Berkeley Township Proclaims April 19-25 As National Library Week

The proclamation was read into the record by Mayor John Bacchione during a township meeting

BERKELEY, NJ — Berkeley Township has proclaimed April 19 through 25, 2026, as National Library Week, formally recognizing the local library as a community resource for residents of all ages. The proclamation was read into the record by Mayor John Bacchione during a township meeting.

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The proclamation describes libraries as “the heart of our community,” saying they bring people together and provide a welcoming space for residents. It says the township library supports students, families and seniors by providing access to books, technology and programs, and that it serves not only as a place for information but also as a gathering space where friendships are formed and ideas are shared.

The text also thanks library staff for their work to make residents feel welcome and to ensure access to resources. It states that National Library Week offers a chance to reflect on and celebrate the role the library plays in strengthening the community. The national theme cited in the proclamation is “find your joy.”

The proclamation says all residents are encouraged to visit their local library, take part in its programs and recognize it as a vital gathering place in Berkeley Township.

After the proclamation was read, a library representative urged residents who do not have a library card to sign up for one and highlighted a range of free services available through the library.

Those services include access to books, audiobooks and digital materials for Kindle users, along with databases, language-learning tools, continuing education resources and job search support. The representative also said the library can help residents build job skills and use programs such as Excel. In addition to borrowing materials, residents can use services such as faxing, scanning and emailing documents, according to the remarks at the meeting.

Bacchione also noted that library funding comes from property tax dollars through a dedicated line item and said residents are welcome to use the library at any time.