Program areas at Montclair Free Public Library Foundation
The Foundation provided support for programs such as summer reading, story times, filipino heritage festival, book clubs focused on the works of authors of color, and the open book / open mind author conversation series. More than 75 % of Montclair residents have a Library card, and the Foundation supports programs that benefit the whole community. While municipal funding provides for basic Library services (staffing, utilities, building maintenance, etc. ), the Foundation supports the programming and special projects that make our Public Library truly special. From early childhood literacy to programs for seniors, the Foundation helps expand the reach and provide needed services to the people of our community.
The Foundation funds special projects, such as the etuk bookmobile, which brings a Library experience to all corners of our community. The bookmobile can be found at schools, senior centers, summer camps, and community events, expanding access and raising awareness about the resources and programs of the Library. The rotating inventory in the bookmobile, and the hardware and software that make it possible to borrow books and other materials and issue Library cards, is supported by the Foundation. The Foundation also funds the museum pass program, making visits to over a dozen museums available to patrons at no cost.
The Foundation supported a large-scale project to expand and improve wi-fi access at both Library branches, making wi-fi available in the outdoor plazas in front of the buildings. Funding from the Foundation enabled the Library to offer Free access to hoopla (digital media), kanopy (movies), medici.tv (arts programming), creativebug (arts and craft classes), linkedin learning (business, software, and technology classes), and research databases like the ebsco bundle to all Library card holders. In addition, Foundation support provided new audio/video conferencing systems to expand versatility in offering hybrid programs and meetings as well as new laptops and a new educational gaming computer.