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CAMDEN COUNTY

Library finds a couple of reasons to celebrate

CHERRY HILL Libraries are about more than books now - they're community centers, says Katie Hardesty, spokeswoman for the Cherry Hill Public Library. So while the circulation of printed materials has declined, Cherry Hill's digital circulation and community programming are growing, said Hardesty, who is also director of special events at the library.

"We love being the heart of town," she said. "We hope to be here for the next 10, 20, 30 years."

The Cherry Hill library will be among libraries across the country celebrating National Library Week from Sunday through April 18. The week acknowledges the contributions of academic, public, school, and other libraries. In observance since 1958, it is sponsored by the American Library Association.

Cherry Hill has another reason to celebrate, as library week coincides with the 10th anniversary of its new building.

At the Moorestown Library in Burlington County, staff will mark library week with a series of movie nights with a mountain theme, titled "The Sky is the Limit." Next Friday, the library will also host a local band, Lost in Brunswick, and birds from Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge.

Cherry Hill is to hold events that include crafts, free food, and "behind the scenes" tours of the library. In addition, the library will forgive overdue fines in exchange for nonperishable food items, which the branch will donate to the Food Bank of South Jersey.

At the time its new building was inaugurated, the library stressed that it was about "more than just books," and Hardesty said she believes it has proven that. She said people go to libraries for adult programs, such as computer classes, and children's activities. Hardesty said the library has seen a large increase in e-book usage as well.

While next week's events are free, Hardesty said the library is encouraging those attending them to donate $10 in celebration of the building's 10 years. The proceeds will go toward funding programs throughout the year. - Kelly Flynn