East Orange: Youngsters will soon enjoy revamped facilities at East Orange Public Library thanks to a $40,000 grant from the Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills (JLOSH).
The funds will help renovate the Toddler Area of the library’s Juniors’ Room. It is scheduled for completion in early 2010.
At a ceremony to hand over the cheque on Friday (Dec 4), JLOSH President Elizabeth Duncan Pederson said: “The new facilities will create a wonderful, welcoming and comfortable space for young children and their families, and hopefully inspire a lifelong love of books.
“This is a wonderful example of our ongoing commitment to improving our communities, especially when our help is most needed.”
The library staff is also excited about the coming changes. Carolyn Ryan Reed, the Director of East Orange Public Library said: “We see the renovation of the library’s Toddler Area as an opportunity to focus on early literacy for young children and their families, particularly new parents, in the coming year.”
When the renovations are complete, hundreds of families will be able to enjoy the inviting and child-friendly facilities at the East Orange Public Library. In addition, JLOSH volunteers will continue to support the library by donating books and hosting literacy programs at the library.
This project has been made possible made possible by the generosity of many donors who supported the League’s 95th anniversary gala in 2008 and the continuing support of Junior League volunteers.
It is part of an ongoing partnership between East Orange Public Library and the Junior League.
Last year, as a separate project, JLOSH spruced up East Orange Public Library’s Franklin Branch with fresh paint, furniture, artwork and furnishings and equipment, plus over 600 new children’s books, creating a welcoming environment for local children to do homework, study, relax and enjoy a host of after school activities.