Former Cedar Grove Library Director Starts Work at Bloomfield Public Library

Catherine Wolverton didn't have much time to get settled into her new job as director of Bloomfield Public Library. On her first day Dec. 13, the  and she's been scrambling to get it fixed since.

But Wolverton isn't sweating it. The Caldwell resident looks forward to getting acclimated with the big-town atmosphere Bloomfield offers.

"The one thing about Bloomfield, whether people work or live here, is that people are so passionately pro-Bloomfield," said Wolverton. "It's very exciting for me to be part of that. You feed off the passion of the people."

Wolverton, 36, served as director at Cedar Grove Public Library for six years before taking the job at Bloomfield, previously held by interim director Rowland Bennett. Already, she's noticed a vast difference between the two Essex County towns.

"Bloomfield is definitely a much larger undertaking than Cedar Grove," Wolverton said. "In Cedar Grove everyone kind of new my name – it's a smaller population. Here, it's going to take me a little longer to network like that."

Wolverton, who got her start working in public libraries at age 16, sees the potential the sizable library has. She noted the unique dichotomy between the modern adult library and the children's library, located in an adjacent building, and the opportunities each hold.

"The children's library is safe place just for children and parents," she said. "And then you have a nice, quiet, adult-geared library."

In wake of budget cuts, Wolverton said she and her staff of about 30 need to be "realistic" about maintaining the library and its services, a growing public concern.

"(Our budget is) down a bit this year, but we understand that's across the board," she said. "Mayor McCarthy has been very supportive of the library, and it's nice to have him sit on the board."

McCarthy serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees.

Bloomfield's Friends of the Library (FOL) group has also played a major role in supporting the library during tough economical times. Aside from monetary donations, FOL has purchased things like chairs and furniture for the library.

"They really help us serve the patrons in a manner that they deserve," said Wolverton.

FOL hosted a public reception for Wolverton, who was warmly welcomed by Bloomfield residents. It was the first step in familiarizing the public with Bloomfield's newest personality.

"I'm really looking forward to integrating the library into the community," Wolverton said. "And making it so that we're part of everything."