We're Hiring!
Job Opportunity: PT Adult Services Librarian
The Margaret E. Heggan Free Public Library of Washington Township in Sewell, NJ seeks a PT Adult Services Librarian to work most Saturdays from 9:30 AM until 5 PM, alternating Sundays from noon until 5 PM, and evening substitute hours as needed.
This position reports to the FT Adult Services Supervisor. The library is open seven days per week throughout the entire year, including Sundays. The library is closed on most major holidays and Sunday holidays including Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Easter.

Responsibilities include providing reference and readers' advisory services, assisting patrons in the computer lab and with the use of electronic resources, developing a small portion of the library collection, assisting with displays, and participating in professional development. The person in this position will be the librarian in charge, responsible for the staff and the building, during Saturday and Sunday shifts. Other duties include performing all other library functions at the direction of the supervisor.

This position requires a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited program or a NJ State Professional Librarian's Certificate. Three years of experience as a professional adult services librarian preferred. Strong customer service skills are essential and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with others. Knowledge of print and electronic reference and reader's advisory tools is essential. Ability to adapt to new technologies is required. Excellent oral and written communication skills necessary. The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic and highly motivated librarian who loves helping others.

The Margaret E. Heggan Free Public Library is an independent municipal library, serving the residents of Washington Township in Gloucester County since 1966. The library is a 20,000 square foot building with a 2025 fiscal year operating budget of almost 2.5 million dollars. The reference desk is staffed by professional librarians during all operating hours, and the librarian on duty at the reference desk is in charge of the building in the absence of the Library Director.

The hourly range for this position is $27.05 - $37.87 and pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Per the NJ Paid Sick Leave Act, all staff receive paid sick time. The library pays for memberships to the NJ Library Association and the American Library Association for all librarians. The selected candidate, if not a New Jersey resident, will be required to establish New Jersey residency within a year of appointment in accordance with the New Jersey First Act. Preference will be given to applications received by January 17, 2025. Only candidates of interest will be contacted.

To apply, send a resumé, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to Sheila Mikkelson, Library Director, at smikkelson@hegganlibrary.org

2024 Annual Report
2024 Annual Report
Here is our 2024 annual report, highlighting many of our accomplishments last year. Paper copies are also available at the library.

We are very proud of our work and the excellent services that our stellar staff members have provided to Washington Township residents.

Outreach


The library continues to reach out to the community.
  • All American Assisted Living
  • Cardinal Village
  • Coat Drive
  • Five Star Senior Living
  • Girl Scouts
  • Hollydell School
  • Greater Washington Township Chamber of Commerce
  • Mother's Cupboard
  • National Night Out
  • Parent Teacher Organizations
  • Super Saturday
  • Washington Township Environmental Commission
  • Washington Township Creative Team
  • Washington Township Historic Preservation Commission
  • Washington Township Public Schools
  • Washington Township Senior Center

Programs and Services


The 2024 - 2028 Library Strategic Plan was approved by the Library Board of Trustees. We exceeded our yearly statistical goals in 2024 compared with 2023, including program attendees (41%), visitors (16%), items borrowed (13%), program offered (10%), and new cardholders (6%).

We were reminded that patrons continue to value youth programming, year-round Sunday hours, three-week circulation period for books, and the availability of multiple copies of bestsellers to keep waiting times low. Through multiple platforms, we increased availability of electronic resources, including books, audiobooks, movies, and magazines. We began issuing digital library cards to township residents as part of Library Card Sign-Up Month. We replaced our computer software for program registrations and room reservations, allowing cardholders to reserve small study rooms and easily register for programs.

Our librarians launched several new programs, including Dungeons and Dragons for children and a Heritage Club and a Babysitting Club for teens. Adults were invited to Washington Lake Park for Rambling Readers: A Walking Book Club. Patrons enjoyed previous programs that were repeated, including story times, Truck Night, Blind Date With a Book, and guest speakers.

We added the Glencairn Museum pass, bringing our total number of museum and attraction passes to twenty-nine.

In conjunction with Girl Scout Troop 61578, Washington Township Public Works added a Little Free Library in Washington Lake Park, expanding our reach in the community.

Friends of the Library


We are thankful to the Friends who donated $11,100 to support future library services. In 2024, Friends funds were used to enhance the summer reading programs for all ages. Friends funds were also used to purchase books for the collection, programming supplies, a Book Page subscription, and more.

2024 Statistics


Circulation
201,477 (13% increase from 2023)
Program Attendance
16,069 (41% increase from 2023)
Total Programs Offered
931 (10% increase from 2023)
Visitors
107,016 (16% increase from 2023)
New Cardholders
1,689 (6% increase from 2023)
Internet Usage
7,633 (11% increase from 2023)
Downloaded Materials
37,298 (157% increase from 2023)
Museum Passes Borrowed
513 (27% increase from 2023)
Reference Questions Answered
19,134 (6% increase from 2023)
Wi-Fi Usage
7,633 (55% increase from 2023)
Heggan Website Pages Accessed
137,069 (26% increase from 2023)

2024 Inventory


Print Books
78,137
Print Magazines
837
Music CDs
2,982
Audio Book CD Titles
1,815
Movie Titles
9,543

Sheila and Beth hold a check from the Friends for the library
Thank You, Friends of the Library
We are very grateful to the Friends of the Library who recently made their 2025 yearly donation to the library for the amount of $11,100!

The funds will be used to further support library programs and services.

New trees being planted
New Trees
We are thankful to the Washington Township Environmental Commission for providing us with five new trees. Also, many thanks to Public Works for planting the trees.

A desktop computer
Welcome to Word: Basic Microsoft Word Training
Do you want to learn to use Microsoft Word, but don't know how to get started? If so, this is the perfect class for you! Though this class is for beginning Word users, attendees should be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard.
Please call Librarian Jenn at 856-589-3334 ext. 204 if you need assistance with using a mouse and keyboard. This class will be held in our computer lab, and all adults can register.

Friday, January 17th at 2:00PM

Click here to register!

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