Ohhhhh....! the Places You’ll Go!

By Ariana Puzzo

Few people put it better than author Rita Mae Brown: “When I got [my] library card, that was when my life began.” It’s what the Clifton Public Library hopes to offer during National Library Week and all year.

Along with National Library Week, from April 23-29, the Library and the Friends of the Clifton Public Library are gearing up for National Poetry Month with giveaways and special guests.

Events will take place at Main Memorial Library, 292 Piaget Ave., and Allwood Branch Library, 44 Lyall Rd. Visit cliftonpl.org for upcoming dates and locations. Director Justine Tomczak added the library’s giveaways will include candies and bookmarks — perfect for patrons of all ages.

“[The Friends will] explain to interested persons what the Friends do to support the library, such as provide funding for the Museum Pass program, and how the public can contribute,” said Tomczak.

National Volunteer Week also runs from April 16-22, and it is an opportunity for the community to support one of Clifton’s finest institutions. The library will celebrate those who give their time to support their services.

“I think a lot of people have experiences with a library in one way or another from their childhood and that [stays] with them throughout their life,” said Tomczak. “I hope that we do a good job so children have positive memories and experiences in their youth that carry over into adulthood.”

“Come in and see what the library’s about,” she continued. “Ask someone to show you around or talk to you for a moment.”

A Constant Evolution

It’s hard for Tomczak to think about how the library’s last normal year of operation was 2019.

After closing like most public spaces in March 2020, the library partially re-opened in 2021. Last year was the first year they planned to fully re-open, but they needed to close the Main Branch last November due to boiler issues.

“It was so upsetting. We were finally coming up in numbers and foot traffic,” said Tomczak. “Our community room was booked with inside and outside groups. When we closed, we needed to cancel or relocate them to [the Allwood Branch], if possible. We were scrambling.”

This January, the Main Branch opened for a few hours per day with some accessible areas. Full operations and accessibility resumed on March 13.

They’re making up for lost time. The Main Branch hosted a “Create Your Own Graphic Novel” information session on March 14 and a successful Ramadan Storytime with crafts on March 20. Tomczak explained that these are just a few of the library’s offerings.

Other partnerships include the Children’s Department connecting with the National 4-H Council. The 4-H programs allow children to learn about computers and coding. The library has worked alongside another organization, Girls Who Code. On March 21, a program started for children and teenagers that brings a presenter to teach them how to digitally create graphic novels and manga from start to finish.

The library continues to evolve in its technology.

“We’ve had desktop computers and printing services for decades,” said Tomczak. “Now we offer hotspots that people can check out if they don’t have Wi-Fi readily available or if they go away … and don’t want to use up data on their phones.”

Grants are a major component. Ending February 2023, the Clifton Public Library had a total of 20,012 card holders. Of these, 3,034 are Juvenile cards (preschool through sixth grade); 2,925 are Young Adult (middle to high school); and 13,827 are Adult (18+). The rest constitute “other” categories, like paid, temporary, courtesy, or in-house.

One 2022 grant enabled the library to obtain some iPads. The grant’s initial purpose was giving access to health information from articles and specifically curated websites. They were allowed to keep the iPads after the grant ended and they’re deciding how the library can use them next.

Another source of funding was through the CARES Act, which let the library achieve mobile and outdoor outreach in the city’s parks.

“Mobility in technology is kind of where we’re headed,” said Tomczak. “At the Main Library, we have wireless printing. People at home can send their documents to our printing station through a wireless printing service.”

In 2021, the library applied for a construction grant that would allow them to replace ceiling tiles and wallpaper at the Main Branch. When applying, the project’s estimated cost was $378,300. The project is supported by funds from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, administered by the New Jersey State Library.

Tomczak said they learned of their application’s approval in mid-2022, with the grant paperwork fully ex- ecuted in October. Another upcoming project is HVAC replacement at the Main Branch.

“The engineers are wrapping up the design phase, and we will work with them to figure out how to best time the grant project work with work they will be doing, which will involve going into the ceilings,” said Tomczak.

These upcoming endeavors will occur over the next year or year-and-a-half.

“We didn’t get funding in the first round [of grant applications], but we did in the second round,” said Tomczak. “[The tiles and wallpaper are] over 30 years old and original to the building. It’s time for it to be re-done.”

What’s coming up …

The Clifton Free Public Library first opened on Main Avenue, between Clifton and Madison Avenues, in January of 1921. It’s grown from that small storefront with 440 books to its current building, dedicated in 1991.

The Allwood Branch, started by the Allwood Women’s Club, began in the late 1930s with 250 books donated and housed in School 9. The Allwood Branch as we know it today was dedicated in May of 1970.

The busiest circulating months are in late spring and the summer. Last year, August was the highest-circulating month with 33,371 physical checkouts and 3,614 digital checkouts through Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby. Tomczak said the numbers are even higher if you factor in Comics Plus, which they started mid-year, and Tumblebooks.

Compared to 2019, the average physical circulation per month was in the 34,000-39,000 range. There were 2,645 digital Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby checkouts that August, the highest month.

Yet the library is more than a space to check out books, use computers, or access Wi-Fi. Many community groups gather there on a monthly basis. Knitters go four times per month, mahjong players go eight times per month, and the public can attend book discussions once per month.

All events are library-sponsored or presented in conjunction with the Friends or other community organizations like the Rec Department, Arts Center, Health Department, 4-H, and more. Other people book the community room for their own private meetings or presentations.

On April 11, the Friends of the Clifton Public Library will welcome all members of the public to its semi-annual meeting, 1 pm at the Main Branch. Following the short meeting is a celebration of National Poetry Month.

The free program will host three poets: Cathy Cavallone, Paul Juszcyk, and Joanne Santiglia. It will feature an open mic reading portion for public participation with light refreshments. The Friends note that the Gift Gallery is open and they’ll hold their Membership Drive April 2429, from 10 am to 6 pm.

The Friends of the Clifton Public Library is a non-profit 501(C)3 organization that is governed by community volunteers.

“Through the efforts of fundraising, membership drives, and corporate sponsorship,” said member-atlarge Anne Schapiro, “the Friends donate to the Clifton Public Library for the development of cultural and educational programs.”

“We also donate to the Museum Initiative Program, which provides free passes to museums in the metropolitan area,” she added. “This year, we were second in the state for this program.”

The public can support the Friends’ purpose by joining and renewing membership annually; assisting with special or ongoing events, tasks, or projects; or contacting the Friends president, Faye Levine, about donations, gifts, or bequests. Call Levine for info at 973-772-8908.

This month, the library will host informational sessions on Medicare. The two sessions are April 20 at 1:30 pm and April 27 at 7 pm in the Main Branch. Registration is not required.

Author and social worker Trinidad Dela Rosa will visit Saturday, April 22 from 3-4 pm. She will present her book “Guia del Inmigrante” (Immigrant Guide) at the Main Branch for the English and Spanish program. The book offers information for people new to the U.S. about resources for a better life in the country.

The library wants to connect with local teens as well. The Teen Department will host a College Funding Workshop on April 26 at 7 pm via Zoom. Another program, The Leadership Game, will take place inperson April 10 at 6 pm in the Main Branch. The event is for those aged 13-18. Registration for both events is required. Register on the library website’s calendar or by calling the Reference Desk at 973-772-5500.

As for the summer, Clifton’s a founding member of PALS Plus Library Consortium. Last year, PALS Plus teamed up with Passaic County to present the first Passaic County Book Festival at Weasel Brook Park. The full-day festival returns Saturday, June 10 from 11 am to 4 pm. People can utilize PALS Plus’ services on a daily basis.

“It was originally created to automate the circulation and cataloging system in Passaic County libraries,” said Tomczak. “Now, you can sign up for a card in your hometown, but then can use it in any of the participating libraries.”

Separately, the library offers Pronunciator for language learning and ProCitizen for citizenship study. There is Learning Express for college admissions test prep, Value Line for investment research, GED support, career exploration, and more.

Tomczak encourages people to visit either branch and sign up for a card or utilize services. She added that despite crackdowns in book access within certain states, the Clifton Public Library doesn’t question who walks through its doors. “You don’t need a card to walk into the library and look at a newspaper,” said Tomczak. “As long as you follow our behavior rules, you can stay here all day.”

“The idea that some people want to exert their influence over other people to say you should or shouldn’t be reading something is scary,” she added. “I just hope that people can see that being in a diverse community, there are going to be differences of opinions. That’s why we’re here. So people can educate themselves on different topics.”

By Ariana Puzzo

The kids know what makes a good picture. That’s why it’s no surprise to us that Clifton residents Elian Saldivar and Hana Tripathee have once again submitted films to the 19th Annual Passaic County Film Festival.

This year’s film festival is April 29 from 11:30 am to 3 pm, located at Passaic County Community College’s Public Safety Academy, 300 Oldham Rd, Wayne. Eighty-five films were submitted to the festival by a variety of Passaic County filmmakers — from high school students, university students, and independent filmmakers living or working in the county. The featured categories are General Short Film, Public Service Announcement, Music Video, and Documentaries.

We caught up with PCTI junior Saldivar and PCTI sophomore Tripathee in March to ask about their filmmaking processes and future ambitions. After speaking, we learned that Tripathee’s film “Tek-It-Cafune” won 1st Place for a high school music video. Saldivar’s “Hawthorne Shade Tree Commission” took home 2nd Place for a high school PSA.

PCTI film teacher Jody Lazarski weighed in on their works. “Filmmaking has grown in New Jersey … [and] students have lots of opportunities,” she said. “They need a cheerleader, and that’s what I try to be for them.”

Lazarski has taught at PCTI since November of 2015. She added that the Passaic County Film Festival and others, like the Montclair Film Festival, are great ways for students to build up their résumés in a highly competitive industry.

“It will separate them from other people competing for a job at Netflix or a studio,” said Lazarski, 44. “The future is bright — these kids; they want to learn.”

Elian Saldivar

Last year was Saldivar’s first time submitting to the film festival.

His eight-minute documentary, “PCTVS Marching Band” highlighted the roles of music and band in his life. This year, he submitted six films: “Over This Reality”, “Passion”, “Paws in the Park”, “Tech Showcase”, “Hawthorne Shade Tree Commission”, and “Montclair Clarinet Day”.

His main film, “Over This Reality”, stars Michelle Pagan. It follows the main female protagonist who gets trapped inside a virtual computer world and tries to escape. His second film, “Paws in the Park”, featured Passaic County’s Paws in the Park Day, including interviews with some people in attendance.

“Passion” is a silent, short film meant to get across the effects of bullying. “Montclair Clarinet Day” and “Tech Showcase” are projects featuring Clifton residents Steven Brown and Shayla Montero, respectively. The first film is a short daily vlog and the second promotes performing arts students and what they do.

His sixth submission, “Hawthorne Shade Tree Commission”, was a PSA that he worked on and edited with the Video Production Club. Saldivar was an official selectee for this film in the Garden State Film Festival.

Returning this year with more filmmaking experience, Saldivar sees the difference in his work.

“What I found easier this year was planning how and what to film [and] what was important to do during pre-production to make the production phase easier,” said Saldivar, 17. “I set myself up [better] for post-production with more planning.”

Another difference in his latest submissions was that he leaned toward creating short films. He made the decision, in part, because his documentary “wasn’t successful” last year. That inspired him to explore a new genre and “see what I could do with it.”

Saldivar considers filmmaking a definite option in his future. He’s unsure about the specific area of filmmaking that he’d pursue, but he said he loves learning about “what it takes to go into it.” A separate long-term goal of his is looking into casting and the creation of short film characters, adding that it’s a process that he thoroughly enjoys.

He credits the support of his parents and Lazarski, who is his Video Production teacher.

“Ms. Lazarski really does push for me to go out and film whatever I want and to make a video of it,” said Saldivar.

Filmmaking is not without challenges. Saldivar said that the hardest part for him is editing films and maintaining his motivation to focus on one and not move onto another project.

“It took a couple weeks, even months,” recalled Saldivar. “It is always the best part about it, too — when you reach the final stages of adding music, color correcting, adding special effects, and seeing it come to life.”

“All the effort that you put in is shown in front of you.”