User:OmairAdul/sandbox

Article Evaluation
Selected Article: Newark Public Library

 Contribution Plan: 


 * When first reading the article, I realized that there are a few grammatical errors and poor word usage. So, I will try my best to fix as many grammatical errors as possible.
 * Under the "History" section of the article, there is more information about John Cotton Dana, rather then the history of the library itself. After doing some research, I found a credible source that thoroughly discusses the history of the library. On the library's website there is plenty of information about the library's history.
 * Also, I realized that some of the information in the article is outdated. For example, one of the library branches is temporarily closed. Also, the information about the library's expansion is outdated. The source used to refer to the library's expansion is from 2006. However, that some source has been updated and is credible since it is a section on the library's website.
 * I will add a table that shows all the locations of the Newark Public Library.
 * I will add a "Board of Trustees" section.
 * Last but not least, I will upload some additional pictures.

The Newark Public Library (NPL) is a public library system in Newark, New Jersey. The library offers numerous programs and events to its diverse population. With eight different locations, the Newark Public Library serves as a Statewide Reference Center.

Locations:
The First Avenue Branch, located in upper Roseville, and the Madison Branch, located in Clinton Hill, closed down on August 27, 2010 due to budget cuts. The Roseville Branch, located in lower Roseville, is temporarily closed.

Board of Trustees:
As of 4/10/2018:


 * President: Dr. Timothy J. Christ
 * Vice President: Ms. Trish Morris-Yamba
 * Treasurer: Mr. Thomas Alrutz
 * Secretary: Dr. Anasa Maat

History:
The Newark Public Library opened in 1889 on West Park Street. Initially, the library offered 10,000 books, but as of 2015, it had 145,132 items in circulation. When the population of Newark, New Jersey increased, a new building was constructed at 5 Washington Street. An architectural marvel, the new building, designed by Rankin and Kelly, was influenced by the 15th century Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, Italy. The library also served as a museum, lecture hall, and a gallery. In 1902, John Cotton Dana succeeded Frank P. Hill to become the director of the library. John Cotton Dana greatly promoted the educational value of the library. For example, he bought books for the blind, established foreign language collections for immigrants, and even developed a special collection for the business community. This "Business Branch" was the first of its kind in the nation. John Cotton Dana also founded the Newark Museum in 1909, directing it until his death. After his death, his successor at the Newark public library referred to him as "The First Citizen of Newark". Six years after his death, the city of Newark appointed October 6, 1935 as John Cotton Dana Day. In fact, Rutgers University–Newark's main library is named after John Cotton Dana. Also, after the death of Dana in 1929, the library continued to thrive. In 1930, the library had a book truck which brought books to children throughout Newark and in 1963 the library became a Federal Regional Depository.

Main Library Expansion and Renovations:
In 2006 the Main Library was renovated. All 108 windows of the building were restored. The exterior skylight, which roofs the Main Atrium was repaired. All nine cracked panels on the skylight were replaces. The decorative Atrium lay-light was lubricated and all of the cracked stained glass was replaced. The public spaces in the library were also modified. The entrance doors were replaced with new wooden ones, all internal and external hardware was refurbished or replaced, and opening assistance mechanisms were added to the entrance and atrium doors. The Main Atrium and the Audio/Video room were also refurbished.

This renovation of the main library was the first of three phases. Phase one included the restoration of windows, repairs to the skylight in the main atrium, new wood doors to the Washington Street entrance, installation of two glass and wood display cases, widening of the entrance, new marble flooring, cleaning of walls and ceilings and floors, a new circulation desk, new shelving and cabinets in the main atrium, the addition of an audio/video room, and new computer terminals. The second phase of the project is not yet under way as the capital to finance the project is still being raised. The second phase will include the restoration of Centennial Hall, the reading room on the second floor and the restoration of the Fiction Room and the Auditorium. The third phase is the construction of a glass building at 5 Washington Street, which will include the Charles F. Cumming New Jersey Information Center, the James Brown African American Room, the La Sala Hispanoamericana, world language collections, young adults space, a café, and a meeting room.