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Warren Co. Library Commission Elects New Member, Vows to Address Public Concerns

May 28, 2026

Terry McColl takes the oath as a library commissioner with a raised right hand. — Terry McColl takes the oath as a library commissioner. Photo by Jane Primerano

Terry McColl took the oath as the newest member of the Warren County Library Commission at its Tuesday, May 26, meeting.

McColl is a resident of Port Murray and a retired library director. She said she has worked in public libraries and special libraries and is a former president of the New Jersey Library Association.

Although there are still items to be completed at the new Catherine Dickson Hoffman Library, the new maker’s space and digital laboratory are open for use by patrons.

Library Director Jill Butcher told the commission that a number of problems at the new building have been fixed. The internal book drop has been installed so the external one can be moved to the Washington Shop-Rite, she said. The library is still waiting for a projector and screen for the meeting room, radiator covers in the children’s room and remote control blinds for the windows above the circulation desk.

Maker’s Space Is Stocked and Staffed

The maker’s space is also awaiting laptops, but it does have an embroidery machine, a 3D printer, a large format printer, a printer that can do stickers and a heat printer, according to Matthew Rothfuss, assistant library director.

The digital lab includes a recording system for high-quality podcasts, machines that can convert VHS tapes and DVDs and Super-8 and 8mm film to digital as well as a scanner for converting film and slides. It is set up for self-service, Rothfuss said, and patrons can schedule times for using the space online.

A new hire will work part-time on those spaces, Butcher said in response to a question from Theresa Esposito-Jackson. Esposito-Jackson teaches at Hunterdon Central Regional High School, so she has access to the Hunterdon County Library. She said that the library system has a maker’s space and an employee to assist patrons. Butcher said the new hire will spend “a good percentage of her time” on the maker and digital spaces.

Butcher said CDH Librarian Kelly Gerkins is working on acquiring acoustic panels to dampen the sound in areas of the library.

‘Good News’ on Donations

She had some good news for the commission and audience, two generous donations. One gentleman donated 100 Phillipsburg High School yearbooks dating back to 1936.

“We’ve never received that many before,” she said. There are also a few Warren Hills Regional yearbooks and some from All Saints School in Phillipsburg. Butcher said people do come in looking for old yearbooks. The staff will put one of each year in the local history room and any duplicates in the large second floor room that holds history overflow.

The second donation is from the Knowlton American Legion and Auxiliary Post 418. The box contained scrapbooks, photos and records from the post. Butcher said the staff is deciding how to catalog them.

As is commonplace for the audience, two members had questions for the commission.

Esposito-Jackson and resident Anna Babitsky both asked for clarification of language in resolutions voted on at the April meeting; the resolutions change protocols about live-streaming meetings.

Babitsky noted that the oath for a library trustee state’s the position is “under the authority of the people,” but the people have been raising issues for a number of months. “It’s obvious nobody cares about what we say,” she commented. She noted four emails to the commission all raised the same questions, adding, “If a person says she’s concerned, the least you can do is add the question to the agenda.”

Board Chair Debbie Pasquarelli said she has made a note to address those issues. “I want to add these public questions. By next meeting I will put together a list of issues raised by the public and send it to the commissioners.”

The next library commission meeting is scheduled for June 23, 2026.

Jane Primerano, Contributing Writer

Jane Primerano is a veteran journalist covering Warren County municipalities, agriculture, and historic preservation. Her work has appeared in New Jersey Monthly, New Jersey Farmer, and more. A past president of NJ Press Women and SPJ NJPro, she lives in Hope Village and enjoys music, singing with the Warren County Community Singers, reading, and the Jersey Shore.