Library Courtyard Clean-Up

Submitted by Sherrianne Herninko, UMS Media Specialist

UMS National Junior Honor Society students offered their time to help the Rutherford Public Library with spring cleanup. Students spent several hours working in the library courtyard preparing it for a spring makeover so that patrons can enjoy the outdoor space.

This group of students who came to the library for the spring clean up worked so hard for several hours and it is nice that they will be able to see how their work has a positive impact on the community. The library courtyard was in much need of a clean up, and they were happy to volunteer their time to help get the ball rolling in creating a space for Rutherford Residents to use throughout the spring and summer months. I hope that each time they walk by the library or go in with family and friends, they will feel a sense of accomplishment knowing they gave back to their community, thus motivating them to keep doing so in the future.

Library director Judah Hamer was happy to work with me to coordinate this project and was impressed with how hard the students worked to give back to the Rutherford community.

NJHS students have to meet a certain GPA requirement to be accepted into the program, and throughout the year, they must complete at least 10 hours of community service. My goal with the students this year was to give them several service opportunities to be a part of that would meet their interests as well. So far this year, students have gone to the Kip center, an elementary school in Newark for a Read Across America Event, and several students are working on creating artwork that they will deliver to the Paramus Veterans' Memorial Home.