Page 12 • August 2019 • Hanover/East Hanover Life
E
East Hanover Public Library: A True Hidden Gem
By Stefanie Sears ast Hanover Public Library has been a staple of East Hanover and a piece of the town’s history since 1923. Since then, they have undergone plenty of renovations. It began as a branch of Morris County Library in Mrs. LeMoyne Burliegh’s home in 1923 until 1958. Because the Township of East Hanover began to grow its population, a need for a more substantial library unfolded. When the girl scouts got involved by organizing the collection of books, the library gradually began to flourish. The Whippany Construction Company even donated a little two-room house, which became the library’s new home. Originally located at the Restland Memorial Park, it was moved to behind the Municipal Building on Ridgedale
Avenue. The Girl Scouts operated the library during this time. Burliegh’s daughter, Mrs. Leighton Speer, raised money for the library and began operating it in 1958. In 1962, the library outgrew its two-room compartment, so it was moved to the Town Hall Annex until it then outgrew this space in 1964. In 1968 it relocated once again into a former meeting room of the old Town Municipal Building. Due to constant expansion and funds saved over the years, in 1978 the Library commissioned an expansion feasibility study by Witfield & Remnick Architects, which was approved January 1979. In 1980, the old firehouse building became available for the library after the Fire Department vacated and the Library decided to proceed without state funding. Construction eventually began in March 1983.
1
Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop Acro, Lyrical, Theater, Pilates, Pointe
“Dance With Danielle provides quality dance education in a community based, family oriented environment. We provide students with the leading dance techniques and knowledge, creating poise and self-confidence, while enjoying the activity of dance and developing a passion for the arts.”
Registration is now open for summer and fall classes. Enroll today online or in the studio.
VISIT US AT THE STUDIO - 55 Eagle Rock Avenue, East Hanover 862.701.5088 • dancewithdanielle2@gmail.com • www.dancewithdanielle.com