Night Of Cocktails And Patriotism In Newtown Raises Funds For Historic Library

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP— More than 130 book lovers gathered Saturday night for a special evening benefiting Newtown’s treasured library.

Held for the first time inside the American Legion Morell Smith Post 440, on Linden Avenue, the 22nd Annual Book Lovers Cocktail party attracted a sizable crowd to raise funds in support of the Newtown Library Company.

In addition to celebrating the library’s 266 years of service to the Newtown community, Newtown’s World War I hero Morell Smith and World War II military servicemen were remembered. The evening featured a display of World War II uniforms worn by relatives of two of the library's directors.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the entire night,” said library board President Johanna Hager. “The event space looked beautiful. It was a perfect space for all of our guests to sit down and enjoy the delicious food by Joe Garvey’s Catering and Christine Edmonds, mingle with friends, or dance the night away to the talented musical group, Pat and Sean Kelly.

“After all the snow, everyone was in the mood to party,” said Hager. "We were very happy to see so many familiar faces at our Book Lovers event as well as new ones who attended for the first time.”

Newtown Borough Mayor Tara Grunde-McLaughlin, who was joined at the event by three former mayors - Dennis O'Brien, Corky Swartz, and John Burke, reflected on the patriotic theme of the evening.

Newtown Borough Mayor Tara Grunde-McLaughlin with former mayors Corky Swartz, Dennis O'Brien, and John Burke. (Nancy Webster)

"As we reflect during our nation’s 250th anniversary, this event beautifully honored the past while embracing the future. It was meaningful, impactful, and a powerful reminder that our library is not just a building — it is a community, united by stories, service, and the promise of generations yet to come."

Nancy Webster, the director for historical outreach for the library, arranged to have a special table at the event spotlighting the “Dear John” letter project, which shared written correspondence between Newtown resident John Janney and local veterans serving in World War II.

From left Isabelle Noblanc, Amy Smith, and Chef Magali Henry. (Nancy Webster)

Newtown Library Company Treasurer Ryan Morris and American Legion Historian Jon Guy. (Nancy Webster)

Pat and Sean Kelly perform at the event. (Nancy Webster)

Library supporters Emme Hager and Joel Kern. (Nancy Webster)

“The Newtown Historical Association's research center has three 5-inch binders filled with letters written back to John from the men serving all over the country and world," said Webster. "The letters are incredible to hold and so insightful to read. Copies and photos of the men behind the letters were displayed on each of the guests' tables for them to view."

Webster also shared copies of the letters with Matt Arlen of Ned’s Cigar Store, who, for the past two weeks, has been reading one letter a day during his popular live noon reports on Ned’s Cigar store’s Facebook page.

"The response has been tremendous," said Webster. "A man from Florida contacted Matt after the 5th letter to say he was shocked to hear the name read at the end of the letter - it was his own father. He then requested a copy of the letter. Many of the guests at our party approached me after reading a few of the letters to share the part that really moved them. I knew they were going to have the same effect on them and they did!”

The evening event also included a slideshow of many of the successful projects and programs for both children and adults taking place at the library.

"We also introduced new ones such as Yarn & Craft Group, Rummikub Game Club and Share Your Shelf book club, which are bringing many community members in to gather and enjoy," said Webster.

The raffle featured a variety of gift baskets and gift cards donated by local Newtown businesses. The big prize of the night was a Wheelbarrow of Cheer - a full-sized wheelbarrow loaded with wine, spirits, and assorted snacks.

The Book Lover’s Cocktail party is the largest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit, independent Newtown Library Company, which relies on membership fees, fundraisers and donations for support.

Money raised at the cocktail party will go toward the library’s operating budget, according to Webster. It’s through fundraisers like the Book Lovers party and the Newtown Library 5K Race that the library is able to stay open and remain relevant in today’s technological age, said Webster.

"We have to thank our great sponsors who continue to step up to support the library and a very special thank you to every single volunteer at our library who dedicates their time to enrich the lives of our community," said Webster.

The Newtown Library Company, the oldest continually operating library in Bucks County, is located at 114 East Centre Avenue, Newtown, and can be reached by calling 215-968-7659 or visiting newtownlibrarycompany.org

Library supporters. (Nancy Webster)