Autumn Years Spring 2023

“I feel very good about what we do, and fostering a welcoming atmosphere is something that I think we do especially well in Westwood and take pains to ensure."

fostering a welcoming atmosphere is something that I think we do especially well in Westwood and take pains to en sure. It can be a cold, hard and hurried world out there, so it pleases me to be able to work in an environment that is on the pulse with what we know and have to of fer but is also warm, friendly and calm,” says Martha. “I want to thank my staff for that atmosphere. They are really the best at making our library welcoming.” When Superstorm Sandy knocked out power for thousands through out Bergen County in October 2012, the library was one of a few places people could go to charge their digital devices and get internet access, explains Martha. “They came in droves. Many hadn’t visited our library in years and were surprised by how many resources were available. They also appreciated the friendly, neighborly environment.” The Westwood Public Library was voted second out of more than 70 librar ies in the 2022 “Best of Bergen” rank ings and is in the running again this year. “If it’s been a while since you’ve walked through the library’s welcom ing doors, stop by 49 Park Avenue or visit www.westwoodpubliclibrary.org and check it out,” Martha says with a heart-warming smile. a

travel plans in the works for both Spain and Australia. Prior to directing the Westwood Free Public Library, Martha was a reference librarian at the Lee Memorial Public Library in Allendale. She also spent several years working for Baker & Tay lor, the largest supplier of library books, content, software and services to aca demic and public libraries in the coun try. When the Westwood job opened up, Martha applied. “The job constantly changes, and it is challenging to maintain access to day while always keeping an eye out for what’s coming five to ten years from now,” says Martha. “Storage is a con stant concern, so it is difficult to pick and

Martha with her children.

physical possession. The library helps facilitate access to these resources.” Martha lives in Hillsdale, but her role at the library keeps her immersed in the Westwood community, too. She has cultivated relationships with members of the Chamber of Commerce, Town Council, school district and the thou sands of patrons who walk through the library’s doors. She is a constant pres ence at library events. In her rare spare time, Martha enjoys running, playing tennis and, not surpris ingly, reading. She also enjoys theater, music and travel. Martha is originally

from Michigan and lived in Indiana before moving to New Jersey about 30 years ago. Her adult son and daughter now live in Philadel phia, and, as one of a family of eight brothers and sisters, she has fam ily all over, including a sister who now lives in Spain. Martha’s part ner, Mark, is Australian. He and Martha have

choose what materials to hold on to.” Martha has not only chosen to hold onto DVDs, she is also looking to obtain more DVD players, noting that streaming services can and do regularly remove items and, as a result, their accessibility. Keeping DVDs means keeping access. “I feel very good about what we do, and

Martha and Mark.

SPRING 2023 I AUTUMN YEARS 41