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Collection The Library has more than 180,000 books and 150 periodical titles. The non-print collection includes books on tape, videos, audio cassettes, DVDs and CD-ROMs. In 1998 the Library migrated to an automated catalog and circulation system, which has since been upgraded. The Library shares this system, called Clavis, with the Newark Public Library. Newark Public Library and Irvington Public Library honor one another's library cards, so Irvington Public Library members may borrow from Newark libraries and vice versa. Internet Services The Library has 35 computers for public Internet access. 16 are in the Internet section in the Mezzanine, six in the Children's Library, twelve in the Technology Training Lab and 1 research computer in the Adult Reference area . Introductory Internet classes (as well as classes in e-mail, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel) are held weekly and are free of charge. Those interested in participating are asked to sign up at the reference desk 15-30 minutes before the start of the class. The Library is a "hot spot" for wireless Internet for those who have a laptop and there are several power sources located throughout the main reading room. Programs The Library offers a variety of free programs. Children's activities include story hour, a summer reading program, Halloween and Christmas parties, arts and crafts, bingo, and occasional special programs. There is also an annual "Read-Out", where parents and local officials read to an audience of children and adults. Programs for adults include the aforementioned computer classes, a monthly poetry night, author presentations, an annual art fair, Black History Month programs, and special public affairs presentations. Library Use Library use has been increasing over the past several years. Well over 400,000 people used the Library in 2006, up almost 50,000 from 2000. Internet usage is skyrocketing. We are on a pace to see 55,000 visitors in our Internet section in 2007; that's over double what use was in 2001. Finance The Library currently operates on a one million dollar ($1,000,000) annual budget. About ninety per cent of the budget comes from the Township of Irvington's annual lump sum appropriation. The State of New Jersey contributes about eighty thousand dollars ($80,000) through the state Library. Mission Statement The mission of the Irvington Free Public Library is to provide and promote open and equal access to the resources and services necessary to meet the informational, educational, recreational, and cultural needs of all member of the community. Goals 1.To provide open, non-judgmental access to its collections and services without regard to race, citizenship, age, educational level, economic status, religion, or any other qualification or condition and to provide courteous, efficient, and prompt service by qualified personnel. 2.To acquire and make easily and equally available to the community the print and non-print materials in the collection of the Irvington Public Library and to provide access to the collections of the New Jersey Library Network and other cooperating libraries. 4. To expedite the selection, acquisition, and processing of new materials which provide current and accurate information on any topic which reflects the interests and needs of the community. 5. To attract and develop a staff of high quality with special skills and knowledge to help Library users and to create an environment that motivates staff to achieve high levels of performance and productivity. 6. To develop staff awareness of the community through continued training and education. 7. To make available on a regular basis a wide variety of exhibits prepared by library staff and members of the community who wish to display their works and collections. 8. To utilize appropriate technology to maintain and improve Library operations and services. 9. To maintain a library building that will provide easy access to facilities, will be open hours convenient to the public, and that will offer an attractive and comfortable atmosphere conducive to reading and learning. 10. To assess periodically the community's information needs and to plan programs to satisfy those needs. 11. To develop and maintain working relationships with other civic, cultural, educational, social, and informational agencies. 12. To pursue supplemental sources of support for the Library program including grants and gifts. 13. To insure the rights of privacy in the selection and use of materials by individual Library users. 14. To support the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement and to protect Library material from censorship. Approved June 12, 1987 Staff The Irvington Public Library currently has 27.5 full time equivalent staff. Eight staff members are professional librarians with MLS degrees.
Board of Trustees
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