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Randolph Life July 24

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Services offered: COVID-19 Disinfecting • Junk Removal House Clean-Outs • Shed Removal • Hot Tub Removal

800-939-JUNK Randolph Library 60 Years of Connecting – Discovering -and Enriching No. 20 Vol. 7

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www.mypaperonline.com • 973-809-4784 July 2024

By Henry M. Holden any people have a preconceived notion that libraries are musty dusty places and does not have anything new. For over 60 years, thanks to the hard work of many people and with the support of the residents of Randolph, the Randolph Township Free Public Library has a plethora of books, and technology. It has gone from a small corner of a stone house to the first-rate library that it is today. It evolved into one of the premier providers of library services in Morris County. Since opening its doors in 1964, the library has grown and expanded in ways the founders could not possibly imagined, with technological and innovative advances. Looking back, we can only marvel at the many changes that have taken place over the 60 years, and the people and events that have led us to the extraordinary library residents enjoy today. It all began one June evening in 1962, when the local PTA decided to investigate the possibility of opening a public library in Randolph. After six months of investigation, the committee had made little progress. But, around this time, the Morris County Library came on the scene and the possibility of opening an Association Library with their cooperation became a reality. As Roxbury had just opened a library using this model, there was “political pressure” on Randolph to

examine the example to follow. In May 1963, the Randolph Township Public Library Association was incorporated as a non-profit organization. At that time, Randolph had roughly 8,000 residents, who would be served by a new library. The Association, under its nine-member board, purchased a small stone and concrete house on Millbrook Avenue (the current location of Artworks Studio) right behind the Randolph Police Department building). The library would occupy the 600 square foot garage, while the rest of the building would be rented out to generate income to support the library. The library officially opened to the public on June 20, 1964. On that day, the library’s first patrons were registered. The library’s opening-day collection consisted of around 6,700 items, over 4,200 of which were on long-term loan from the Morris County Library. Even today, you can find some of these items on the shelves. Just look for any book that has the “Morris County Library” stamp on it. If you find one, that book was part of Randolph Library’s original collection! Anita Freeman was hired as the library director on January 26, 198., She recalls, “It was like a different planet.” She described the early years at the library. “We had bats, snakes and wild kittens [in the basement], and animal control would not come to get them,” she remembered. “The mother cat was on the roof of the

The Teen Zone is one of the library’s gathering spot for teens to commucate. Photo Henry M. Holden

library howling!” Freeman remained in that position for 36-years, retiring on January 31, 2017, Freeman, commenting on the progress during her decades of service to the library. “I started here on January 26, 1981, so, 36 years later I decided to retire and enjoy my new granddaughter.” Freeman was not gone for long: She continued to lead book clubs at the library

EXPIRES: 8.30.24

EXPIRES: 8.30.24

as a volunteer. With the hiring of its first paid professional librarian in 1969, the library growth mirrored the growth of the Township. By 1970, the population served by the library had increased to over 13,000 people, and by 1979, that number had gone up to more than 19,000! The library continued on page 4

EXPIRES: 8.30.24

MIX & MATCH FREE GELATI! FREE CONCRETE Buy 2 Get 1 Free! Buy 1 Gelati, Get 1 Free! or BLENDINI! Mix & Match Ice Quarts & Custard Pints

Valid only at Rita’s of Randolph, excluding cart & theme park venues. Discount applied to lowest priced item. Not valid with any other offer. Limit one offer per guest per visit. Not valid on online or delivery orders, or take home treats. Other restrictions may apply. Not for resale. @2024 RITA’S FRANCHISE COMPANY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

EXPIRES: 8.30.24

1.00 OFF Any Large Treat

$

Buy 1 Concrete or Blendini, Get 1 Free! Valid only at Rita’s of Randolph, excluding cart & theme park venues. Discount applied to lowest priced item. Not valid with any other offer. Limit one offer per guest per visit. Not valid on online or delivery orders, or take home treats. Other restrictions may apply. Not for resale. @2024 RITA’S FRANCHISE COMPANY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Valid only at Rita’s of Randolph, excluding cart & theme park venues. Discount applied to lowest priced item. Not valid with any other offer. Limit one offer per guest per visit. Not valid on online or delivery orders, or take home treats. Other restrictions may apply. Not for resale. @2024 RITA’S FRANCHISE COMPANY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Valid only at Rita’s of Randolph, excluding cart & theme park venues. Discount applied to lowest priced item. Not valid with any other offer. Limit one offer per guest per visit. Not valid on online or delivery orders, or take home treats. Other restrictions may apply. Not for resale. @2024 RITA’S FRANCHISE COMPANY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

RITA’S ICE OF RANDOLPH • 1176 SUSSEX TPK • RANDOLPH • 973-584-7482


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