Library  -Continued-

Although no major renovations have been done to the inside of the building since 1976 the outside of the building has been well tended. An underground sprinkler system was installed, the original slate roof was repaired and upgraded, and new gutters and leaders were installed. The 100 or so windows were scraped, sanded, and painted. Interior ceilings and walls, damaged by the leaking roof, were replastered and painted. The basement was cleaned and painted in anticipation of creating some additional usable space. The front porch/patio was replaced in the same Tudor style as the original photographs show.

The Rotary Club provided funds to purchase a CD-ROM workstation that gives patrons access to various databases such as Books in Print, Encyclopedia, and Discovering Authors. Over the past 51 years the Woman's Club has provided funds for special projects from their annual Tag Day. Funds from the 1994 Tag Day were used to purchase two Public Access Terminals in July 1995.

In 1993 the library actively pursued automation. Working with the PALS+ consortium, the Pompton Lakes Library was "on-line" by October of 1994. Barcoded borrower's cards and books that allow easy circulation and watch of materials have successfully brought the library into the age of technology. The ability to search the on-line catalog that contains the holdings of the five consortium libraries widens patrons' abilities to locate needed materials. With adequate funding the library will be equipped to provide access to magazine and newspaper indexes and full-text of articles.

In 1987, the library celebrated its 75th anniversary. Governor Thomas H. Kean wrote "Whether we read for entertainment or to expand our education, the ability to read is a precious gift that each of us should treasure. Our public libraries are a valuable resource. As Governor, I commend Pompton Lakes for its dedication in providing such a wonderful opportunity to its citizens for over seven decades".

As the Pompton Lakes Public Library nears the completion of its eighth decade of service to the community it continues to offer story time programs for preschool youngsters, special craft programs and summer reading programs for all community youngsters, materials for school assignments, educational and informational programs for adults, tax preparation assistance for senior citizens, magazines, newspapers, and books, books, books, as well as the new advanced technological accesses on the information highway. The library, with continued support of the community, will enrich each and every resident of this borough with free access to information.