ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—The Friends of the Englewood Public Library held a special event Jan. 14 that showcased the good work their organization does supporting and boosting library programming and special events.
At “Music, Munchies and Members,” guests and members of the Friends enjoyed a performance by noted concert pianist Carolyn Enger, along with delicious refreshments, while learning about the nonprofit organization’s ongoing initiatives.
“We hope new members will join our lively group in helping us do good things for the library,” said Friends President Ella Urdang.
Urdang said the Friends are seeking more volunteers to represent the group at events and serve as webmaster, social media manager, documents manager, book sale sorters and workers, and coming up with fresh ideas for membership, marketing and fund-raising.
Organized in 1958, the mission of the Friends is to support the library staff by providing funding for adult, teen, and children’s programs and special projects that exceed the library’s budget. It supports and cooperates with the library in developing services for the community and helps focus public attention on the library.
The Friends meeting included an explanation of the library activities, programs, and events for which the Friends raised money. Besides individual donations, the biggest source of income this year was the book sale, which earned $13,203.50 this past October.
At the meeting, the Friends also discussed some of the library’s newest innovations, such as more coordination with the Englewood Public Schools, introducing Spanish language flyers, and the very successful skating party that they held at the Mackay Ice Rink in Englewood, where children were given free books.
Urdang also presented the “Champion of the Library” award to Howard Haughton, an Englewood high school student who redesigned the library’s website.
The Englewood Library, a friendly place for the entire community, is constantly adding new free programs and events. Some of the most popular activities are yoga, meditation, book clubs, guest presentations, movies, databases, art gallery, play and story time, museum passes, English-as-a-second-language classes, music programs, and a dedicated Teen Area.
“It’s not just books anymore!” Urdang said.
“We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of people of all ages that are coming to our programs,” added Library Director John Arthur. “The total attendance this year was 13,421 people, a change of 43.99% since 2017, and the circulation—that indicates how any books are checked out—was 137,741, a 10.4% increase from 2018.”
Arthur said the library’s goal is to expand and offer more services, classes, training, reading materials and digital resources.
Guests at the event were happy to share what it is they enjoy about the library.
Eight-year-old Mia Berger smiled and answered, “It’s so big and so beautiful, and I love the books!”
Mia’s mother, Chani, added, “I love the flow of the library, and the librarians are very helpful. Anytime you need anything they are happy to get it for you. The Englewood library is calm and welcoming.”
Peter James, who lives in Hawaii, visits the Englewood library whenever he is in town. “Of all the libraries I’ve been to, this one has the best layout and resources.”
Englewood resident Jennifer Melkin said, “We love the library and we walk here all the time. I have five kids and the library is a very big part of all our lives. When my kids were getting their library cards, it was a big deal! … Now that all my kids have graduated from the children’s room downstairs, they love to read the books and they use the library’s many resources for research papers. Also, the staff here is so nice that it feels like home.”
The Friends always welcome new volunteers. For more information, go to englewoodlibrary.org/friends-of-the-library.