At the recent Board meeting, Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl commented on the increased patron activity at both the Hunterdon County Main Branch Library and North County Branch Library locations. The door counts for the Main Branch Library increased 33% in 2023 compared to 2022. North County Branch Library door counts increased over 18% during the same time period.
Commissioner Director Kuhl stated, “The increase in turnout is a credit to the wide variety of interesting programming that is being offered by the Hunterdon County Library system. There are programs available to appeal to people on a variety of levels. Our libraries are a wonderful resource for learning and are much more than a place to just take out books.”
Contributing to this increase is the expanded use of the newly renovated Main Branch Library, which features a state-of-the-art Makerspace with a computer training lab, redesigned adult services area, two collaborative small group study rooms, quiet study space with high-speed Internet, teen making space and redesigned children’s play-zone complete with interactive exhibits. The Makerspace provides an opportunity for community members of all ages and backgrounds to connect, discover, build, and create through hands-on experimentation and exploration.
Additionally, Friends of Hunterdon County Library helped to fund in December of last year, the launch of “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten”, which promotes the reading and sharing of books throughout the year for the youngest “readers”, through the Youth Services Department.
Mr. Kuhl shared, “I am glad to hear that people are taking advantage of the numerous events and resources available in our county libraries. I encourage you all to visit your local library soon and see for yourself what they have to offer.”
For more information on the Hunterdon County Library system visit www.hclibrary.us