Newark Public Library

This community library on Alexander Street is the Vailsburg Branch of the Newark Public Library. Vailsburg is a residential neighborhood in the West Ward, which is closer to South Orange. The library is off of South Orange Ave and by Alexander Street Elementary School. The outside of the library fits in with the look of the historic neighborhood with its white trimmed, red brick, Georgian façade (a popular architectural style in the area in the 18^th century). While three of the four outer walls have been preserved, the inside has been practically gutted, modernized, and expanded. The expansion is in the back of the building, where the children’s room is located.
Like the other NPL branches, it serves the needs of the immediate community and provides library resources for adults and children. Because there are a couple of K-​8 schools in the neighborhood, there is a focus on being a resource for students, parents, and teachers. There are story and craft time activities, as well as early educational materials, resources, and other media. Children have access to computers, too. Adults also have access to computers with Internet browsing, basic word processing, and the library’s electronic resources. A distinguishing highlight of this branch is its collection of new African-​American novels and videos.
Newark Public Library is a wonderful library. Its branches are essential in supporting the NPL’s noteworthy vision and mission. For that, I give the branches 4-​stars for the work that its employees and volunteers do to enrich the lives of the people in the community.