On April 16th, the Jersey City Free Public Library proudly announced that Commerce Bank had generously donated $4,000 to the Five Corners Branch Library as part of their celebration of National Library Week, an annual observance to showcase America’s libraries from the American Library Association, which designated the week of April 13 – 19 this year.

          The Five Corners Branch, located at 678 Newark Avenue in Jersey City, was chosen as one of 50 libraries, in celebration of National Library Week’s 50th anniversary, within the footprint of Commerce Bank to be the recipient of $4,000. Most, approximately 86 percent, identified libraries fall within a low- to moderate-income area across eight states, with an aggregate of $200,000 to be donated and which are made through the TD Banknorth Foundation.

          The Five Corners Branch Library holds the Jersey City library system’s Media Arts Center, named for Chaplain Major Charles Watters, who served in Viet Nam, and has honored two men, Joseph Nardini and the Honorable William J. Timney, for its first-floor boardroom (See Five Corners Branch History). The branch also recently received a full renovation of the Mildred H. Hunke Auditorium, including new seating with four disabled areas; flooring for the stage (refinished oak), lobby (terrazzo), auditorium (rubber tile); and a new overhead projection screen. Although the auditorium already has been in operation, a Grand Opening will be scheduled in the near future. Five Corners has been in existence since 1924, and at its present address since 1962.

          “We are very appreciative of Commerce Bank for thinking of the Five Corners Branch Library,” said Library Director Priscilla Gardner. “And WOW! Our collection is always in need of new printed and audio materials,” added Branch Manager Susan Stewart.

          Commerce Bank, located at 125 Eighteenth Street in Jersey City (near the A&P), opened its Jersey City store on December 30, 2006 and had requested a B&W archival photograph from the Main Library’s New Jersey Room, which served as a model for the colorized 17-feet wide by 8-feet high mural that adorns that store. The photograph depicts a Decoration Day (now called, Memorial Day) parade in 1909 in front of the 4th Regiment Armory, the current site of Hudson Catholic High School. In recompense for the Jersey City Free Public Library’s efforts and participation, Commerce Bank had donated $125 to the Jersey City Free Public Library Foundation, Inc.

“It’s clear that Commerce Bank loves libraries, and we are happy to be neighborly to one another,” said Assistant Library Director Sonia Araujo, who oversees Five Corners and the New Jersey Room.

COMMERCE BANK CELEBRATES 50th ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK – The Five Corners Branch of the Jersey City Free Public Library enjoyed being the recipient of a wonderful idea from Commerce Bank, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of National Library Week (4/13-19) with a $4,000 donation to 50 libraries within its footprint in low- to moderate-income areas. (L to R): From Commerce Bank, Monica K. McCormack-Casey, Vice President, Government Banking and Shesielle Jansen, Assistant Vice President; Deputy Mayor Kabili Tayari, representing Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy; Library Director Priscilla Gardner; Five Corners Branch Manager Susan Stewart; Jersey City Library Trustee Sondra E. Buesing-Riley; and Assistant Library Director Sonia Araujo.

BUNNY MONEY – The Five Corners Branch also received an adorably illustrated book from Commerce Bank for National Library Week, entitled, Bunny Money, a children’s story with a money theme, by author and illustrator Rosemary Wells. Getting a peek at the book is Library Director Priscilla Gardner (right) with Commerce Bank Assistant Vice President Shesielle Jansen (left).

COMMERCE CLOSE UP – Although the check’s details still can’t be seen, it definitely was made out for $4,000, to the Jersey City Free Public Library from Commerce Bank. What’s better, everyone’s smiles can be seen clearly in this close up. (L to R): From Commerce Bank, Monica K. McCormack-Casey, Vice President, Government Banking and Shesielle Jansen, Assistant Vice President; Deputy Mayor Kabili Tayari, representing Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy; Library Director Priscilla Gardner; Five Corners Branch Manager Susan Stewart; Jersey City Library Trustee Sondra E. Buesing-Riley; and Assistant Library Director Sonia Araujo.

FIVE CORNERS CELEBRATES NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK 2008 – Branch Manager Susan Stewart created this display, readying it for the photo shoot with Commerce Bank.