While some meeting places and businesses have seen their customer numbers dwindle since the pandemic, the same cannot be said of the Hackettstown Free Public Library. Attendance in the building is nearly 30% more than the same time last year, and the circulation (the number of books, movies, etc. checked out) is up almost 20%. Even new library card registrations this year are almost double what they were last year. 

Library Director Jerry Galante credits this surge to his staff and the programs available at the library. 

“I am blessed to have a welcoming and friendly staff,” he said. “People love coming in to browse what’s new or even say hello to the person working the front desk. It’s a really nice atmosphere. Our Friends group and the grants we’ve received have allowed us to offer some unique programming this year. I think that helps draw people in.” 

Galante also noted that the library’s increased presence on social media has been a factor in the library’s reach into the community. This includes features on the library’s very own YouTube channel. 

“We’ve recorded some programs for people to view later,” said Galante. “So, if they can’t make the program in-person, they can always watch it on our YouTube channel from the comfort of their couch.” 

To wit, one of the recent programs through the library, “The Tyrannical Booth Family,” a lecture about John Wilkes Booth, his family, and the Lincoln assassination hosted by Dr. Peter Lubrecht, has reached over 10,000 views on the Hackettstown Free Public Library YouTube channel. 

“That’s just an incredible number of views,” said Galante. “Very exciting to know that our patron base is growing in myriad ways.” 

The library has a number of interesting adult programs scheduled for this fall that should continue the trend of people visiting. Happening over the course of the fall is the “Art and Craft of Writing” series. This is a group of six programs that looks at the process of writing from different angles, from fiction and graphic novels to screenwriting and poetry. It is hosted by professionals in the business, including author Maryann McFadden and screenwriter and actor Steven Kampmann. This series is sponsored by a grant from the Warren County Cultural and Heritage Commission. In September, accomplished artist and musician Joseph Coco will be at the library to discuss his fifty-year painting career. October’s highlights include origami and cake decorating classes. November features a talk and Q&A with local author Starr Diethorn. 

The exciting fall events are not limited to adults, however. In the Children’s Room, the weekly Wednesday story times will continue into the cooler months, as well as the LEGO Club, Sensory Story Time, and ASL Story Time. In addition to these, there will be monthly S.T.E.A.M. days, story and craft events, and even a “bad art” competition for kids. These new programs are the brainchild of Rebecca Weisman, the Youth Services assistant at the library. 

“We’re offering a little bit of everything in terms of programming. No two children are the same, and we want to make sure that every child finds something they like at our library” Weisman said. 

Please see the Library’s calendar of events for more details hackettstownlibrary.org/calendar. 

A free Hackettstown library card is available to anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Hackettstown. Apply in person or go to hackettstownlibrary.org.

The Hackettstown Free Public Library is located at 110 Church Street. 

For more information, call (908) 852-4936 or email info@hackettstownlibrary.org