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Hopewell Public Library Director Retires after a Decade of Service

After nearly 12 years at the helm of Hopewell Public Library’s much-loved “red library,” Anne Zeman will retire at the end of 2021.

From her first day on the job in 2010, the library’s new director recognized HPL was special: much more than just a place to borrow books, the library was the heart of the borough, a central gathering place for parents and kids, students, history buffs, and, of course, readers. Her first official act, in fact, had nothing to do with books. Startled by the high speed traffic that raced down Broad Street at all hours, Anne appeared before the Borough Council with a suggestion for installing an illuminated pedestrian crosswalk so that library patrons could safely cross the busy intersection. It was in full operation within months.
Also in her first months on the job, Anne inaugurated the “Wednesday Night Out” lecture series, a regular forum showcasing local authors, historians, and experts in fields ranging from mathematics and technology to butterflies and native plants, railroads and cooking. She expanded the range of programs hosted at the library and organized a wide array of community events, including walking tours, open house gatherings and nature walks. “When you are the director of a small library with a small budget, you have to do it all—prepare an annual budget, manage staff and volunteer schedules, maintain an up-to-date collection, plan and promote events and speakers, and keep the plants watered and biscuit tin full for canine visitors.”


Anne’s arrival coincided with big changes in the publishing and library world. While the internet had been around for a while, online access from the library was limited. Anne oversaw upgrades to the library’s computers, high-speed internet with free WiFi, and built an all-new web site where patrons could see newly added titles in the book and media collections, news of upcoming events, search the catalog, and reserve materials. When the introduction of “e-books” arrived, Anne got the library’s collection up and running, allowing patrons to download e-books directly without having to visit the library. That would come in handy later, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the temporary closing of the library. Building the library’s social media presence—including Facebook and Instagram pages—was another timely innovation that kept the library in touch with its users when direct, personal contact was restricted.


Saying goodbye to the red library isn’t easy. “Working with and getting to know our incredible staff and volunteers has been a great pleasure and a privilege, as has getting to know the people and businesses that make Hopewell Borough such a wonderful place to live and work.” She is also grateful for the support of the Borough’s Library Board and its chairman, Woody Carsky-Wilson. “Library boards exercise important oversight, ensuring that the library is meeting the needs of the community in a fiscally responsible way. I’m thankful to have had the full backing of the board in all of the projects and improvements we’ve undertaken in my time with Hopewell Public.” Most of all, Anne will miss the people of Hopewell--parents who bring their kids to the library, the daily visitors who come in to use the computers or read the newspaper, and the many attendees who’ve supported and enjoyed the Wednesday Night Out events at the Train Station and Hopewell Theatre. “The library isn’t about books. It’s about people.”

Jennifer Saltman Retiring

One of the most important destinations in the Hopewell Public Library is the Children’s Room. That’s where an impressive collection of new and classic children’s books resides, where Story Time unfolds every Monday, and where “Ms. Jennifer” is sought out for just the right book, craft, or a special hug. Jennifer Saltman, our Children’s Librarian, will be retiring at the end of the year, and everyone who has ever attended one of her readings or spent an hour browsing the collection she has curated will want to stop in to visit and wish her well.
Jennifer was named the Children’s Librarian eleven years ago. Since then, we have renovated the children’s room, updated the collection, and greatly expanded the activities the library offers young people. Jennifer deserves a lot of the credit. She enhanced the Summer Reading Program, created new activities, and engaged local merchants in special projects aimed at encouraging literacy and creativity. With her background of 30 years experience in early childhood education and as director of a pre-school, Jennifer’s programs were always well-grounded in sound educational principles—but more importantly, they were always fun! Children often do not know the names of the HPL staff, but they all know Ms. Jennifer and call her by name. Jennifer has a special way with children, evident in her gentle, engaging manner.


When Covid-19 forced the temporary closure of the library and the introduction of special safety precautions after the library re-opened, like masking and social distancing, Jennifer reacted with her characteristic imagination and energy. She moved Story Time from the second floor of the library building to the gazebo in the park, and then, when colder weather came, to the train station where there was lots of room for safe social distancing. During the height of the pandemic’s enforced isolation, Jennifer partnered with a local author and illustrator for an individual scavenger hunt in which the children used the clues to actually write their own story!


In the last few years, Jennifer’s children have had children of their own, and our Children’s Librarian is handing off her duties at the Red Library to take up the duties of grandmother. Everyone, staff and patrons, young and old, will miss her greatly. We wish her great happiness and fulfillment in her new role and extend our warmest thanks for all she has done to make the Hopewell Public Library’s Children’s Room a fun, stimulating, and welcoming place.
Preschool Storytime

Children's Story Time is back!

We will gather Mondays at 10:30 am, at the Hopewell Train Station, 2 Railroad Place.

Adult masks, please.
BrainFuse HelpNow - Free Online Tutoring

Brainfuse HelpNow is now available to provide free online tutoring with your library card. Just click Brainfuse HelpNow and enter your HPL library card number. Live online tutoring is available every day from 2 PM to 11 PM.
 
HelpNow's features include Homework Help, Skills-Building, Personalized eLearning Tools, 24-Hour Writing Lab, Homework Send Question, Adult Learning Center , and Foreign Language Lab /Spanish-Speaking Support.
HPL Book Club

The HPL Book Club  meets in the library on the first Monday of each month. For more information on attending, call or email the library. See HPL Book Club for the 2021 book list.
HPL Recommended Books

Click here to browse the full list of staff suggestions, or drop by the Library to browse the Adult and Children's books!
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  Hopewell, NJ 08525
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