Rally and Book Giveaway to Reopen Orange Public Library

On Saturday, December 14th, members of the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA), local leaders and concerned residents gathered on the steps of the shuttered Orange Public Library to distribute books and call attention to the lack of library service in a major urban center. 

Over 1,500 new books for children and teens were distributed to residents, who also signed the American Library Association’s Declaration for the Right to Libraries. 

“This event was a great success and made a strong statement about the need for local library service in Orange,” said Patricia Tumulty, executive director of NJLA. “The community is demanding to know when the services they pay for will be restored. That was made clear by the number of residents who came to share their stories, and thanked us for coming to Orange.” 

Dr. Harris Enabulele of the Orange Public Library Board of Trustees, City of Orange Councilmember April Gaunt-Butler and Orange’s Boy Scout Troop & Pack 4749 were on hand as well, helping to distribute books and talking with members of the community about the effects of the library’s closure. 

Since the library was closed in April, residents have been without books, as well as access to programs, job-seeking assistance, summer reading for children and public computers. 

“NJLA has an incredibly committed membership that is dedicated to New Jersey libraries and serving their communities,” said Tumulty. “This is one example of the issues that libraries across the state face, especially urban libraries. We hope to see a plan for reopening come together so that Orange residents have the access to services to which they are entitled.”