Kids And Gun Safety: Library In Essex County Will Hold Seminar

WEST CALDWELL, NJ — In the news over the summer, a Florida 2-year-old accidentally shot his father with a gun, and a 3-year-old shot himself to death with a gun found in a toolbox. Such stories abound.

The West Caldwell Public Library is presenting a seminar for adults to teach them about kids, guns, and safety next week called, "Be SMART: A Conversation About Kids, Guns, And Safety."

Up to 60 adults can register for the seminar, and they don't necessarily have to be West Caldwell residents.

The Be SMART campaign is a public education program of Everytown for Gun Safety, and was launched to raise awareness for "secure gun storage" — storing guns locked, unloaded and separate from ammunition.

The library noted in a release, "Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for U.S. children. The audience will learn the ways we, as adults, can work together to keep kids safe in light of the sobering gun violence statistics in the nation and New Jersey."

Those in attendance will also be entered into a raffle to win a gun safe.

Kindergarten Teacher Began Volunteering

Be SMART emphasizes that it’s an adult responsibility to keep kids from accessing guns, and that every adult can play a role in keeping kids and communities safer.

The Be SMART framework is designed to help adults normalize conversations about gun safety and responsible gun ownership.

Lorraine Lombardi, the NJ State Be SMART lead volunteer, will present the Be SMART
community presentation.

"As a former kindergarten teacher, Lorraine was horrified by the Sandy Hook shootings in 2012 and joined Everytown for Gun Safety shortly thereafter," a release says. "In 2017, she became an active volunteer and focused her volunteer efforts on the Be SMART campaign."

Joining Lorraine will be Kathy Keegan, who became a member of the Essex County Be SMART team earlier this year and has supported gun safety since college. Kathy has seen the consequences of gun violence with the tragic death of a young woman who trained her for a part-time job.

This in-person seminar will take place at the West Caldwell Public Library at 30 Clinton Road on Monday. Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required.

Register for the program or find out more about the library at WCPLNJ.org.

The library Adult Program Coordinator is availableMonday through Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 973-226-5441.Email inquiries to alexis.prussack-martin@westcaldwell.bccls.org