Camden County Library -- Annual Report 2002

Note:  This plain text version of the annual report has been created as an alternative to the graphics-laden pdf version.  If you have been unable to download the pdf file, use this version or stop by any branch to pick up a print copy of the report.
 

Meeting and Exceeding Your Needs

Providing exceptional customer service is not limited to the business world…for the staff at the Camden County Library System, it is the most important part of our work. Our service philosophy at the Camden County Library System is simple: we strive to provide customers with the information, entertainment and services they desire.

Over the last year, we expanded and improved our services in our continuing efforts to meet that service philosophy. We completely changed our public catalog, introducing a user-friendly system so customers can access it inside or outside our walls. We brought the performing arts to kids in the summer reading program. We offered adult workshops in everything from college financial aid to feng shui. We also continued providing services through our community affiliations in the arts and literacy. This report will give you a glimpse of our accomplishments in 2002 and will show you the many ways in which the Camden County Library System is at your service.

Claudia B. Sumler

Director, Camden County Library System

Camden County Libraries at Your Service

Camden County has more than 200 services that go to work for you every day. Some of these services are provided by the Camden County Library System, of which I am proud to be the Freeholder Liaison.  With the dedication and commitment of the staff, the County's libraries continue to be some of the finest in the state, providing expanded technology services along with a new cataloging system.

Under the direction of Claudia Sumler and Karen Avenick, the libraries encourage staff development through workshops and employee training seminars that enhance the skills needed to provide state-of-the art service to the residents who utilize the services offered.

What are some of the services offered? Cultural programs for adults and children, entertainment, increased educational resources, expanded publications, adult literacy training and health seminars all provided as a special service to you.

So continue to utilize the Camden County libraries and remember that they are always at your service while ... making it better together.
 

Freeholder Riletta L. Cream, Liaison to the Camden County Library System
 

Services for Adults

Small Business 101

The Camden County Library System holds workshops in partnership with the Rutgers-Camden Small Business Center for prospective small business owners.  Marketing and drafting business plans are just a few of the topics for owners to discover.

Just Plain Fun

The library branches indulge many hobbies and activities with adult programs that are free and fun.  Past programs include: Writing Children’s Fiction Techniques, The Horrors of J.R. Tolkien, Ernest Hemingway, Sleepless in South Jersey, Feng Shui, Endangered Orangutans.

All Things Books
Great books and book programs are fixtures at the library.  Each branch hosts a number of local authors, book chats and programs centered on classic authors.

Services for Kids and Teens

Babies and Beyond

Infants, toddlers, preschoolers, preteens…no age is excluded from enjoying programs at the library.  In addition to mainstays like storytimes for toddlers and preschoolers, the library offers activities based on nature, sports, book and cartoon characters!

Homework Help

The library isn’t just where kids can do their homework…it’s where they can find help when that research paper or book report deadline is fast approaching.  Librarians help younger customers locate books, journals, or other resources to help them with their research.

For Teens, By Teens

Teens have a say in their library’s programs and events!  The library offers programs like jewelry making, video game tournaments, and open mike poetry nights, all of which have been suggested by teen customers.

Summer Reading: Book a Performance @ The Library

From puppets and plays to music and movies, the library connected reading with the performing arts during the record-breaking heat in summer 2002.  Kids enjoyed parties, crafts and a storytime with New Jersey Secretary of State Regena L. Thomas.  Kids and families capped off the summer with a party at the Flyers Skate Zone! 

Reference Services

Have a Question?
There are a number of ways we answer it.  Reference librarians at the Camden County Library System take queries by phone, fax, email and in person.

Instant Answering

Our librarians are online…they answer questions through QandANJ.org, a web site that lets users get real-time answers from librarians to their questions via computer.

When Librarians Are Stumped
New Jersey librarians get help with their questions through our library.  Reference librarians staff the New Jersey Statewide Reference Center and help find the answers or referrals for questions from librarians throughout the state.

Services for Seniors

Welcome to the Web for Seniors

Seniors learn how to use a web browser, links, addresses and basic searching in library computer classes.

Tax-Time Help
The library branches host the AARP’s Tax Aide program during tax season.  Tax-Aide is a free service that prepares tax returns and answers tax questions.

More About the Library

Library Card gets a New Look and Logo
The library system’s library card was reintroduced with a new look in 2002.  The new card describes some of the many services the library offers with words like reference, music, technical training and career information.  On the back, the card lists branch information as well as the library’s web site, www.camdencountylibrary.org, for patrons to access information online.

Assistant Director Represents NJ Librarians
Karen Avenick, assistant director of the Camden County System, served as president of the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) during most of 2002.  The majority of her work focused on developing relationships with state elected officials and revamping NJLA’s communications, including the newsletter and the web site.  Congratulations, Karen!

The Library System Opens Its Doors to Future Librarians

The library offered two open houses for working professionals thinking of a career change or students making a career decision to discover work in the library field

Over 100 prospective librarians heard from guest speakers in academic, public, special interest and school library settings and learned about scholarships and the varied programs for study locally and beyond. 

CamCat Arrives at the Library

CamCat, the combined catalog of the Camden County Library System and the Camden County College Library, debuted in 2002.  The catalog has easy-to-navigate features for searching, renewing, and requesting library materials online.  Now, from the library or from home or work, the library catalog is at your fingertips.

Library Branches Have Great “Friends”
The Friends of the Library held book sales that raised materials and programming funds for the branches.  The Friends of the Voorhees Branch raised $17,000 for the library alst year with their popular fall and spring book sales.

Gloucester Township Branch Celebrates 25 Years of Service

The Gloucester Township-Blackwood Rotary Public Library marked its 25^th Anniversary with a celebration that the community, government leaders and Friends of the library enjoyed in September 2002.  Kids enjoyed the face painting, balloon animals and a story time with the Cat in the Hat.  Everyone was treated to a performance by the Blackwood-based Mainstage Center for the Performing Arts and a national performing troupe, the Young Americans.

Library Officials, Financial Report

Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders

(as of Dec. 2002)

Jeffrey L. Nash, Freeholder Director

Edward T. McDonnell, Freeholder Deputy Director

Helen M. Albright

Annette Castiglione-Degan

Riletta L. Cream, Library Liaison

Laurelle Cummings

Thomas J. Gurick

Camden County Commission

(as of Dec. 2002)

Phyllis J. Kline, President; Albert T. Magliano, Vice President; Sharon J. Allen; Dorothy K. Blindenbacher; Carmella McMurray; John J. McPeak, Jr.; Claudia B. Sumler, Library Director

Library System Administration

(as of Dec. 2002)

Claudia B. Sumler, Director;

Karen R. Avenick, Assistant Director; Robert A. Flanagan, Chief Librarian; Christina Bates, Public Information; Lisa Bicking, Business Office; Lauren Campbell, Human Resources; Lisa A. Derfler, Technical Services; Linda Devlin, Reference Services; Judy Ingis, Special Projects; Janice Masud-Paul, Information Technology

Branch Libraries and Services

(as of Dec. 2002)

Anne Ackroyd, Gloucester Township, Nancy Bennett, South County Regional Branch; Ruth Bogutz, Cultural & Heritage Commission; Mimi Cirillo, Merchantville; Jackie Mintz, LVA-Camden County; Bud Pusatere, County Store; Nan Rosenthal, Haddon Township; Deborah Stefano, Bellmawr Branch

Financial Report 2002*