[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 167 (Thursday, November 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1736]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE NUTLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 21, 2013

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Nutley 
Public Library, located in Essex County, New Jersey, as it celebrates 
its Centennial Anniversary.
  The Nutley Public Library has a strong history, as its building and 
collection have continued to grow since its opening in August, 1914. 
The origins of the Nutley Public Library begin in 1896, when a private 
library held the starting 3,000 book collection. The intention of the 
private library was to hold the books until the Township of Nutley 
could find a location for a library. However, it was not until 1914, 
when the town was provided an Andrew Carnegie grant that the new public 
library, designed by Armstrong and DeGelleke, was built, and the 
collection was moved to its current home.
  In January 1942, the library expanded the original building to 
accommodate its ever-growing collection. Through the funding of a 
Federal Works Project Administration Grant and local funds, the library 
added three stories, designed by Behee and Kramer.
  On August 25, 1980, the second floor ceiling collapsed. The fall of 
the 65 by 40 foot ceiling section knocked over many bookcases, and 
caused severe damage. Thankfully, the library was closed at the time of 
the collapse. The first floor was able to remain open through the 
duration of the repairs, with the librarians retrieving books from the 
upstairs rooms when requested.
  In October 1990, an addition and renovation completed the library's 
current facility. Designed by James Goldstein and Associates, a 20,000 
square feet addition was added on, with its appearance preserving the 
essence of the original and historic Carnegie structure. The library 
used its own reserve funds, and turned to the community, to help pay 
for the renovation. The library received its financial help through the 
Friends of the Nutley Public Library, Township bonds, and a New Jersey 
State Library Construction Grant.
  The Nutley Public Library became the 70th member of the Bergen County 
Cooperative Library System in 1996. This system allows the library to 
be fully computerized and view the holdings of all the BCCLS libraries, 
and is accessible 24 hours a day.
  Today, the Library maintains a collection of approximately 90,000 
books. The collection includes reference books, adult books, young 
adult books, and approximately 25,000 children's books. The Library is 
able to provide large print books, magazines, videos, music, 
downloadable eBooks, and audio books. It is currently governed by a 
Board of Trustees and two ex-officio members. The Board members are 
chosen by the Mayor and serve five year terms. The two ex-officio 
members include the Mayor and the Superintendent of Schools, or their 
delegates. The library is currently funded by the New Jersey Per Capita 
State Aid, donations, and the Township. Eighty percent of interest from 
these funds is used for the purchase of books and other material. The 
library is proud to celebrate its history and look forward to its 
continuous growth in the future.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Nutley Public Library and thanking the Friends of the Nutley Public 
Library as it celebrate its Centennial Anniversary.

                          ____________________