Lancaster Family Raises $20,000 to Create “Cubby’s Corner” in each Atlantic County Library Branch

The newest volunteer member of the Atlantic County Library Foundation is certainly one to keep her word. Appointed in February by County Executive Dennis Levinson, Mary Lancaster of Egg Harbor Township, set a goal to raise funds and collect children’s books so that each of the nine branches of the Atlantic County Library System could have a “Cubby’s Corner.” On May 2, 2019, Mary Lancaster presented a check for $20,000 to Levinson and members of the Atlantic County Library Foundation for that purpose.

The Lancaster Family helped create the first “Cubby’s Corner” in the Egg Harbor Township branch in February 2018 to honor the memory of their son, Michael “Cubby” Lancaster who died in 2016 at the age of four as a result of an accidental drowning. The board books, picture books, easy readers, and juvenile audiobooks chosen for our Egg Harbor Township Branch were tailored around Cubby's interests and personality - vehicles, taking trips, music, the library, Peanuts, Elmo, puzzles, jumping, and his ability to make friends and light up a room. It is his mother’s hope that the collection and space will be enjoyed by children of all ages and reading levels.

“Cubby” loved to visit the library to read books and participate in story times. His infectious smile and outgoing personality helped him quickly befriend staff members, according to Levinson. “We are extremely grateful for this extraordinarily generous donation,” stated Levinson. “The Lancaster family has found a wonderful way to honor their son’s memory and share his spirit with others. We couldn’t be more proud to be part of this effort.”

The next “Cubby’s Corner” is expected to be created in the Galloway Township Branch with others to follow.

As of March 26, 2019 the existing Atlantic County Library System mobile app is no longer be available. However, because we understand the value and ease of a mobile friendly app, we are in the process of creating a more interactive one for our patrons.

Here's what to look forward to in the new mobile app:

• Updated and responsive design
• Easier navigation and searching
• Straightforward account management features
• Enhanced integration with our Catalog, digital media and databases
• Modernized programming and event calendar with registration capabilities
• Future improvements include notifications for holds, due date reminders, and upcoming events

The changeover will take some time but the goal is to launch the new app by summer. In the meantime, you can always search our catalog or log into your account from your PC or mobile device's browser to place holds and renew items.

We understand and apologize for the inconvenience this will cause those of you who have become so dependent on ACLS’s app. However, the ultimate objective is to enrich your user experience and we know this change will do that.

Egg Harbor City may be the smallest branch in the Atlantic County Library System but we have a big heart for our community and our local talent. Currently, we are honored to showcase the beautiful and unique art work of Tom Peterson and Ann Fox. Both are long time patrons and Egg Harbor City residents who have generously donated pieces for exhibit.

Service station owner Tom Peterson imaginatively uses car parts and scrap metal as well as everyday metal objects for his sculptures.

Tom’s Lady Liberty is fashioned with forks, nuts, bolts, washers, screws and even a rivet from the Ben Franklin Bridge. For Magic Tree House, car exhaust shields, bicycle chains, muffler clamps, and other scrap metals come together to create magical quality.

When not focused on her art, Ann Fox enjoys sewing, baking (often treating the Egg Harbor City book club), and walking around  her  working Cranberry Farm. Ann's pencil drawing illustrates her appreciation for detail as well as libraries and the pursuit of knowledge through reading.

We invite you to come by to peruse their art and our shelves.