It’s easy to tell when summer’s winding to a close. Ice cream shops and custard stands close for the season, replaced with farmers markets. Halloween items encroach every store imaginable. And, in good old Jersey, it’s cold in the morning and blistering in the afternoon. To celebrate the end of summer, this editor wants to share with you her favorite summer resource: the local library!

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During the summer, I love going to my local library to pass the time. In fact, I’ve gone to the library more times than I’ve gone to the beach (don’t tell anyone). Libraries are, we can all agree, fantastic. Every branch has different resources and activities available. And because they are fantastic, I decided to do some research on the Gloucester County Library system. 

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The system provides resources to 14 of Gloucester County’s 24 municipalities, and over 114,000 residents can take advantage of its services, including Glassboro residents (for those of you who don’t know, Art-emis was founded in Rowan University located in Glassboro!). One of the library's branches, Margaret Dombrosky Swedesboro Public Library, was founded in 1783, and is one of the oldest public libraries in New Jersey. The GCLS (The Gloucester County Library System) itself was conceived in the 1970s. Its first library commission was appointed in 1977. All of this information, and more, can be found on the GCLS website!   

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For more insight, I also interviewed Stephanie Smith, who has been working in the Gloucester County Library system for nearly thirteen years. Smith has an undergraduate degree in Education and a Master’s in Library Science. She started working at the library in 2012, and became a librarian in 2015. Smith is currently the head of Youth Services at the Mullica Hill Branch. She was kind enough to provide additional information on the Mullica Hill branch and discuss the system in general! She additionally recommended that I research their history on their website. 

 

Editor: What resources do the libraries in Gloucester county offer their residents?

 

Smith: The real question is what don't we offer! Aside from the traditional books, magazines, and DVDs, we have many special collections that are available for check out. 

 

These collections are: museum passes, video games, board games, STEAM kits, Playaway kits, Launchpads, Wonderbooks and Vox books, hotspots, lawn games, and book club in a bag kits… STEAM kits are math and science kits for children. Playaway Kits are bags with physical books and their accompanying playaway (think of an ipod for books). Launchpads are educational tablets equipped with games, activities, and books focused on different subjects. Wonderbooks and Vox books are physical books with an audio component attached to the cover. They allow children to read and listen to the book at the same time. We also have a prominent seed bank program where patrons can request free seeds for their garden. 

 

Additionally, we offer a variety of programs for all ages, a yearly summer reading program, notary services, Librarian by appointments, meeting room reservations, private study rooms, fax and printing services, and much more! We also have a MakerStudio with 3-D printers, poster printers, serger machines, and more.

 

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Photo Credit: Stephanie Smith 

 

Editor: How can people best utilize these resources?

 

Smith: Come in and get a library card! Library cards are needed to check out our collection of materials. However, you do not need a library card to visit the library or attend a program. Additionally you can speak to a staff member for more information on a specific topic.

 

Editor: What are some ways people can work with or support their local libraries?

 

Smith: People can support libraries by visiting and utilizing their local library! Many people would be shocked by what the modern public library offers and how important they are for the community. Spread library joy to friends, family, and local government. Libraries need support now more than ever.   

 

Additionally we have a wonderful Friends of the Library Group whose sole purpose is to raise money for the library. They are always accepting new members! They run a book sale three times a year and other miscellaneous fundraisers to raise money. Some things the Friends have purchased for the library are: museum passes, summer reading bags, AWE gaming computers, and more. 

 

Editor: What is your favorite thing about the library system?

 

Smith: It is hard to narrow it down to just one, but one of my favorite things about the library system is our patrons. I see hundreds of families a month and get the special opportunity to see children grow, learn, and make connections with each other. It is such a rewarding experience and I am thrilled to offer a safe space for families to connect with each other. 

 

We at Art-emis are so grateful for Stephanie Smith’s help and wisdom on library systems! We love writing, reading, and providing support for writers in the New York Metropolitan area. Would you like to tell us about your local library? Consider sending us an email!