The Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library celebrated its temporary relocation to the Berkeley College campus in Woodland Park with a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony that highlighted all the materials, services and programming that will be available during its two-year stay.
The library will be known as the Woodland Park Public Library (WPPL) at Berkeley College during its temporary relocation while the borough builds a new $5.8 million state-of-the-art library facility that will double the library’s size at its former location. Woodland Park received a a $2.9 million New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act grant for the project.
About 300 Woodland Park residents and dignitaries for the ribbon-cutting on June 27 that was dubbed the “Grand Partnership” event celebrating the collaboration between Berkeley College and Woodland Park officials to give the library its temporary home. Dignitaries in attendance included New Jersey State Librarian Jennifer Nelson and Sen. Kristin Corrado (R-40), as well as various Berkeley College and Woodland Park Borough officials.
“Libraries symbolize empowerment, knowledge, and lifelong learning, all ideals that align with our mission at Berkeley College,” said Berkeley College President Diane Recinos, Ed.D. “We are thrilled to have the Woodland Park Public Library on campus, and for our students to engage with its materials, services, and programming. We are also excited to welcome the Woodland Park community to our campus, and to share with them the Berkeley College spirit.”
The Grand Partnership event featured tours of the Berkeley College campus and Library facilities, live music, refreshments, and the kickoff to the WPPL Summer Reading Program.
“This partnership is a shining example of the strength we gain when a community works together,” said Linda Hoffman, director of the Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library. “As the library finds its new temporary home at Berkeley College, it reaffirms our commitment to fostering a culture of learning, discovery, and innovation, where minds are nurtured, ideas are exchanged, and futures are shaped.”
Hoffman also acknowledged Berkeley College alumnae who have been ambassadors to the library. Interior Design graduates Reem Beck created the initial renderings for the library renovation, and Amy Bover of Coppa Montalbano Architects is the project’s current designer. Alumna Ariel Lampley, who worked in the library during her time as a student, sang during the Grand Partnership ceremony.
“Tonight marks the beginning of a dream come true. With the overwhelming support of our community, we have secured funding to expand and renovate our Library,” said Keith Kazmark, Mayor of Woodland Park. “It is with great pride and gratitude that we embark on this journey to provide an exceptional library experience for all.”
Photo: (L-R) Diane Recinos, EdD, president of Berkeley College; LaTysha Gaines, campus operating officer; Kevin L. Luing, Berkeley College board chairman; Keith Kazmark, Woodland Park mayor; Linda Hoffman, director, Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library; Tracy Kallert, Woodland Park council president; Lynda Hade, president, Friends of the Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library; and Laurie McFadden, senior director, Berkeley College Library. – Photo courtesy of Berkeley College.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees and certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers continuing education programs to enhance career credentials
