Friends of the Parsippany Library Celebrate Forty Years of Service

On December 4 at the Parsippany Library, The Friends of the Library celebrated a milestone: their 40th anniversary of service to the community and the Dedication of the “Friends of the Library Storytime Room.” This all-volunteer, non-profit group raises funds throughout the year to support events, programs and resources at all three branches, Main, Lake Hiawatha and Mt. Tabor.

The program included remarks from Gayle Strauss, Co-President, Peggy Smith, former President and current Vice President, and Fred Preston, President of the Library Board.

Congressional Representative Mikie Sherrill sent a certificate of commendation to commemorate the occasion. Town council members Justin Musella and Judy Hernandez were in attendance at the program and the Board of Education was represented by members Alison Cogan and Judy Mayer.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of an oversized check for $20,000 which represents the amount the Friends have contributed to the library this year. Melissa Kuzma, Director of the Library, accepted it on the library’s behalf.

The Friends of the Parsippany Library was established in 1984, founded by Library Director Robert Pearce and the Library Board of Trustees, with Christine Armelin as the first president. Subsequent presidents Ginny Hendrickson, Diane Kearney, Teresa Baderschneider, Pat Simon, Peggy Smith and Marie Schutt increased the scale of fundraising efforts.

The Friends have been proud to support the Children’s, Teen and Adult Summer and Winter Reading Programs, Diwali Festivals, Tiny Art Show, Seed Library, toys for the Children’s Room, Halloween parties, HiawathaCon and so much more. All funds come from member dues, proceeds from sales, and donations.

Fred Preston, President of the Library Board, gave a nod to the important role of the Friends in the library’s continuing growth. “The Friends of the Parsippany Library have enthusiastically supported our library for many years,” he said. “They have helped us immensely both financially and with their unstinting service.”

Friends members enjoy seeing how their work benefits the community of Parsippany. Peggy Smith speaks of her work with the group. “Volunteering with the Friends has been a lot of fun. I have met a great group of people who all love libraries, books, and helping make Parsippany a better place for all residents

Not only do the Friends raise funds for improvements to the library, but they strengthen the town. Melissa Kuzma put it this way. “The Friends’ generosity and commitment play an essential role in making events such as our Community Read, Summer and Winter Reading programs, and our annual Diwali Celebration possible. The Friends help bring our community together through the love of reading and shared experiences."

To mark their 40th Anniversary, the Friends are offering a number of ways for residents to show their support:

• Support Book and Media Bag Sales where you can build a library for an adult or child at bargain prices.

• Visit the Little Nook Bookshop where you will find recent, gift quality books for a dollar or two.
• Sign up as a member here: https://www.parsippanyfriends.com/membership.html or contact the Friends at Parsippanylibraryfriends@gmail.com.