We at the Middletown Public Library System congratulate you for making our libraries among the best in the country! According to Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings, we scored in the TOP 2% of all public libraries in the United States in 2005. This rating takes into account both what we take in and what we produce, and objectively states which libraries are producing results and managing their resources well for their patrons. The Middletown, West Chester, and Trenton Libraries are exemplary, and we thank you for your continued friendship and patronage.

Your Library was founded by the philanthropic efforts of concerned citizens of Middletown, and we invite you to become a part of that history in our next phase of growth. In an effort to adapt to the growing needs of our library patrons, the Middletown Public Library System has established a development fund to encourage private investment in the library you use. Your involvement will ensure that children are not turned away from our limited-space reading programs, and that they have all the materials that they need to learn to love reading. It will make sure that everyone has access to the Internet for job searches or connecting with friends and family. It will also ensure that our facilities remain open for extended hours of business for your convenience. Most importantly, your investment will help to secure a strong financial future for your library in what has proven to be a difficult economic time for public institutions.

Knowing how vital public libraries are to the quality of life in your community, and how important it is to provide equal and free access to programs and information, we are honored to offer you the opportunity to support your library. We invite you to do what you can to ensure that your community has the library that it deserves - even in the face of economic uncertainty - by considering a gift to your library. Please contact us if you have any questions or comments regarding this issue, or to find out more about how you can make a contribution or planned gift. Help us improve our programs, facilities, and selection of materials by sending in your investment in your community’s future today. We appreciate your willingness to become involved in the effort to preserve and nurture our public library!

We Serve YOU

The Middletown Public Library System serves the cities of Middletown, Trenton, and Monroe and the townships of West Chester, Liberty, Lemon, Madison, and Wayne. The main library is in the city of Middletown with branch libraries in West Chester and Trenton. In 2005, we ranked in the top ten libraries of our size for the only library service rating system in the U.S., placing us in the top 2% of all libraries nationally for quality and service.

System-wide, our collection consists of approximately 300,000 books, 38,000 sound recordings, and 33

,000 video recordings. There are nearly 107,000 library cardholders, and on average, 1,018 new users sign up per month. We organize hundreds of programs for adults and children at our branches every year, and provide space for community organizations to meet. We circulate over 175,000 items each month through each of our branches, and deliver items to homebound individuals and the agencies that serve them in our district. We also have an extensive art collection of nearly 200 pieces to enjoy.

• James E. VonderHaar
• Karen L. Hackett
• Barbara Chappell
• Joe Lyons
• James M. Frazier
• Harold Jackson
• Marilyn Patrick

• Douglas J. Bean, Library Director
• Judi Girton, Assistant Director
• Deborah Preston, Clerk-Treasurer
• Katherine A. Stengel, Manager of Human Resources
• Diane Current, Trenton Team Leader
• Steve Mayhugh, West Chester Branch Manager