WOODBRIDGE — Mayor John E. McCormac said that when he attended the former St. Cecelia’s School, the Iselin Branch Library was the place to go.
“It was right down the street … we were doing homework, studying, looking up things in a big book they used to call the encyclopedia for all you young kids who don’t know,” he said.
The Iselin Branch Library, Green Street, Woodbridge, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Library and township officials joined the public at a ribbon cutting ceremony to dedicate the the newly renovated library in June. The John F. Kennedy Memorial High School Marching Band was on hand to kick off the celebration.
McCormac said Woodbridge provides funds for the library through the municipal budget.
“We fund much higher than the minimum because we believe in a strong library system,” he said, noting the other libraries in the township include the Woodbridge Main Library and libraries in Fords and Sewaren. “The libraries are alive and well in Woodbridge.”
Woodbridge Library Director Monica Eppinger and Iselin Librarian Wendi Rottweiler welcomed the public to the ceremony and thanked library and township officials who were instrumental in helping to renovate the library.
Ward 4 Councilman Virbhadra Patel said libraries are the greatest gifts for the community.
“I used the Iselin Branch Library and it has the finest design with natural light,” he said. “We are lucky to have four libraries in the township.”
Rottweiler presented T-shirts that read “This is my happy place” to the mayor, councilman and library officials. In turn, McCormac presented a proclamation for the library.
During the ceremony, the library held a number of children’s events, a vocal performance by the Manjari School of Performing Arts and Indian Folk and Classical Dance by performers from Arudhra saai Natyashala and a dedication of “Entwined,” a photographic installation celebrating the history of cooperation between the Iselin Branch Library and the Woodbridge Garden Club.
