Newark Library receives $3200 from Ultralife

On July 23, Ultralife Corporation President John Kavazanjian met with Library Trustees and presented a $3200 check to them, to satisfy the matching funds obligation of a recent grant award.

The award to the Newark Library comes from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

At the presentation - Trustee Chris Mizro, Library Treasurer Sue Welcher, Trustee Joe Nicosia, Board President Mary Jane Healy, Ultralife President John Kavazanjian, and Library Executive Director Elly Dawson. (Photo by John Zornow)

The Newark Public Library has seen a 53 percent increase in the use of public computers over the last year. The impact of this usage has clearly shown that the demand for free computer access is one that is not a whim or passing phase.

Every day, the library opens its doors to people interested in emailing their grandchildren and families all over the country, provides an opportunity for its visitors to access databases with endless opportunity for research and information and can provide access to information on government programs, bank statements, personal finance and job opportunities.

The library provides an avenue to explore travel plans, make reservations, book hotels and rent cars. Thanks to continuously upgrade technology, your local library can assist community members in their quest for real estate information, both nearby, and all over the country. The library provides entertainment, information and education electronically.

Support from Ultralife comes with their long standing commitment to support the community, with particular interest in the services that are available and utilized by their employees.

With this gift of $3200, Newark Public Library will move ahead with the expansion of the public computer services.

Dawson said, 'The Gates grant, which is part of a nationwide effort, will allow the library to replace a public computer that was taken out of service last year. With the moneys from Ultralife , we can fill a need for furniture, a new laser printer and other peripheral equipment like hubs and wires that allow us to share the current connection throughout the building.'

The library approached local business and community leaders with the opportunity to support his program and began a quiet campaign to approach those who directly benefit from this service. The people who use these computers regularly are appreciative of the service, to be sure, and they were asked to contribute as well.

With a donation jar on the desk, the library has collected some $200 from daily users. Response to this matching grant challenge also came from local businesses, including Arcadia Sports and Awards.

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