Libraries are more than buildings filled with books. They are spaces of discovery, connection, and inspiration, where stories come to life and communities grow stronger together.
Local libraries like Logan Township Public Library located at 498 Beckett Road and the Margaret Dombrosky Swedesboro Public Library located at 1442 Kings Highway are vibrant hubs in the community offering programs and services that enrich the lives of so many residents. From craft classes and board game afternoons in Logan, to literacy-focused storytimes and outreach efforts in Swedesboro, these libraries provide opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection.
With programs that appeal to all age groups and innovative approaches to community engagement, these libraries have become anchors of support, growth, and belonging, fostering not just learning but a sense of home.
The warmth and camaraderie are evident in every program at the Logan Township Public Library. Adults eagerly sign up for “Board and Card Games” and “Gaming Get Together”.
These programs are so popular they often have waiting lists. Debbie Glackin, the branch manager, explains that these programs are hosted twice a month on Thursdays at 1 p.m. and Fridays at 1 p.m.
In addition to the board game sessions for adults, the Logan Township Branch hosts a group that meets both in-person and virtually on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. called “Socrates Cafe”. Glackin describes what the group entails, sharing, “They come and they discuss at a particular topic, and that’s each week, actually, so they choose a new topic each week, and they just discuss it”.
She went on to illustrate an example of some of the topics the group has touched upon, detailing that in their last meeting, they covered the topic of education and explored questions such as how should public education evolve to support the needs of students in today’s environment, as well as how students and teachers should be assessed and how the business community can support education.
While the Logan Township Library Branch makes it an important point to offer programs that engage adult audiences, they also ensure that a focus is placed on providing a safe environment for the community youth as well. Children’s storytimes are a cornerstone of the library’s efforts, with 30 to 50 attendees each session making it one of the most attended programs that the branch offers, creating magical moments where young imaginations take flight.
In addition to the library’s recurring events, they also host an array of special events for holidays. Glackin reminisces on the most recent “Red, White, and Bark” 4th of July celebration, recalling, “You know, we had food and refreshments. We had the animals here from FURever as Friends, and it was really good. We had a really great turnout, something for all ages.”
The 4th of July event featuring therapy animals, live music, and community cheer, reflected the library’s dedication to creating memories that last a lifetime with more events just like it underway. The upcoming “Winter Fest” set for Saturday, Dec. 7, with its harp music, crafts, and Santa, promises to bring even more holiday joy to the Logan Twp community.
The Margaret Dombrosky Swedesboro Public Library shares this deep commitment to its community with programs that both inspire and empower.
Similar to the Logan Township Branch storytimes are the most attended program and are tailored to different age groups to spark a love of learning in children at an early age. The storytimes are divided into age groups and are titled, Baby Storytime ages 0 to 2, Toddler Storytime ages 2 to 3, and Storytime ages 2 to 5, with each session being catered to a particular age demographic.
Assistant Library Director for the Gloucester County Library System Judith Pissano shares, “GCSL models its early literacy programs on the Every Child Ready to Read concept where each storytime will engage children, parents, and their caregivers with some aspect of talking, singing, reading, writing and playing. This results in a program that is interactive, fun, and creative.”
Youth Services Librarian Teresa Carlton extends the library’s reach by visiting schools and child care centers, ensuring every child has access to the joy of stories. Field trips for kindergartners to the library include tours, stories, and the chance to get their very own library card, a small but meaningful way to welcome children into the world of literacy.
The library’s staff plays such a vital role, offering personalized support to patrons of all ages. From guiding job seekers through online applications to leading yoga and book clubs, they create a welcoming space where everyone feels valued.
The Gloucester County Library System has also gone fine-free, as a way to continue encouraging the community to utilize the library as a tool and combat limitations patrons may face. Judith Pissano highlights the unique bond between the staff and the community, sharing, “I might be biased, but I think the library has a meaningful impact on the community every day that is often not apparent.”
She continued, “The library supports businesses by providing resources and databases that can assist their business. Additionally, the library has the unwavering support of the Swedesboro business community, especially during our annual Summer Reading programs.”
The businesses provide coupons to the library such as free eggrolls, cupcakes, or slices of pizza. The coupons are given out as prizes to summer reading participants as they reach weekly reading goals. “It is a way to promote local business and literacy at the same time.”
The library also provides a space for organizations such as AARP, local authors, and artists to share their knowledge and stories with the community.
Both libraries have embraced change while remaining true to their mission of serving the community. Hybrid programs allow for flexible participation, while expanded digital offerings provide access to eBooks, audiobooks, and streaming services.
By becoming fine-free, the libraries have removed barriers, making their resources more accessible to all. The future is bright with Gloucester County Library System preparing to build a new library in Clayton ensuring that these vital services will reach even more people within the county.
Logan Library and the Margaret Dombrosky Swedesboro Public Library are two of the five branches within the Gloucester County Library System but illustrate the immense strides and initiatives that the system is setting out to do for all the communities it stands in. These are more than just libraries. They are places where lives are touched, dreams are nurtured, and communities thrive. They remind us that libraries are not only about books, but about people, connections, and the magic that happens when we come together.
By Asiya Robinson
