Parsippany Friends of the Library Help Make Summer Come Alive

Parsippany Friends of the Library Help Make Summer Come Alive

Summer at the library has always meant more than checking out a stack of books. It is a season of discovery, creativity, community, and fun—and this year, the Friends of the Library are helping make it especially memorable.

The Friends’ support can be seen throughout the summer reading program, from weekly prizes and major events to museum memberships, art programs, books, and hands-on learning experiences. Their contributions help the library offer programs that encourage residents to visit regularly, try something new, and stay connected throughout the summer.

At the Main Library, the children’s summer reading program began with an unforgettable kickoff: Dinosaurs Arise. Approximately 130 children and caregivers attended, learning about dinosaurs, taking part in fossil digs, and meeting two young Triceratops and a T. Rex. The excitement will continue with Joe Fischer Magic, Miss Jolie Music, and a foam party planned as the final big summer celebration in August.

The Friends are also helping children stay motivated week after week. Small reading prizes include dinosaur eggs and pencils, miniature springs, art kits, squishy toys, Play-Doh, and rings.

Larger raffle prizes, purchased jointly for the Main Library and Lake Hiawatha programs, include a family pass to Turtle Back Zoo, Minecraft toys, STEM kits, slime kits, and other popular items. Children at the Mount Tabor branch are enjoying many of the same weekly prizes.

Special programming at the Lake Hiawatha branch combines history, creativity, music, and science. Historic interpreter Jack Sherry will present “An Afternoon with Ben Franklin,” appearing in character to discuss Franklin’s life, inventions, and public service while answering questions from the audience. A calligraphy workshop presented by Morris Parks will offer another opportunity to connect with the past through a traditional art form.

The Friends are also sponsoring Creative Ink, the library’s annual publication written and illustrated entirely by young people. Each contributor receives a hardcover copy, and another copy becomes part of the library’s circulating collection. The project gives young writers and artists the rewarding experience of seeing their work published in a book that other library patrons can borrow.

Additional Lake Hiawatha programs include a stop-motion animation workshop, the return of the popular Exploration Stations toddler STEM program, and the World of Sound music program with Mr. Boom-Boom.

Teens have not been forgotten. Friends funding supported a visit from the Glazed and Confused Donut truck for the teen summer reading kickoff, giving the program a festive start. The Friends also provided raffle prizes designed with teen interests in mind. By creating events that feel social and age-appropriate, the library gives teenagers a positive place to gather during the summer.

Adults also have several reasons to participate. With support from the Friends, the library purchased 100 copies of The Maid for its community reading program. Adults who sign up and complete three books may receive a copy while supplies last. And readers can look forward to an in-person visit by the books’ author, Nina Prose, in October.

The Friends have also renewed the library’s annual membership to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and helped share the cost of a Museum of Modern Art membership with the Denville Public Library. Art was celebrated closer to home through the Friends-sponsored Tiny Art Show and reception. For more information about times and dates see: https://parsippany.librarycalendar.com/events/month

Taken together, these programs show the remarkable effect the Friends of the Library have on local life. Their support turns ideas into experiences: a child digging for fossils, a teenager celebrating the start of summer with friends, a young writer holding a published book, an adult discovering a new novel, or a family spending a day at a museum.

The Friends help ensure that the library remains one of the town’s most active, dynamic and inclusive gathering places - a place where learning feels exciting, creativity is encouraged, and residents of every age can feel they belong.

We are grateful to everyone whose donations helped make this year’s fundraising so successful. Your support makes these programs possible. We are always looking for additional volunteers, and we welcome anyone who would like to become more involved. To learn more or become a member, visit parsippanyfriends.com/membership, follow us on Facebook at @friendsofparsippanylibrary, or find us on Instagram at @parsippanylibraryfriends.