Letters from the library

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! We hope that your holiday season was both restful and enjoyable. As we start 2016, we have a blank page in a new book. However, I would like to look back on a story that is still in progress, the history of the Pinelands Library.

The Burlington County Library was the first to open in New Jersey in the 1920s. Without a permanent edifice, the books were housed in local homes, churches, firehouses and post offices and staffed by local volunteers. Medford Village Firehouse opened its doors to the library in 1928, and the library was relocated to Medford Village Community House in 1946.

As Medford grew, its demand for books and other services grew, and the need for a permanent facility became apparent. As with all projects, there was disagreement in the community. The conflict was resolved in 1968 when the township purchased a bus garage, and then mayor Ephraim Tomlinson suggested that be converted to the library. Two additions were built with donations of time and money, and within two years the library was complete and paid for.

It was during the construction that the Medford Library Association was born. A decision was necessary regarding who would operate the library, the association, the township or the county. For reasons of staffing and book supplies, the county was the choice. Our application to become a branch library was approved in 1971. Because the library services not only Medford and Medford Lakes, but also Tabernacle, Shamong, Southampton and Indian Mills, the library was named Pinelands Library in recognition of our relationship to the Pine Barrens. In 1986 another addition was built expanding the library to 6,000 square feet.

Today we have a full-time staff to assist you with any questions or needs you have regarding the services available, but more on the scope of those many services next time.

Now, back to the present. There are many weekly activities that continue at the library. In addition we are looking forward to another Mini-Make Tech Camp on Jan. 29 at 3:30 p.m. Encourage your children’s interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through a variety of play and experimental activities. Check out www.bcls.lib.nj.us/events/calendar?field_library_location_tid%5B%5D=232 for a full listing of January activities.

Until next time, keep turning those pages and stay warm.

Medford Library Association

Margaret Lafferty