Dear Library Friends. Today, New Year’s Eve 2024, I am especially thoughtful of the last 18 years, my time here as the library director in Westwood. As you may already know, in January, Catherine Delio, currently director at Midland Park, will take over, and I will retire, ending a very big, very fulfilling chapter of my life.
My working career started in 1986 at Gale Research, a reference book publishing company in Detroit, I was inspired to become a reference librarian and earned my MLS from Wayne State in 1989 (before cell phones! before the world wide web!)
I worked in various roles of data distribution, including one with the U.S. Navy, before I moved to New Jersey and started working as the reference librarian at the Allendale Public Library. After a short break to work at Baker and Taylor, I came back to public libraries, and applied for the director role in Westwood.
While I wasn’t the most experienced, I’m extremely grateful the Board and President at the time, Dennis Farrell took a chance. I came to Westwood, Jan. 7, 2007 vowing, as I stated in my application letter, “to make the library an engaging, accessible, and integral part of the community.”
I think it has taken me 18 years to figure out what I’m doing. I’m teasing, kind of. There was a tremendous learning curve for me, but as I did the work, I found myself more and more passionate about the institution of public libraries and this one in particular.
For anyone who knows me, I am, and have been, all about the library and have my imaginary soapbox with me at all times, ready to speak for hours on the topic. I have tried my best to do what I vowed back in 2007.
During my time in Westwood, I focused on creating a warm, inviting space for everyone. I partnered with Michael Bieri, architect and local resident, to renovate the lobby and reconfigure spaces, getting a much needed meeting room out of my original office that I shared with the business manager. I purchased mobile shelving and furniture as much as possible to create flexible space for programs.
I worked with the community to memorialize loved ones through renovations, including a beautiful garden honoring Shy Touba, a former library employee and Friend of the library, and beautiful front gardens in memory of Dawn Finn, a beloved resident of Westwood who touched many. I applied for grants that gave us outdoor lockers for 24/7 access, digitized local newspapers and yearbooks, and much needed improvements to our building’s infrastructure, from energy-efficient HVAC and lighting to ADA-compliant upgrades and I worked with the support of the Borough to update the roof and parking lot. I put up display rails to provide ongoing art exhibits from very talented local artists, and have continually tried to keep the library updated and fresh.
Collaboration has been key for me. In addition to running our own programs, the Library has partnered with many organizations over the years to support our shared mission of serving Westwood.
These include the Borough of Westwood, the Westwood Regional School District, Literacy Volunteers of Pascack Valley, Westwood Chamber of Commerce, the Westwood Clergy Council, Westwood for All Ages, the Westwood Green Team, Sustainable Jersey, Rotary, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and Celebrate Westwood whose team of Lauren Letizia and RoseAnn Ciarlante do so much to promote our library’s offerings and more.
Some of the collaborative events I’m most proud of include the LVPV International Dinner, the U.S. Citizenship Ceremony, the Senior Birthday Party, One Book Westwood, Green Screen, the Home for the Holidays Pre-Parade Party and, of course, the 10 Taste of Westwood events. Organized with Mike Fitzsimmons, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Friends of the Library, Taste of Westwood became both a beloved community tradition and a vital fundraiser for the library.
Besides the building improvements and collaborations, programming and collections, I think what I’ll remember most are the everyday moments: the welcoming atmosphere we created, helping patrons find answers or new interests, and seeing the library become a hub for connection and learning. From book groups knitting circles and gardening times, from tech help to children’s story hours, from summer reading to book sales, the Library has been a cornerstone in Westwood. I have met many wonderful people and loved hearing their stories and hope that we have been a positive part of their experience in Westwood.
My staff is to be credited for creating and maintaining this wonderful atmosphere we’re known for. From Lou, who keeps everything running, to Joyce, Judie, Kathy, Sienna, Vanessa, Cheryl, Paula, Susan, Lauren, Jackie, Patti, Freda, Sarah, Daniel, and Nived—as well as all the wonderful employees I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years—thank you.
To the Friends of the Library, whose hard work and dedication have been extraordinary, and to the past Friends, who are always in my thoughts, I am deeply grateful. To our Board of Trustees, who have been consistently smart, conscientious, and supportive throughout the years, I extend my heartfelt thanks.
And to the Borough of Westwood, its mayor, and governing body, who have entrusted me with this role, I am truly appreciative.
Wishing everyone a happy New Year and all the best in the years to come. Please be sure to stop by the library on Friday, Jan. 10 between 3 to 5 p.m. for refreshments and goodbyes—but also hellos from Westwood’s new director!
Sincerely,
Martha Urbiel