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Bridgeton High School Class Of ’44 Gifts Library

The Bridgeton High School Class of 1944 remembers its days in the Bridgeton Library studying for tests and meeting friends, and it has donated $500 to help the library stay open for today’s students.

Representatives of the Class of ’44, Dorothy Peterson and Mary Chinnici, visited the library recently to make the presentation. Ms. Peterson explained that the Class of ’44 hoped their donation might encourage other BHS classes to also help the library. Though things have changed at the library since the Class of ’44 turned their tassels, it still supports students and provides a good place to study and to attend programs.

The window on the world that youth found in the library in 1944 has broadened a great deal. There was no internet in 1944, so all books were found by searching the card files – no searching from home. There was no interlibrary loan, so books could not be sent from libraries elsewhere in the state or country. Reference books were big and heavy – no online databases.

In 1944, the library consisted of the original building on the corner of Commerce and Bank Streets and a separate Dallas Lore Sharp Reading Room for children. But despite a much bigger building and modern technology, some things never change. Storytime is still a child’s introduction to the library and books and friends. Teens still meet friends in the library – sometimes they even study! Seniors citizens still stop by to have a chat and find a good book. You can still find out what’s happening in the community from the library’s bulletin board. The Book Discussion Group is still meeting. Librarians still help you get the information you need.

The donation by the Class of ’44 will help the library keep bestsellers on the shelves, audio and ebooks available, and homework materials accessible for students.

The library opens at 10am each morning from Monday through Saturday. Monday and Friday closing is at 5pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the library is open until 8pm. In summer, Saturdays hours are 10am to 2pm.

Call 856-451-2620 for additional information or visit www.bridgetonlibrary.org.