Bellevue Library Re-Opening Anniversary Celebration Today

There's a party going on today at the Bellevue Avenue library branch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate the anniversary of the branch's re-opening.

There will be puppet shows, face painting, and refreshments. All are welcome.

The future of the Carnegie Foundation-funded building established in 1914 had looked dire not too long ago when the library trustees announced its closing on January 24, 2011 due to an estimated $800,000 cut in municipal aid.

But thanks to a massive fundraising effort by a group of residents—led by Ilmar Vanderer and other concerned citizens—the library re-opened on June 6 and has remained open every Monday with the help of dozens of dedicated volunteers.

Many of the township council members taking office July 1 have promised to look into whether the Bellevue branch might be able to open a second day of the week. Currently, the branch is only open on Mondays.