A Fond Farewell to Marie DownesMarie joined the WDFPL staff in 1980 as the Children’s

Librarian. She has been part of tremendous changes during herlong tenure, the most important of which was becoming thefourth Library director in 2000. She helped to plan theChildren’s wing of the Library building that opened in 1988.She oversaw the increase of materials in all formats, as well asthe increased use of technology by customers and staff. She

encouraged the staff to write grants to broaden the programming offered to thepublic. Marie was an active member of each of the Library’s Long-range PlanningCommittees. She promoted continuing education for all staff members, includingseminars, webcasts, conferences, etc.

Marie can frequently be found staffing the Information Desk and welcomingcustomers of all ages. She has been heard to say, “I love my job, and look forwardto coming to the Library every day.” Her office door is always open to staff andpublic alike.

Marie decided to retire from the Library after 37 years of service. We will besad to see her leave but we’re very grateful for her dedication, leadership, andfriendship. Her joyous smile, unfailing cheerfulness, and infectious laugh will bemissed by us all and we wish her everything good in her retirement.

■ West DeptfordFree Public LibraryE-NewsletterA place for all reasons!

■ West DeptfordFree Public LibraryE-NewsletterA place for all reasons!

www.westdeptford.lib.nj.us

Check It Out! VOL. 15, NO. 3, OCTOBER 2017 Page 1

Check It Out!Check It Out!

October 2017Volume 15, Number 3

Notes from the BoardWe had a wonderful summer at the

Library and it was great to see so manyresidents of all ages participating in thesummer reading programs. Kudos to thestaff, teen volunteers, performers and friendsof the Library who put so much effort intomaking the season successful. Now Fall ishere and with it comes many programs,services and activities at the Library. Detailsare included in this newsletter. I personallylove this time of year. There is so much todo and I do my best to get involved in asmuch as I can, especially at the Library.We have so much to offer our residents.

As we move into the end of anotherfantastic year, we will be seeing some majorstaff changes and new faces to add to ouralready wonderful team members. One ofour big changes this year will be the muchdeserved retirement of our beloved Directorand Friend, Mrs. Marie Downes. Yes, shewill retire to enjoy time with her wonderfulfamily. Her career at the Library hasspanned 37 years starting across the street atthe old Library as our Children’s Librarian.Her dedication and tireless efforts ensuredthat our Library progressed and stayedcurrent in an ever changing world. She willbe sorely missed by both our Library familyand the patrons who have known her foryears. Enjoy Marie…and don’t forget tostop in to borrow a book.

So as we work toward the end of the year,stop in and say hi to Mrs. Downes, borrow abook and enjoy what your Library has tooffer you.

Happy Fall from the Board,Mrs. April Maska, PresidentWDFPL Board of Trustees

Congratulations Sho!Shoanne Courtade, aka Sho or Joanne, retired July of 2017.

She was the Head Cataloger at the WDFPL and worked for morethan 19 years. Sho began as a page, learned cataloging as theChildren’s Services cataloger, and advanced to Head Catalogerand Supervisor of the Library’s pages and volunteers. Sho woremany hats and was great at finding elusive library materials onthe shelves when no one else had success. We miss you but wish you well.

Welcome to the WDFPLWe are pleased to welcome the two newest

members of the WDFPL Staff, James Gross,Cataloger and Brendan McCarty, Young Adult andMarketing Services Librarian. Both gentlemen havetheir Masters in Library and Information Sciencesand come to us with lots of experience workingin their perspective fields at various libraries. Brendan McCartyJames Gross

Book DiscussionSponsored by the friends of

the West Deptford Free Public Library

Thursdays @ 3:00 p.m.September 14

Readers’ Favorite Books

October 12The Flamboya Tree

by Clara Kelly

November 9The Solace of Open Spaces

by Gretel Ehrlich

December 14Tapestry of Fortunesby Elizabeth Berg

Gallery ExhibitsSeptember/October

Todd JohnsonAbstract Variations

November/DecemberGloucester County Art League

Tai Chi with Ralph QuinnMonday • September 18 - December 11 • 1:30 p.m.In weekly one-hour lessons, learn Dr. Paul Lam’s Tai Chifor Arthritis.

Crochet and KnitThursdays, through the year at 10:00 a.m.Bring crochet hook, knitting needles, yarn, or use theLibrary’s materials.

Coloring at WDFPLFridays • 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.Decompress and focus while coloring in positive thoughts.

ESL Resume and Job Search WorkshopFirst Saturday of the month • 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Literacy New Jersey hosts ESL, English as a Second Language,resume and job searching.

The Unexpected Book Club with Rita ObertoSecond Monday of the month • 11:00 a.m.October 9 – Anything is Possible, Elizabeth Strout November 13 – The Refugees, Viet Thanh Nguyen December – title TBA.

Lenape Country: Delaware Valley Society BeforeWilliam Penn with Professor Jean Soderlund*Thursday • October 5 • 7:00 p.m.Professor Soderlund’s book, Lenape Country: Delaware ValleySociety Before William Penn, published 2015.

We Are Still Here!*Thursday • October 12 • 1:30 p.m.Mark Gould, Tribal Chairman/Principal Chief and ReverendJohn Norwood present We Are Still Here! The Tribal Saga ofNew Jersey’s Nanticoke and Lenape Indians.

Financial Workshops with Bob Stahler, CFPWednesday • October 18 • 7:00 p.m.College – Getting from There to HereWednesday • December 13Stocks, the Nuts and Bolts

Roar: Empowering Words for Life withLenore Uddy-Back ForstonThursday • October 19 • 6:30 p.m.Lenore returns to share a motivating message.

Corn – Simply A-Maize-ing*Thursday • October 26 • 1:30 p.m.Judith Krall-Russo uncovers the history & folklore of cornfrom ancient times to today’s NJ farmers.

Studio Craft as Career: A Guide to Achieving Excellencein Art Making with Paul Stankard Thursday • November 30 • 7:00 p.m.Paul offers a practical, intimate guide showing how successfulartists achieve excellence in their work.

An Evening of Jazz with Brian Betz & Denis DiBlasioThursday • December 14 • 7:00 p.m.Denis DiBlasio, Director of Rowan University Jazz Studies;Brian Betz, jazz guitarist, composer, and Rowan Universityeducator...and Jazz.

Please call the Library at 856-845-5593 to register forthese free programs. Refreshments and door prizes included!

* Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey HistoricalCommission / Department of State, and the Gloucester County Cultural &Heritage Commission of Rowan College at Gloucester County.

Page 2 VOL. 15, NO. 3, OCTOBER 2017 Check It Out!

Adult Services Programs • October - December 2017

Dr. Joe Coulombe discussesThe Founding Fishby John McPhee.

Thank You!Rita Oberto • Bill Tucker • The Silvertones

Matt Ford Literacy New JerseyRay McGeehan Singer/Songwriter

Dr. Joe Coulombe, Rowan University English DepartmentNicole Belolan, Red Bank Battlefield Parkwho volunteered time, expertise, talent.

Distinguished professorRobert Williams considersquestions during NJ and the

Bill of Rights.

Socially Conscious Songs of50s & 60s with

Singer/Songwriter Ray McGeehan.Author Cathy Bao Bean ponders

Justice for All?

Design a Better Community...thus Build a Better World

A Big Thanks!A BIG THANKS to: Miss Gwen & Miss Patti for the

terrific ‘Tween & Teen Summer Programs!

Solvay Solexis who donated materialsand volunteer time for the Awesome Adventures

in Science Flashlight Project.

Children’s Programs – Autumn 2017 October 2 through December 7

Children’s Programs are open toWest Deptford Free Public Library members and West Deptford residents.

‘Tweens & TeensSpecial Autumn Programs

REGISTRATION:• according to child’s ageat time of sign-up,

• required for all programs,

• begins September 25,

• call 856-845-5593 or stop in.

Kiddos –Preschool Story Time

Ages 3-5 Parent/caregiver must remainin Library.Register for MondayOR Tuesday: Mondays • 10:05 - 10:45 a.m.Tuesdays • 10:05 - 10:45 a.m.October 2 - December 5

Yiddie Biddie KiddiesAges 0-12 mos. withparent/caregiver.Mondays • 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.October 2 - December 4*class space is limited

Library Kids’ Club –After School Tuesdays

Grades K-4Parent/caregiver of children7 and younger must remainin Library.4:00 - 4:45 p.m.October 3 - December 5

S.M.I.L.E.Children read to therapy pets.Wednesdays • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.October 11, 25, November 8

Kiddles – Toddler TimeAge 12-24 mos. withparent/caregiverThursdays • 10:05 - 10:30 a.m.October 5 - December 7

Kidkins – 2s Story TimeAge 2 with parent/caregiverThursdays • 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.October 5 - December 7

Check It Out! VOL. 15, NO. 3, OCTOBER 2017 Page 3

Tuesdays • 5:30 p.m.

September 26 – Create a ScarecrowTogether, we’ll create a scarecrow todisplay along Eagle Point Dr. for theWest Deptford Historical Association’sdisplay Scarecrows on Parade, October 1- November 4.

October 24 – Zombie FunToilet tissue, rags, and facepainting...let’s turn ourselves intoZombies and have some fun.

November 28 – Wreath Making andCookie Make & Bake

While the cookies bake, create aholiday wreath.

Additional ‘Tweens & TeensPrograms TBACheck the Teen Scene webpageand/or WDFPL’s Facebook @www.westdeptford.lib.nj.us

These programs are open to all middle school andhigh school aged students. To be sure that we haveenough supplies for everyone, please register for theseprograms by calling the Library at 856-845-5593 orstopping in.

Flashlight Project withMiss Gwen and

Solvay Solexis volunteers

Chemical Wizardry,‘tweens & teens madeglow in the dark slime

Creating Dream Catcherswith Miss Patti

Duct TapeMasterpieces

Funding [for the performances pictured]has been made possible in part by theNew Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State,the National Endowment for the Arts and the GloucesterCounty Cultural & Heritage Commission, an agency underthe auspices of Rowan College at Gloucester County.

friends Fall FocusThe pools are closed, the schools are

open, and the Library is looking forwardto fall celebrations. October brings usTeen Read Week – Unleash the StoryOctober 8-14. Friends of Libraries groupsnow have their very own national weekof celebration in October. What a great

time to join the West Deptford friends! Come to any of our meetings held on the3rd Wednesday of the month at the Library.

We celebrate National Gaming Day (our tweens and teens love this!), as well asPicture Book Month in November. This offers each of us the perfect chance to take alittle one to the Library to choose new books to read together.

In early December, we will celebrate the annual “Lights of Love” evening. Thefriends accept donations from our residents to commemorate their deceased belovedfamily and friends. We celebrate the evening with the official lighting ofthe Library Christmas tree and a concert performance by the GloucesterCounty Children’s Choir. Please join us on December 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Miriam ReichenbachPresident, friends of the WD Library

The fall season is one of our favorite times of the year. We are well rested from afun and relaxed summer and look forward to all of the amazing activities that arescheduled. Our showcase right now shows the history of the Strittmatter Estatewhere history shows how important our Township was to so many men and womenprotecting our shores. At the end of September, we will proudly showcase theamazing beginnings of the township that we live in today. You won’t want to miss it.

We hope that you contacted the Library and registered to put up a scarecrow forour annual “Scarecrows on Parade” on Eagle Point Drive. Also, don’t forget toinquire about the Great Pumpkin Event during the last week of October. Finally,book your seat for our Annual Bus Lights Tour Display in December. We are askingthat you donate a new toy for “Toys for Tots” which we will drop off at one of ourspectacular stops this year. You won’t want to miss any of these family events.

If you need further information, please call the Library at 856-845-5593,April Maska 856-845-1205 or Noreen Mikulski 856-848-0396.

Your memories and history are our future!

A place for all reasons!A place for all reasons!

SERVICESAARP Income Tax Assistance

Computers for Internet access,business applications and games

Concerts

Gallery/displays • Mobility scooter

Notary public (fee based)

Programs for children, teens and adults

Public meeting room

Quiet study room • Self-checkout

Self-serve fax machine • Story times

Training in computer and Internet use

Wireless access

COLLECTIONOver 85,000 materials

Audio books on compact discs

Books for children, teens and adults

Down-loadable books • DVDs

Electronic subscription databases

Large print books • Magazines and newspapers

Materials for the physically challenged

Museum passes • Music on compact discs

Play-a-ways • Puzzles and puppets

Reference sources

HOURSMonday - Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Saturday (Oct. - May) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Saturday (June - Sept.) 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.Sunday (Oct. - May) 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.Sunday (June - Sept.) Closed

BOARD OF TRUSTEESApril Maska, President

Terri Wallowitch, Vice President

Stacy Reid, Treasurer

Camille Atkinson, Secretary

Cindy Cobb

Karen Hink

Deputy Mayor James Mehaffey

Marie Downes, Library Director

420 Crown Point RoadWest Deptford, NJ 08086

856-845-5593

Page 4 VOL. 15, NO. 3, OCTOBER 2017 Check It Out!

Proud Supporters of the 2017Children’s Summer Reading Program

The Broadway Theatre at PitmanGarden State Discovery Museum

Philadelphia PhilliesApplebee’s – Apple American GroupCiconte’s Italia Pizza – West Deptford

Launch Trampoline ParkChipolte

•A special thanks to the

friends of the West DeptfordFree Public Library

for their support and funding of theYouth Services Summer Programs.

•