"Local history buffs will soon be able to indulge their interest in style--relaxing in comfortable chairs as they use state-of-the-art equipment to review copies of old photographs and papers documenting Passaic County’s past.

"The Passaic County Historical Society announced Thursday that it has received a $180,000 grant from the state for furnishing its local history library at Lambert Castle.

"Cynthia Van Dam, President of the Society’s Board of Trustees, said the group received the grant through the work of state Sen. Norman Robertson, R-Clifton. She said the money will help the group preserve documents and photographs it has collected over the years which it now keeps at offices on Pennsylvania Avenue in Paterson. The Society also will use the funds to buy new equipment, such as for viewing and printing microfilm, as well as chairs and desks to keep visitors comfortable.

"Right now, we have virtually nothing," Van Dam said. "We have some old shelving and folding chairs and folding tables. This will make this library very enticing."

"County Historical Edward Smyk said the society also needs the money to properly preserve documents that are "irreplaceable and invaluable."

"The Society plains to finish the library by the time the castle, now under renovation, reopens as a county history museum next year. The county owns the castle, which it is restoring at a cost of $5 million to $6 million. The historical society will run the museum and library, and the group’s members will be admitted for free. Non-members will be charged a fee for using the library."