mattersmagazine.com 15 subscribed for the construction of a Library building.…” Designed by the New York architectural firm of Stephenson & Greene, the building was completed in April 1896, and its formal dedication took place in May of that year. Almostexactly30yearslater, circulation stood at nearly 56,000, and the community recognized that in order to meet revenue needs, the library would need to become a truly public, tax-supported institution. On April 27, 1926, a referendum was held and citizens voted to transfer the building, books and other property to the municipality. The building that houses the library we know today was constructed next door to the Connett building and dedicated in November 1968. And once again, at the conclusion of a 150th - anniversary celebration that started in May 2015 and culminated a few weeks ago, the library is facing the challenges that come with increasing and evolving community needs. “We’re well aware that our current building is falling short in several important ways,” says Karen Hartshorn Hilton, president of the South Orange Public Library Foundation, who formerly served for 10 years as president of the library’s board of trustees. “We need to upgrade the Children’s Room. Our small-group meeting spaces are not adequate. And we need more space for seniors’ and children’s events.” Hilton and other committed volunteers are hoping that the 150th - anniversary events have inspired more citizens to step up and become part of the library’s future efforts to create resources and solutions. Hildy Karp, a library board member and chair of the 150th - anniversary committee, is glad that the library has been able to start restoring the roof of the historic Connett building, thanks to a grant from the Essex County Open Space and Trust Fund. In recent years, that structure has been used by EIES (Electronic Information and Education Service) of New Jersey, a group that creates access to printed news sources for individuals with visual disabilities. The eventual goal is to make the Connett building an active part of the library space again. “People cherish this library,” Karp says. “We’d like to see more of those that have been part of our past and our present getting excited about our library’s future.” Edie Sachs is a writer and editor in South Orange. She is thankful to the South Orange Library for bringing education and entertainment to her family during the 13 years she has lived here. ABOVE: A glimpse at the future and conceptually how the Connett Building would connect to the South Orange Library building. MAGGIE AXELROD-CALISTER 973.313.2722 ■ thetenthmusegallery.com A NEW SEASON... HOURS mon.—wed. 10am-6pm thurs.—sat. 10am—8:00pm