The Hoboken Public Library and the local housing authority are teaming up to open a new learning center next to Mama Johnson Field next week.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We are always looking for ways to broaden our service to the community. We’ve transformed a former security station, which was unoccupied for some time, into a community hub of life-long learning and enrichment,” Library Director Lina Podles said in a statement.
“It’s in keeping with our mission, part of which is to connect people with ideas and support community development. We are very excited about this Learning Center, and are grateful to the authority for helping make this happen.”
The center will be staffed by library professionals able to render all assistance available at the main library; it will be open weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from noon until 3 p.m.
The official grand opening is set for Thursday May 4th at 4 p.m. after a soft opening occurred on April 15th.
This new facility is an extension of a longstanding partnership between the two organizations: three of the authority’s housing complexes already have “Library Corners†where residents can pick up free reading material.
The Learning Center – which is focused on serving younger readers – ups the services a bit by bringing many traditional library services to the area.
Additionally, customers will be able to borrow books and videos, use Library Center laptops, take advantage of free Wi-Fi, and – of course – sign up for Library Cards.
“This is an extension of our continuing partnership with the library to bring services to our residents, and it’s great,†added HHA Executive Director Marc Recko.
“Now our residents have what is, in effect, a mini-library, right in their own front yard. This Learning Center is going to be really good for us.â€
