Bloomfield Is Home To A ‘Best Loved Library’

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A website has named the Bloomfield Children’s Library as a “Best Loved Library.”

Recently, Hulafrog gave a well-deserved nod to the Bloomfield Children’s Library, which is located at 90 Broad Street.

According to Bloomfield Township officials, the library completed a 2019-2021 strategic plan last year, which was authored by using input from local community leaders, library patrons and staff. The plan, which is available online, puts an emphasis on more public shows, arts and cultural programs, increased outreach to teens and adults, closer relationships with local schools, programs that help residents with citizenship and ESL information, and preserving and digitizing the library's local history collection.

The entire program calendar can be accessed online. March children’s programming at the Bloomfield Public Library includes:

• Read Across America, Dr. Seuss Storytime programs with special guest readers all week (March 3 to 6)
• Spring Storytime Series begins with Spanish Storytime on March 3 at 11 a.m.
• Open Craft Studio on March 7 at 3 p.m.

Library Director Holly Belli said staff are “thrilled” about the kudos from Hulafrog.

“This recognition is a reflection on the fantastic team of people who work hard to bring Bloomfield residents the very best in library services,” Belli said, giving a particular shout-out to Cheryl Locastro, head of Children's Services.

“The staff are always looking for new and exciting program ideas and local partnerships, and the response to those efforts has been very positive,” Belli said.

“I would like to congratulate the library board, director Holly Belli and the entire library staff on this recognition,” Mayor Michael Venezia said. “They work extremely hard year-round to solicit feedback from the community and take that feedback to deliver amazing services for Bloomfield families.”

“As a parent of two young girls, I’m especially proud of our children’s selection and programs, which include weekly storytimes as well as music and movement and mixed-media art programs,” Venezia added.

Councilwoman Jenny Mundell, the council liaison to Board of Trustees of the Bloomfield Public Library, said that the township is fortunate to have a library that seeks input from residents, and responds by providing engaging programming for visitors of all ages.

“The library is constantly bringing innovative, community-centric programming and resources to Bloomfield,” Mundell said. “This recognition by Hulafrog is a testament to the library’s essential role in our community and is well-deserved.”

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