Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony December 4, 2009
Posted by Samantha Costa in Events, holidays.Tags: Christmas, Christmas decorations, Christmas events in NJ, christmas songs, Christmas tree lighting in Williamstown, facebook, free santa photos, free santa pictures, Happy holidays Williamstown, Holiday event, Mayor Gabbianelli speech, Monroe Township Department of Community Affairs, NJ holiday events, Pfeiffer Center Williamstown, Seasons greetings, video games, Williamstown Holiday events, Williamstown tree lighting
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Hey everybody! Can you believe it’s already the holiday season? If you’re a scrooge, stay away from the Pfeiffer Center in Williamstown this Saturday, Dec. 5 for Williamstown’s annual holiday tree lighting ceremony.
While driving home from class today, I witnessed a handful of people who were outside decorating the pathway leading to the Pfeiffer Center. It’s aligned with garland, lights, and several other Christmas decorations. Strewn across the face of the building, a gigantic sign reads: HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Unfortunately, I will not be attending the event, but I’d like to tell you what will be happening. If you celebrate Christmas, you’ll most likely find this interesting. It beats playing on Facebook or watching TV, while the kids are playing video games, or maybe just taking part in some good old-fashioned sibling rivalry.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s offered at this event:
- Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Christmas songs
- Speech made by Mayor Gabbianelli
- Short movie inside the Pfeiffer Center (movie TBA)
- FREE hot chocolate and FREE photos with Santa!
The event will start at 7 p.m and end at 9 p.m. It’s hosted by the Monroe Township Department of Community Affairs.
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Have a good weekend!
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The new and improved Free Public Library of Monroe Township finally opens! October 17, 2009
Posted by Samantha Costa in Businesses.Tags: Beth Lillie, facebook, Jennifer J. Meister, Jennifer Schillig, library, LOGIN, Martha Oxley, Mayor Gabianelli, Monroe Township, mural, reading, Rodier Ebersberger Architects, seniors, technology classes, The Free Public Library of Monroe Township, Williamstown
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Forgive me for posting this a few days after my visit, but you know how busy journalism students can get! The new Free Public Library of Monroe Township is finally open! The library opened its doors on Tuesday, October 13 and has moved from Main Street to Marsha Avenue in Williamstown.
Local architect Daniel Rodier, of Rodier Ebersberger Architects, said this project has been 30 years in the making. He has been involved for the last 10 years and the formal plans for the library were put into place about 3 years ago. Rodier mostly works on plans for commercial and municipal facilities.
Then…
This is the old Monroe Township Library, located on Main Street.
Now…
The new Monroe Township Library
The entrance to the library
In the first picture of the old library, I only had to cross the street to get a full view. In the second picture of the new library, I had to walk over 100 ft. away.
The main doors in the front corridor of the library
The new library includes a teen section, adult section, a large children’s section with its own restrooms, a tutoring room, storey room, a large media section, and endless aisles of stacks.
A look at the expansive children's section, complete with a story room, tutoring room, and private restroom.
The first area as you walk into the library, with new releases.
The cafe
If you need to use your cell phone, or need something to snack on, there is a small “cafe” just outside the library in the front corridor, across from the public restrooms.
The garden and patio, in the backyard of the library.
The library doesn’t stop inside the building. If you are looking for a little fresh air with your book, there is a backyard complete with a garden, private fence, with a brick patio and tables and chairs.
What a better way to relax with your favorite book, than to read by the fire?
A cozy reading area with a stunning fireplace.
I didn’t just snap pictures while I was in the library. I sat down with the library director, Beth Lillie, who allowed me to take the photos and speak to her about the status of the old library and the new library. She explained that they hope to see more visitors due to the vast space that is now available. She mentioned that her personal wish is to have a large mural painted on one of the walls.
Lillie also introduced me to the Children’s Librarian, Jennifer Schillig; Technology Librarian, Jennifer J. Meister, and the Reference Librarian, Martha Oxley. They are excited that the library is now part of the LOGIN program, which allows anyone with a library card to go to another library in the county that has this program.
Meister hosts technology classes for seniors so that they can become knowledgable with computers. She has a blog that discusses the benefits and frustrations of being a busy librarian. You can also call her on the main library phone, or e-mail her at jenniferjmeister@gmail.com for more information about the technology classes.
The library is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. They are closed on Sundays.
As for the old library on Main St.; it is rumored that Mayor Gabianelli is going to put it up for sale for another business.
For more info, visit the library’s blog or facebook, or call (856) 629-1212.
Happy reading!
