Source: The Town Manager, October 1931, p. 9

Teaneck Public Library Serves Many Readers (1931)

Figures Show Rapid Grouth

1931 Library ExteriorThe Teaneck Public Library was organized March 8, 1927, through the efforts of a group of public-spirited women, who for many years had conducted a library supported by private funds. Through a fortunate real estate transaction these women were able to offer the township the sum of $15,000 for a building fund. This amount was accepted and the township voted to add $5,000 to this fund to organize a municipal tax supported library. Mr. Frederick T. Warner donated his time and talent in planning and supervising the construction of the present building which was dedicated in November, 1927.

Year Main Library School Libraries Total
1928 20,867   20,867
1929 43,833   43,833
1930 53,522 19,209 72,731
1931* 47,171 8,644 55,815
* For first 8 months.

When the library was opened in 1927 there were 650 books on the shelves. Today there are 7,500 books in the Main Library and over 4,500 distributed among the six elementary school branches. On January, 1928, there were 175 borrowers registered. Today there are 3,933 residents of Teaneck registered at the main Library.
The comparative circulation figures for the past years show the growth of the library since its opening in 1927.

1931 Library InteriorFor average cost of each book circulation has decreased from 10.7 cents in 1928 to 7.5 cents in 1931 (for first 6 months). This average is much smaller than that of 12 cents given by New York State in 1930 for libraries in communities the size of Teaneck.

During 1930 branches were opened in the six elementary schools for the use of the students of these schools. They have each been in charge of a teacher. During the school year 1931-32 they are to be in charge of Mrs. Sam Tour, under the supervision of the Librarian of the Main Library.

The books on the library shelves cover a wide variety of subjects as well as fiction and juveniles. An average of 80 new books a month are added to the Main Library.

The library staff consists of the librarian, Mr. Agnes C. Norton, the assistant librarian, Miss Alice H. Rust, and Mrs. W. T. Ward, who is employed on a part time schedule. The staff are always glad to help any library patron with the choice of books or reference work.

The Library hours are as follows:

Every afternoon (including Saturday) 2:00 – 5:30.
Evenings: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7:00 – 9:30.
Mornings. Saturday, 10:00 – 12.

 

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