move on.
Posted inLatest Stories, Municipal Government, News, Top Stories
Montclair Library audit finds issues in library budget
A forensic audit of the Montclair Public Library’s budget found problems including more than half a million dollars in overstated expenses, and recommends several practices consultants say will smooth the budgeting process going forward.
Posted inMunicipal Government, News, Top Stories
$100,000 more for library is contingent on opening Bellevue
The Montclair Public Library would see $100,000 more than slated in a municipal budget proposed a month ago, and taxpayers wouldn’t see as high of a municipal tax increase as expected under amendments made to the spending plan at a May 4 Township council meeting.
Posted inMunicipal Government, News, Top Stories
Flat funding: Can Montclair library services, Bellevue branch return?
The township council is planning to continue the same funding levels it put in place in the pandemic. 21 staffers were let go last year.
Posted inArts, Literature, Top Stories
Montclair Literary Festival, virtually, this weekend
Montclair Literary Festival offers free online panels and author talks on Sept. 11 and 12, and writing workshops during the week.
Posted inCommunity, Top Stories
Connections at Montclair Public Library
Montclair Public Library has closed its physical buildings, but its work goes on: online Storytimes, lectures, Open Book/Open Mind and more.
Posted inArts, Top Stories
COVID-19: Arts and cultural organizations react
Montclair arts and cultural organizations react to Covid-19 with postponements, cancelations, and potential streaming solutions.
Posted inArts, Literature, Top Stories
Magical Library: Little Read highlights stories for all
The Little Read marathon takes place today and over the next few days. Celebrities, politicians and Montclairites will tell stories to children, sitting in the Big Red Chair.
Posted inLetters to the Editor, Opinion
Letters to the editor, Aug. 1
Let’s consider parking in Montclair On June 20, Montclair Local reported in a story about parking permits being at such a premium in Montclair that people are forging them. Parking […]
Posted inNews, Top Stories
Montclair Public Library gets new eTuk ‘bookmobile’
By ERIN ROLL roll@montclairlocal.news When library director Peter Coyl was in college he proudly commandeered a bookmobile. It’s sort of a family affair, as he followed in his grandmother’s footsteps. […]
Posted inNews, Top Stories
Montclair Public Library overdue fines being eliminated
By ERIN ROLL roll@montclairlocal.news The Montclair Public Library is ditching fines for overdue books. Last week, the library announced that it will no longer charge overdue fines for books, movies […]