Williamstown Treasures

The new and improved Free Public Library of Monroe Township finally opens! October 17, 2009

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!