Belleville Library Is Now Part Of Large, North Jersey Network

BELLEVILLE, NJ — The Belleville Public Library just got a powerful new “pal.”

Last week, PALS Plus, a northern New Jersey shared services consortium of public and academic libraries, welcomed the Belleville Public Library and Information Center to its network of 22 libraries. In all, about 640,000 patrons are served by PALS Plus libraries across Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.

In addition to nearly 40,000 materials available at the Belleville Public Library, library card holders can now use their card at any of the 22 libraries that are part of the PALS Plus consortium, as well as request materials from other libraries and have them delivered to the Belleville Public Library.

PALS Plus spokespeople said they hope the designation helps the Belleville library fulfil its mission: “To engage and inspire the Belleville community by providing access resources and learning activities; to stay up to date with evolving community needs and interests by adapting and evaluating our services, programs and collections; and to strive to be a community meeting space where people can gather, interact, and participate in programs and events of public interest, study and enjoyment.”

"We are so proud and excited to have the Belleville Public Library join us,” said Luca Manna, executive director of PALS Plus.

“As libraries continue to be the providers of content in many forms, joining PALS Plus will mean that patrons will have access to over 1.2 million items at any of our 22 libraries and close to 1 million digital e-book, audiobook, movies, music, TV shows and more," Manna added. “The library and the staff now have access to extended learning and a built-in network of colleagues to serve as sounding boards for new ideas, issues and ways in which to serve the residents of Belleville.”

PALS Plus member libraries come together to share physical collections, digital content in the form of ebooks, audiobooks, music, movies, and more. People can find a full list of libraries, addresses, contact information, hours and closings at www.palsplus.org. For more information on the Belleville Public Library Information Center, visit http://www.bellepl.org/.

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