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Mission, History & Future

Our Mission

 

The Bloomfield Library strives to be the center of information and discovery for the Township. Our mission reflects the commitment we are making to the community.

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BPL Strategic Plan 2019-2021

Our History

The Bloomfield Public Library has been serving the community for over seventy years. It all began in 1902, when James Newbegin Jarvie, a prominent Bloomfield businessman, founded the Jarvie Memorial Library at Westminster Presbyterian Church, in memory of his parents. In 1923, he offered the library, it’s collection and equipment to the town, along with $60,000. The library did a great deal of moving around until the Board of Trustees purchased the land at 90 Broad Street for $23,000. John F. Capen, a local architect, was commissioned to draw plans for the 17,000 square foot colonial brick building which finally opened to the public in March, 1927.


The library has undergone a great deal of renovation since then. By 1963, the need for more space had become obvious. The year began with intensive planning and a search for funds. Finally, on September 5, 1967, the newly built main library was opened to the public. The first floor of the original building was re-designated as the Children’s Library. The lower level became meeting room and staff areas. The meeting room became a theatre in 1969 and continues to be the site of many live musical programs, films, lectures and children’s programs sponsored by the library and other groups.

The library has always been recognized for its staff, whose friendly and cooperative spirit has been the hallmark of its dedicated service to the people of Bloomfield. 

Strategic Plan 2019-2021

The Bloomfield Public Library's strategic plan serves as a blueprint to guide the library in its quest to provide exemplary services that enrich and improve the lives of the citizens of the Township of Bloomfield.

 

From 2016-2018, the library saw tremendous growth in registrations, circulation of materials, and program participation. These successes have reaffirmed our standing in the community and raised awareness of our role as an invaluable resource to the Township. It is upon this strong base that our Strategic Plan was built with an eye toward the future’s ever-evolving environment, driven by innovations in technology and shifting demographics in the community we serve. This plan will also help us to respond to the growing needs and expectations of our patrons.

 

The Library took a comprehensive approach to the development of the Strategic Plan, including: assessment of the facilities and collections; a comprehensive questionnaire for both residents and staff; a Community Leaders/Stakeholders meeting, and a Library Open House for the community; all of which informed the final version of the Plan. Click to view the plan in full (PDF).

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