The Friends of the Fanwood Memorial Library has been named Library Champion of the Year by the New Jersey Library Association. This award is given annually in recognition of an exceptional contribution to a state library, group of libraries, or library community.
The Fanwood Friends has been recognized for their remarkable efforts in helping to pass the Library Construction Bond Act. This law authorizes $125,000,000 in general obligation bonds to finance capital projects for public libraries.
Fanwood Friends members lobbied state senators and assemblymen throughout the state, coordinated with fellow Friends groups, and spearheaded a voter reminder effort.
Fanwood’s building project has been in development for several years. The board of trustees describes the plan as the solution to four critical complaints by residents: lack of access to the lower level by visitors with strollers and wheelchairs, outdated IT infrastructure, poor HVAC system, and inadequate meeting and event space.
In addition to advocating for their library, the Fanwood Friends raises money through membership drives and book sales. The 2018 goals are to enlist 100 new and renewing members by July and meet or surpass their 2017 book sale result of $12,000. Proceeds fund all library programming, including Monday Nights @ 7 family concerts and the children’s Summer Reading Club activities and crafts.
Photo: Thena Rosahl, Children’s Librarian Susan Staub, Larry Hogan, Sally Hogan, Phyllis Brown, Library Board President Ann Minski, Katherine Balch, and Friends President Carol Campell
