For Allen McGinley, the rising numbers are a testament to the library’s consistent dedication to community service and education. By Tyler Brown, March 5, 2024 WESTFIELD, NJ — With new initiatives, more residents are stopping by the library to not only read, but engage with new programs and community events, said Library Director Allen McGinley. In McGinley’s “Director’s Report,” he writes that increased activity can be seen across the board at the Westfield Memorial Library. “We’ve been seeing a significant increase in library usage over the past few years,” McGinley told TAPinto Westfield. read more

By Katie Moen/The Westfield Leader, May 8, 2024 WESTFIELD — In its more than 250 years of documented history, the Town of Westfield has borne witness to two world wars, the end of slavery, vast technological advancements, floods, political demonstrations, the Great Depression, the loss of residents in a terrorist attack, and even two global pandemics. But even with so many major events under its belt, the story of Westfield, and all small towns, is best told through the eyes of the people who have lived here. Now, thanks to the efforts of the Westfield Memorial Library, local history buffs […]

“It’s important for people to make their own decisions on what they choose to read,” the library director said. By Matt Kadosh/TAPinto Westfield, October 2, 2022 WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield Memorial Library is taking a stand against book bans amid what is being described as a “surge” in book challenges and censorship nationwide. Limiting people’s access to books does not protect them from life’s complex and challenging issues and all people deserve to see themselves reflected in a library’s collection, the resolution approved by the library’s board of trustees in September says. Library Director Allen McGinley said he brought […]

By Jill Garnhart/TAPinto Westfield, November 10, 2021 WESTFIELD, NJ — Surprised and grateful. That’s how most patrons react when they find out the Westfield Memorial Library is no longer charging late fees. And some are even going further to show their appreciation. “One of our patrons came in expecting to pay a huge fine because she had some late books, and we told her that we weren’t going to be charging fines anymore. She left sort of surprised,” said Library Assistant Jeff Payton. “The next time she came in she brought a big plate of cookies from a bakery because […]

By Tyler Brown/TAPinto Westfield, July 2, 2023 WESTFIELD, NJ — Nestled behind the Westfield Memorial Library on Stanley Avenue, a new open-air patio features a furnished area for book lovers to enjoy. On Wednesday, Library Director Allen McGinley gathered with community members to celebrate the latest addition to the library. The outdoor amenities now include highspeed Wi-Fi, seating arrangements, a sitting wall, new landscaping and pavers. McGinley credited the Westfield Foundation for funding the project with a $17,750 grant.

By Tyler Brown/TAPinto Westfield, October 2, 2023 WESTFIELD, NJ — The grant, which totals $32,067.10, will go toward improving the library’s automation services and access to resources. Westfield Memorial Library received the grant from the Union County Board of Commissioners under the Empowering Union County Libraries initiative last week. The county initiative is headed by Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados and County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski. “The primary objective of the grant is to facilitate the library’s participation in the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium … The library migrated to the system in May,” a press release from the library said […]