Library Dedicates Teen Loft and Gaming Room

The upstairs area of the Haddonfield Public Library has always been a good place for teens to study. It’s quiet and reference librarians are available for “the human aspect” of guidance on Internet or other research, Tom Twitchell said at Wednesday’s dedication of the library loft.

 “Now it looks nice,” added the 17-year-old, one of two high school trustees of the Haddonfield Friends of the Library. The dedication ceremony conflicted with the rowing schedule of the other teenaged trustee, Natalia Kastenberg.

Dedication and a traditional ribbon cutting opening of the library loft, as well the inauguration of a lower level gaming area built around a Wii video game, brought out town leaders and a handful of teenagers.

The revamp, turning a dingy upper level plagued with peeling plaster from roof leaks, into one with high-top tables and comfortable chairs, was paid for with funds dedicated to the Friends of the Library from the 2009 Holiday House Tour and the friends’ annual fall book sale.

The house tour generated $19,759, a one-time revenue source, and nearly all of it was spent on improvement to the balcony and its meeting room, said Haddonfield Librarian Susan Briant.  The money was used for lighting, carpeting and furnishings.

House tour proceeds also covered a new 55-inch LED television, the Wii gaming system and games, and a new DVD and VCR player for use in the lower level room, adjacent to the children’s section.

About $12,000 was used to paint the upper and lower levels, improve some carpeting, and add some stair treads.  The borough kicked in about $40,000 for roof repairs, Briant said.

Each year, the Friends of the Library contribute funds to pay for the summer reading programs, along with teen and adult programs. They provide seed money for new technologies, including downloadable audio and e-book subscriptions.

Operating costs and building improvements generally are covered by the borough budget, supported by taxes, Briant said.

Phil Shapiro, now in his second year as president of the 325-member Friends of the Haddonfield Library, said volunteers who man the three-day book sale are an integral part of the fundraising effort.

Twitchell, who was at the library with David Jacobowitz, 16, said the Friends hope to meet the challenge of advising town residents of the library’s “unique services,” that go beyond the new games and music CDs to include quiet areas for study. “Some kids don’t know what’s here for them,” he said.

Hannah McGovern and Emma Sullivan, both 15, were slouched in new chairs in the balcony area, chatting over books they were bringing home.

Author Judy Picoult is a favorite, said Hannah. “I’ve read eight this year,” she said.

During the loft dedication, members of the library’s board of trustees and the friends’ group acknowledged the help of volunteers, especially during the book sale. Gene Kain, president of the board of trustees, said almost every available nook in the building has been put to use, with computers in several locations, and reading and research areas. “None of this happens because of one person. It’s always group involvement,” said Kain.

Children’s librarian Dorothy Peppard, who selected furniture for the loft area, said she was inspired during visits to Jersey Java, a coffee shop on Haddon Avenue. “I’d see lots of people there and I wanted them here,” she said.

The loft concept provides a spot for teens to mix and mingle, Peppard said, but also has niches for private study and is suitable for a meeting of a book club or small community group.

The Wii gaming room is available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after school and is intended for residents who are in the fifth grade or above. Adults are welcome, Peppard said.

Basic membership in the Friends of the Haddonfield Library begins at $10 a year. For $25, a new book will list the name of the member. The “best friend” level is $100, said Shapiro. Applications and information is available online at hfol.org.

“If anyone want to expand the contribution, that’s OK,” said Shapiro. “There are a lot of nonprofits in town. Volunteering in Haddonfield is a large effort."