SWEDESBORO –The Greater Swedesboro Business Association, and Swedesboro Councilperson Diane Hale, were each given the New Jersey Library Champion Award.
The Greater Swedesboro Business Association (GSBA) received the award in recognition of their substantial gift of equipment and their continued advocacy efforts on behalf of the Logan Township and Swedesboro branches of the Gloucester County Library System.
Hale was nominated for individual recognition by Marge Dombrosky, manager of the Gloucester County Library System’s Swedesboro Branch, as a long-time and committed advocate for the Swedesboro Branch of the Gloucester County Library System in her positions as Council member, Chair for the Economic Development Committee, Coordinator for the Swedesboro Municipal Alliance, and as the Chairperson for Clean Communities.
The GSBA donated $12,000 to these two branches, given in acknowledgement of the value they bring to the business community and to all residents. This gift was the largest single donation ever received by the Gloucester County Library System. With these funds, each branch was able to purchase one Early Literacy Computer for children, plus two laptops and one IPad which are available for staff and customers.
Joe Bouvier, long-time member of the GSBA, stated “The Greater Swedesboro Business Association has long recognized that our local libraries play an important role in the community, and we are pleased that the library branches are active members of the GSBA. We believe that all cross-sections of the public will benefit from the technology upgrades that have been implemented by the libraries with this donation.”
Hale supported the expansion and renovation of the Swedesboro Branch of GCLS, encouraged the development of library/Borough partnerships, and is instrumental in promoting the library through the town’s social and print media. Through the efforts of Hale, the Swedesboro Shade Tree Commission partners with the library to provide many educational and creative programs.
As Chair of the Economic Development Committee, Hale is aware of the importance of the Swedesboro Branch of GCLS to the community and invites library participation in programs and events. Continual funding from the Economic Development Committee provides recycling programs at the library.
As the coordinator of the Swedesboro Municipal Alliance, Hale has been responsible for the Swedesboro Branch of GCLS receiving Swedesboro Alliance 2014 grant funds in excess of $3,000.
