PARSIPPANY — The Friends of the Parsippany Library is a volunteer group that was established in 1984 to fundraise for Parsippany’s libraries and advocate for legislation and services for the libraries.
This year, the Friends have conducted several book sales in the libraries; a prom gown sale; and a Bollywood movie night and art sale to raise money for the Library. The Friends admire how the library works to make their public funding go a long way. However, they realize that without the proceeds from the fundraising conducted by the Friends, a 501(C)3 organization, the Library would be unable to offer special STEM programs for children; host performers, Sunday concerts and programming for all age groups; offer early literacy kits; maker space equipment; travel collections; book clubs in a bag; summer reading programs; and summer reading books so that students can complete their assigned summer reading.
The Friends have also purchased Playaway launch pads – preloaded tablets with special apps- for both children and adults. Adults may borrow these items so that they can improve their English skills; learn a new language or listen to a book. The children’s playaways are educational devices that the children can use to read a book or play an educational game.
The Friends have also donated funding for furniture as well as equipment, including science and math equipment and a teaching screen for use in the Library’s tech lab.
The Friends also provide a community service by offering a used book store, called “The Book Nook” at 1180 Knoll Road, which provides an opportunity for residents to recycle their old books and purchase gently used books.
The Friends are part of a national organization called United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association composed of Library trustees, advocates, Friends groups and foundations. The Friends were recently publicized in the United for Libraries newsletter for their successful prom gown sale.
How can you help this group of volunteers and show your support of the Library? First you can join the Friends for as little as $15.00.
Membership dollars go far to support the endeavors of the Friends. Membership applications can be found by clicking here. Or you can pick up an application during your next library visit.
The other action that you can take is to get involved. The Friends have individual projects as well as long term projects, so you can get involved as little or as much as you like. The Friends group is comprised of a fun group of citizens representing all age groups who are looking for a way to serve their community. If you are interested in volunteering click here. or come into the Library to complete an application. On September 22, the Friends will hold a story time breakfast for children and their families and they are looking for volunteers to assist with this program.
Besides help with their upcoming projects, the Friends are interested in finding a volunteer intern, college student or college graduate who will design flyers, and promote through social media postings their upcoming activities. This would be a great experience and a resume builder for someone who wants to pursue public relations or marketing as a future career. If you are interested in volunteering please contact the Friends by clicking here.
