Montclair Library Foundation Kicks Off ‘Beyond Books’ Campaign

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Montclair Public Library Foundation. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here.

The Montclair Public Library Foundation launched its “Beyond Books” annual appeal campaign with a goal of $225,000. Letters with appeal information are on their way to all Montclair households and businesses.

"As a modern 21st Century Library, MPL goes far beyond the old idea of a place just to store and lend books," states Peter Coyl, MPL Library Director. "Our Library is about people. It’s a dynamic, vibrant hub of activity for information, cultural enrichment, and social engagement.”

For more than 125 years the Library has been the heart and center of the Montclair community, a vital resource serving all of Montclair and beyond. An astonishing 81% of Montclair residents have a Library card. There were more than 350,000 visits to the Library last year, and attendance at programs exceeded 48,000.

“The Library offers a wide range of free services to everyone regardless of financial or social status,” said Wilfred Adkins, President of MPL’s Board of Trustees. “Programs like our free summer lunches for children, the Adult School of Montclair, free passes to area museums, loans of WiFi hotspots, and the exciting Open Book/Open Mind author series – these are just a few of the ways we meet the needs and interests of Montclair.”

“Montclair is justly proud of its wonderful Library,” said Jonathan Simon, MPL Foundation Chair. “But some don’t realize how critical private contributions are to supplement the Township’s allocations and maintain the margin of excellence that patrons have come to expect.” Private contributions not only help fill the funding gap, they send a strong signal that the entire Montclair community loves their Library.

Donations to the Library may be made by check to the Montclair Public Library Foundation, 50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, or online at www.montclairlibrary.org.

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