January 18, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 7 Mahwah Library officials survey residents for strategic plan by Frank J. McMahon Mahwah Library officials are asking township residents to complete an online survey in order to help shape the future of the library. Library Director Kurt Hadeler has advised that the survey can be taken at any computer with Internet access and residents can respond to the survey from their home, school, office, or in the library. “We want to know how you currently use the library and how we can better serve you,” Hadeler said, adding that the survey takes approximately six minutes to complete and will be available through Jan. 31. To access the survey, residents may visit the library’s website at http:// www.mahwahlibrary.org or log on to ht t p://w w w.zoomerang.com /Su r vey/ WEB22EAPPFGZUJ and follow the directions. While online responses are encouraged, Hadeler said those who are unable to access the survey via computer can obtain a printed copy from the library at 100 Ridge Road. He added that the library will use the information to develop a strategic plan for services during 2012-15 and all responses are anonymous. According to Hadeler, the library’s previous strategic plan extended from 2009 to 2012, but as a result of recently enacted state legislation, a new strategic plan is required. Based on that plan and an audit of the library’s financial condition, which is expected to be completed by the end of February, a determination will be made by the state librarian if there are any excess library funds that must be returned to the township for taxpayer relief as required by the new legislation. Library President Curtis Koster urged all Mahwah residents to participate in the survey. He said, “We need input from everyone in the community to evaluate our current services and help us plan for the future. We’re dedicated to ensuring that the library remains a vibrant part of the community and residents’ feedback is an essential part of the process.” According to Hadeler, the library serves a population of over 26,000 Mahwah residents and some other Bergen County residents with 12,000 library card holders, and has 136,000 items in its collection. Last year, the library circulated 354,494 items, making this library’s circulation the fourth busiest in the county. The current library building on Ridge Road became a reality in 1998. In April 2011, the library held a grand opening of the 7,800 square-foot newly renovated lower level. The library’s history dates back to 1912, when the private collection of Eleanor Bugg was made available to select individuals within the community. By 1920, the Mahwah Woman’s Club assumed responsibility for the collection and decided to make the materials available to the entire township. In 1921, the collection was moved to a storefront on Miller Road, where, through various fundraising efforts and activities, the Woman’s Club managed to keep the library open to the public. In 1929, the Woman’s Club relinquished control of the collection, and the facility became known as the Mahwah Public Librar y Association. Resident Annie (continued on page 23) The Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Hindu Samaj Community Center are co-sponsoring the first intercultural dance spectacular, featuring cultures and dance troupes from all over the region. The dance spectacular, which is a fundraiser benefiting the Mahwah Marine Moms-North Jersey Military Moms, is set for Jan. 21 at 3 p.m. at the Hindu Samaj Community Center, 247 West Ramapo Valley Road in Mahwah. Refreshments will follow the event. Admission is free, but WinterFest to continue with intercultural dance free-will donations will be appreciated. The Intercultural Dance Spectacular celebrates the heritage and diversity of the region and features local, award-winning dance troupes from Shubhanjali School of Performing Arts in Scotch Plains, Infinite Motion Performing Arts Academy in Mahwah, McLoughlin School of Irish Dancing in Allendale, The Dance Loft in Suffern, New York, and Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Ridgewood. A variety (continued on page 23)