As part of the Monmouth County Library system, the Howell branch is active in providing a full slate of services to residents of the town. The library is part of the municipal complex, putting it close to the police department, the municipal offices and the recreation department.
Founded in 1923 by Cora Hartshorn, whose father developed Short Hills, the arboretum includes both a garden and untouched woodlands in its 16-acre tract. When Hartshorn died, she willed the arboretum to the town for all to enjoy. There are trails in the woods behind the stone barn, which anyone can use. The arboretum staff just asks visitors to close the gate behind them when they use the trails.
The stone barn is a historic structure from Hartshorn's days and was renovated in 2007, which included an addition. Programming for children and adults takes place in the barn, which features a kitchen classroom and an area dedicated to animals. The animals include assorted reptiles and a chinchilla, which is popular with children.
Programming takes place during the day for preschoolers and after school for older children. Teenagers also serve as volunteers and mentors to younger children. There is a variety of adult programming as well, including trips and hikes.
In addition to the trails and indoor programming, the arboretum has a bird watching area with assorted bird feeders. The birds are also captured on a Web cam, which people can watch on the organization's Web site.
Come experience the library's vast collection of nearly 65,000 resources, available to Collingswood residents and non-resident Collingswood teachers, business owners, church clergy and borough employees. Ineligible non-residents may gain library access for a $35 annual fee.
A collection of close to 1,500 DVDs and more than 500 CDs is among the many resources offered by the library. All books, CDs and audio cassettes must be returned to the library 21 days after borrowing. Unless an item is already being held for another cardholder, items may be renewed either at the library or by phone. There is a limit of three books per subject or author.
Story Time is open to three-, four- and five-year-old children every Thursday morning at 10am. Story Time is held in the Peter P. Childs Meeting Room. Parents interested in registering their child for the first time may call Dot Garabedian or Carol Ehret at 856-858-0649.
A five-member board of trustees manages the library. The Collingswood Public Library Board of Trustees meets at 7pm on the first Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held in the library's George A. Palmer New Jersey Room.
The West Deptford School District's offices house the district's administration, including the superintendent of schools, business administrator, director of curriculum, child study team and Board of Education. The superintendent of schools is Kevin Kitchenman, who was previously the principal of West Deptford High School. The Board of Education meets on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7pm at West Deptford Middle School.
The City of Newark Director's office is located in the Newark City Hall Building. This office is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of all street signs, street markings and light fixtures throughout the City of Newark. Residents can call the number listed to report damaged and vandalised fixtures or street signs.
The Butler Borough Offices is home to several Butler departments, including:
Administration: (973) 838-7200
Clerk: (973) 838-7200
Electric Department: (973) 838-7208
Finance Department: (973) 838-7200 ext. 200
Garbage, Recycling & Clean Communities: (973) 838-7200 ext.219
Health Department: (973) 838-7200 ext. 237
Recreation Department: (973) 838-7903
Water Department: (973) 838-7208
Tax Office: (973) 838-7207
Several other departments in the Borough are not located at these offices. Town meetings are also held in the building. The Borough of Butler became established in 1901.
