Berkeley College Welcomes Woodland Park Public Library to Campus during Grand Partnership Celebration and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Senior Director, Communications and External Relations
973-200-1099
KME@BerkeleyCollege.edu
Photo Caption: Berkeley College welcomed the Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library to Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ, during a Grand Partnership celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. L to R are Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College; LaTysha Gaines, Campus Operating Officer, Berkeley College in Woodland Park; Kevin L. Luing, Board Chairman, Berkeley College; Keith Kazmark, Mayor of Woodland Park; Linda Hoffman, Director, Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library; Tracy Kallert, Council President and incoming Mayor, Woodland Park; Lynda Hade, President, Friends of the Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library; and Laurie McFadden, Senior Director, Library, Berkeley College.
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Berkeley College welcomed the Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library to Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ, during a Grand Partnership celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. The Woodland Park Public Library (WPPL) at Berkeley College, as it will be known during its estimated two-year stay, will offer all materials, services, and programming on campus while the Borough embarks on construction of a new, state-of-the-art library facility.
See the Photos: Click here to view photos from the Grand Partnership event.
The Grand Partnership event was attended by approximately 300 local residents and dignitaries, as well as New Jersey State Librarian Jennifer R. Nelson and New Jersey State Senator Kristin Corrado. Berkeley College officials recalled a long history of collaboration with the Borough.
“When Berkeley College relocated to West Paterson in 1976, Alfred H. Baumann was the mayor. Now, 47 years later, the Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library has temporarily relocated to our Woodland Park campus,” said Kevin L. Luing, Board Chairman, Berkeley College. “This is another example of the continuing partnership between Berkeley College and the Woodland Park community.”
“Libraries symbolize empowerment, knowledge, and lifelong learning, all ideals that align with our mission at Berkeley College,” said Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College. “We are thrilled to have the Woodland Park Public Library on campus, and for our students to engage with its materials, services, and programming. We are also excited to welcome the Woodland Park community to our campus, and to share with them the Berkeley College spirit.”
“Our partnership has been in existence for almost five decades, and today we make history with this Grand Partnership,” said LaTysha Gaines, Campus Operating Officer, Berkeley College in Woodland Park. “Our similar values of information sharing, enhanced learning, intentional engagement, service to our constituents, and accessibility to higher levels of education have been key ingredients to a robust recipe of partnership.”
The Grand Partnership event featured tours of the Berkeley College campus and Library facilities, live music, refreshments, and the kickoff to the WPPL Summer Reading Program.
“This partnership is a shining example of the strength we gain when a community works together,” said Linda Hoffman, Director, Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library. “As the Library finds its new temporary home at Berkeley College, it reaffirms our commitment to fostering a culture of learning, discovery, and innovation, where minds are nurtured, ideas are exchanged, and futures are shaped.”
Hoffman also acknowledged Berkeley College alumnae who have been ambassadors to the Library. Interior Design graduates Reem Beck created the initial renderings for the Library renovation, and Amy Bover of Coppa Montalbano Architects is the project’s current designer. Alumna Ariel Lampley, who worked in the Library during her time as a student, sang during the Grand Partnership ceremony.
“Tonight marks the beginning of a dream come true. With the overwhelming support of our community, we have secured funding to expand and renovate our Library,” said Keith Kazmark, Mayor of Woodland Park. “It is with great pride and gratitude that we embark on this journey to provide an exceptional library experience for all.”
“Berkeley College has been here for us every step of the way,” said Tracy Kallert, Council President and incoming Mayor. “There is not a part of our community that Berkeley College hasn’t touched. From our seniors, to our children, to our veterans, to our parks. Anything we need, you have always been there with open arms. For that, we are grateful.”
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 3,600 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, for 10 consecutive years. U.S. News & World Report named Berkeley College (NJ) one of the Best Regional Colleges in the North in its 2023 edition of the Best Colleges Survey. Berkeley College (NJ) was recognized among the Best Colleges in the region for social mobility for three consecutive years. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.
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