7 Essential Things You Need To Know About The Garfield Public Library NJ In 2025

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The Garfield Public Library in New Jersey continues to serve as a dynamic and indispensable community hub, offering far more than just books in 2025. As a proud member of the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS), the library provides residents with a wealth of up-to-date digital and physical resources, alongside engaging programs for all ages.

This article dives into the most current and essential information, from new leadership and board members to the latest services and programs designed to enrich the lives of the Garfield, NJ community.

Leadership and Governance: The People Behind the Pages

The library’s operations and strategic direction are overseen by a dedicated team of staff and a volunteer Board of Trustees, ensuring its services remain relevant to the needs of the city of Garfield. The library’s commitment to quality public service is reflected in its key personnel and governing bodies.

  • Library Director: The current leadership is spearheaded by Jeff Cupo, who guides the staff in delivering diverse public services.
  • Head of Public Services: Christopher Shupenko manages the frontline services and public engagement initiatives.
  • Adult Services Librarian: Gail Lordi is responsible for curating resources and programs specifically for adult patrons.
  • Head of Circulation: Nikola Skurteski oversees the crucial day-to-day operations of lending and returns.
  • Library Board of Trustees: The board, which meets regularly, includes members such as Thomas Derr (President), Kathy Grzywnowicz-Muniz (Vice-President/Mayor's Alternate), and Paola C. Lebowitz (Treasurer), among others like Ruth Springer, Reginald Buggs Sr., and Stephanie Urgovich.
  • Library Foundation: Key figures in the supporting Library Foundation include Pat Esposito (President) and Pamela Piro (Vice President), who help secure additional funding for vital projects.

The Latest Programs and Events for 2025

The Garfield Public Library is not just a quiet place for reading; it is a center of activity with a fresh calendar of events catering to children, teens, and adults. The programming for the 2025 season is focused on community engagement and literacy across all age groups.

For Kids and Teens:

The Children's Room remains a focal point for youth literacy. A major new tradition is the launch of the Winter Bingo 2025-2026 game, a reading-themed challenge designed to encourage cozy reading and community involvement during the colder months. Additionally, planning is already underway for the highly anticipated 2025 Summer Reading Club, a cornerstone program to prevent summer learning loss. Teen patrons can also get involved through the Teen Advisory Board (TAB), which helps shape future events and services.

For Adults:

Adult programming goes beyond book clubs, offering practical skills and creative outlets. Recent and upcoming offerings include specialized Quilting and Sewing programs for Adults, which provide an opportunity for creative expression and social connection. The library also ensures that important governance is transparent, with Library Board of Trustees meetings scheduled for the last Wednesday of the month, often with specific dates like January 29, 2025, and a special meeting on Saturday, February 1, 2025, being announced in advance.

Essential Services and Digital Resources

As a modern library, the Garfield Public Library provides a critical bridge over the digital divide, offering a suite of technology and community services that are essential in today’s world. These services are available to all residents who hold a valid BCCLS library card.

Technology and Access

The library is a vital resource for digital access in the Garfield area. Patrons can utilize Free WiFi throughout the building, and the library offers Desktop computers for public use. For those needing mobile access, the option to borrow one of our laptops for in-house use is available. Printing services are also offered at competitive rates, including color printing and standard B&W printing.

Community and Information Services

Beyond digital access, the library offers practical community services. One highly valued service is Notary Services, which is a convenience for residents needing official documents notarized. The library also plays a key role in supporting the area’s diverse population, actively seeking Bilingual Library Assistants to better serve its patrons, which is a testament to its commitment to inclusivity.

Genealogy and Local History

For those interested in tracing their roots or exploring the history of Bergen County, the library provides access to powerful research tools. Patrons can utilize the comprehensive Ancestry Library database, which includes census data, vital records (births, deaths, marriages), and extensive local and family histories. This makes the library an invaluable resource for genealogy research in New Jersey.

The BCCLS Advantage: Expanding Your Library Card's Power

The Garfield Public Library’s membership in the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS) is one of its greatest assets. This membership dramatically expands the resources available to Garfield residents.

A Garfield library card is effectively a BCCLS card, granting access to the collections of over 70 public libraries across Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic Counties. This means patrons can request and borrow materials from a massive network of institutions, greatly enhancing the selection of print, audio, and digital collections available. Patrons can manage their loans, request new items, and access a wide array of digital content directly through the BCCLS Catalog and their My Account portal.

The library’s central location at 500 Midland Ave, Garfield, NJ 07026, makes it an accessible point for all these services, solidifying its role as a key educational and cultural institution in the city.

7 Essential Things You Need to Know About the Garfield Public Library NJ in 2025
garfield public library nj
garfield public library nj

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