HILLSDALE—The Hillsdale Free Public Library swapped its usual quiet for the sound of laughter and putters on Friday, Oct. 10, as more than 140 people turned out for the library’s Mini Golf “fun-raiser” — a nine-hole course that wound through the upper floors and raised more than $9,000 for the library’s mission.
“Success wears a smile, and there was nothing but smiles,” said library director and self-anointed chief of fun Dave Franz, in an update to Pascack Press.
The event was organized by the Hillsdale Free Public Library Foundation with help from the Library Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Library. Davey’s Irish Pub poured complimentary beverages, while a 50/50 raffle and an array of tricky-tray prizes helped keep both spirits and proceeds high.
Ah, yes: This was adults-only.
Foundation President Bob Ax said the Foundation was “thrilled by the community’s support” and credited local businesses for stepping up once again. The sponsor list ran long — everyone from Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar and Mike’s Deli & Catering to Wegmans, Westwood Wine & Liquors, and dozens of others.
And because this is Hillsdale’s library, the mini-golf course itself was part art installation, part engineering experiment:
Hole #5, “Wishing Well,” was built with the library’s sublimation printer, stretch fabric, and clear epoxy — and will be repurposed into a coin wishing well throughout 2026, as the library celebrates its 90th anniversary.
Hole #9, “Gutter Ball aka Revolution #9,” fashioned from a gutter and a record player, was a crowd favorite.
Hole #6, “Stonybrook Swim Club,” saw Library Trustee Bill Berde showing a steady hand.
Photos by the library and Ashok Ginde captured the energy of the night: guests mingling in the Atchison Reading Room, laughing their way through the Maze of Misfortune, and proving once again that fundraising doesn’t have to be dull.
The annual Fun’Raiser supports the work of the Hillsdale Free Public Library Foundation, which helps fund programs, operations, and capital projects. The Foundation was created to manage and grow the 10-year, $1 million gift from the Gayle and Paul Gross Foundation, ensuring the library’s strength for generations to come. (See “Hillsdale library board accepts $1M gift” by John Snyder, PascackPress.com, Jan. 3, 2019.)
Sponsorships for next year’s event are already open. Individuals, families, and businesses can reach the Foundation at foundation@hfpl.org. The Hillsdale Free Public Library is at 509 Hillsdale Ave. More about its programs and hours is at hfpl.org or by phone at (201) 358-5072.
Sponsors and donors include 3 Sons Gutters, A Cleaner City Westwood, ARTiculate Print & Promotions, Baviello Landscaping, Carol S. Miller Handbags, Chicken Delight, Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar, CS Fit Pilates, Demarest Farms, Domani Restaurant, Fig & Tomato, Fornazor International, Guberman Advisors, Harada Financial, Hillsdale Eyecare, Hold My Knots, House of Beauty, It’s Reigning Cats & Dogs, Just Off Broadway, Karl Ehmer Meats, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., Marsala Hardware, Mike’s Deli & Catering, Moon Magic, Nails Show, Polished & Chic Salon Boutique, Premselaar CPA, Provident Bank, Release Yoga, Sophia’s Jewelry, Sweet Sugar Party, The Ax Family, The Harris Family, The Lafferty Family, The Leonard Family, The McGrath Family, The Perlman Family, Tiger’s Claw Martial Arts, Wegmans, Westwood Wine & Liquors, and Yarn Diva.