Lawrence Library Begins 50th Anniversary Celebration

The Lawrence Township headquarters branch of the Mercer County Library kicked off its 50th anniversary celebration a few months early by hosting a part Friday night (Sept. 16) that had a little something for everyone.

Sixties-era music was provided by the Paul Plumeri Blues band, a four-piece band made up of musicians from the T.J. Nix-Paul Plumeri Band. Band members include T.J. Nix, Paul Plumeri, Marty Paglione and Lawrence Library’s own Jerry Monk.

Children excitedly lined up for balloon animals (including flowers and at least one airplane) created by Ange Chianese. They also made crafts with Youth Services librarians like Christine Crawford.

“We are so proud to be celebrating 50 years in the library and look forward to the next 50,” Crawford said.

Captain Paul’s Firehouse Dogs offered food for sale, with a portion of the proceeds going to fund the efforts of the Friends of the Lawrence Library.

The privately-owned antique cars that were displayed seemed to capture the most attention. Many attendees shared memories of riding in, owning or dreaming about owning a certain car. Some of the vehciles were from the 1960s, such as John Runyon’s 1960 Corvette. Others were much older, like Glenn Ott’s 1931 Packard.

“This is our library, so we thought we’d come because it is convenient,” Ott said.

All the car owners responded to an advertisement seeking classic cars for the party. Runyon said it was his first car show. Jerry Whitmore, owner of a 1966 Corvette, said, “My wife and I use the library all the time. I wanted to help out the library and get a chance to meet new people. It is a nice event. I got to listen to some really good music.”

As in the story of the Pied Piper of Hamlin, the music is what drew people to the library on Friday night.

Driving past on his way home from an event at Ben Franklin Elementary School, Chris Clark turned to his wife, Melissa, and joked, “You know that place that always tells you to be quiet. they have a live band outside!”

Rider Professor Robert Lackie said he was picking up a prescription from the CVS pharmacy across the street when “I heard the music and decided to head over. This is great!”

Mardi and Michael Lee brought their three children, all 8 years old and younger, to the event. Mardi said, “We love the library. We are always here.” Pointing to Monk in the band, she added, “It is great seeing librarians doing other tasks. They are like family.”

Many of the staff turned out to support the event, too. Nancy Breese, principal library assistant said, “I am thrilled with this event. We had a lot of people and a lot of fun.” Her co-worker, Pat Foy, circulation supervisor, added, “From the senior citizens to the youngest child [everyone had a great time].”

At the end of the night, library Branch Manager James Damron echoed their sentiments. He said he was “really happy. Everyone is having a great time. The kids are playing and the community came out and enjoyed it.”

This is only the beginning of the library’s 50th anniversary season. Mark your calendars for the following:

• Movie Matinee Series highlighting films made in 1961, the same year the Lawrence Library was founded. Librarian and film buff Rina Banerjee will introduce each movie, share trivia and discuss the film afterward.
  • The Hustler, Monday, Oct. 3, at 2 p.m.
  • The Innocents, Monday, Nov. 14, 2 p.m.

• Panel Discussion about Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, Sunday, Oct. 1. Panelists will include authors Sue Lange and Mattie Brahen, and writer/editor/essayist Darrell Schweitzer who specializes in speculative fiction.

• Dennis Waters, Lawrence Township historian and library commissioner, will talk about the library’s history, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m.

• Altered Books exhibit (December):  An altered book is a book that has been recycled into a work of art by any creative means you choose. Paint, cut, burn, fold, collage, add to or adorn by any means possible, there are no rules. "Let your imagination change a book into a treasure." Guidelines for submitting artwork are available at the Reference Department, or email Karen Serach, kserach@mcl.org. Deadline for submissions is Nov. 21.

• Historian Clifford Zink, author of The Roebling Legacy, will speak about Trenton’s greatest industrial family and the building of the Brooklyn Bridge on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m.

• Dec. 14 will be the library’s official birthday party, complete with birthday cake.

All 50th anniversary events – made possible by funding from the Friends of the Lawrence Library – are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Registration suggested – call (609) 989-6920 or email lawprogs@mcl.org.