Posted on February 14, 2020 by Heather Adams

Reading Public Library Announces Opening of Learning and Meeting Commons

by Reading Public Library

Reading Public Library Announces Opening of Learning and Meeting Commons

Reading, PA  – Reading Public Library announced today the opening of the Dr. Jerome I. Marcus Learning and Meeting Commons on Thursday, February 20th. A year in development, the Commons consists of three private, high-tech meeting rooms and two meeting nooks, all available for free public use. The project was funded by a gift from Dr. Jerome I. Marcus and endorsed by the City of Reading.   It was further supported by generous in-kind donations from contractors and sub-contractors community wide. According to the library’s Executive Director, Bronwen Gamble, “This generous gift from Jerome I. Marcus will transform the Main Library into the 21st Century workforce development and collaborative learning center our residents want and need.” According to Ms. Gamble, there are innumerable uses for the meeting rooms, including many that have yet to be imagined. Projected current users include people working remotely, students with school group projects, social workers meeting clients, tutors, ESL teachers, budding entrepreneurs, and staff of small non-profits.

The private meeting rooms are outfitted with commercial grade audio/visual systems, including ultra high definition TV’s with 4K resolution and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) connectivity. The system has the flexibility to accept any presenter device and allows screen-mirroring without the need for a separate app. The rooms include easy WIFI connectivity for IOS, Android, Mac, Chromebook, or Windows-based devices.

Renee’ Dietrich, President of Reading Public Library’s Board of Trustees, characterized the gift as the largest designated donation ever received by the Library for a capital project. Regarding the project, Dietrich said, “Donors do not just want to give money away.  They want to make a difference.  That is exactly what Dr. Marcus’ gift will do. It will transform the Reading Public Library by taking its services to a whole new level.

Donor Jerome Marcus when asked about his desire to fund this project stated, “The beauty of our society is that we value the genius of the individual as well as the genius of the group. This project facilitates that spirit of collaboration.”

A Grand Opening Reception is being held on Wednesday, February 19 from 4 to 5 pm. For reservations or more information about the rooms, contact Linda Capozello, Director of Advancement and Communications, at 610.478.8977 or [email protected].

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Community Testimonials

Wish my town had a channel like this, very cool idea to bring the community together and give people a platform.

James

I wanted to thank you again for the opportunity you have created for our kids.  This experience is more than the TV show.  Eight students who probably never would have talked to each other were excited to execute a plan. Know that you make a difference.

Kristi

Thanks for your commitment to communication far and wide, for your technical support, and tireless efforts to bring fresh programs to BCTV. Bravo!

Liz

Thank you for always being receptive to my ideas. All of your efforts help me to help others and that is a blessing to me.

Adrean

Fantastic work and thanks so much for the quick turnaround!  Always a pleasure to work with you and the rest of the BCTV team!

Jim

Thank you and your staff for all you do to accommodate so many different shows, personalities, etc.!  Can’t be easy, but we really do appreciate it.

Martha

I am happy and proud to be a part of such a dedicated assembly of talent and purpose. Thank you for being a part of my efforts to promote theater and the arts in this region.

David