A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who came out to browse, buy, and bring some new stories home. And an equally big thank-you to the donors whose book contributions made it all possible — this sale only works because neighbors give, and Scotch Plains gave beautifully. The proceeds from this event go directly to the Scotch Plains Public Library, supporting the programs, resources, and community spaces that make it such a vital part of our town.

All the generous donations as well as the enthusiastic shopping resulted in the Friends raising nearly $6,000! Keep an eye on scotchplainsfriends.org and our social channels for news about our next event. There’s always something on the horizon with the Friends, and we’d love to see you there.

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Monthly meetings run from July 2026 through June 2027, on the following dates:

Meetings are open to everyone! You don’t have to be a member to attend. Not a member yet? Now is the best time to join a community-wide effort to make a better Scotch Plains! Memberships start at just $5 for students, $10 for individuals, and $25 for families of four or more — and yes, we have cookies.

Visit scotchplainsfriends.org to join and stay up to date on all things Friends.

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The Friends launched the sale in style, opening it alongside their third annual Poetry Night on April 30, where 28 neighbors gathered for an evening of original verse before turning their attention to the jewelry tables. Shoppers kept coming back through the weekend, and the results showed it.

The second jewelry sale outpaced the first — proof that Scotch Plains residents continue to dig deep for their public library. The Friends have more sales in the pipeline, and they want to thank every patron who came out, browsed, and bought.

Every dollar goes directly to the Scotch Plains Public Library, supporting programs and resources that serve residents of all ages.To learn more or get involved, visit scotchplainsfriends.org.

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On the last evening of April, as the month surrendered itself to May, twenty-eight people settled into chairs at the Scotch Plains Public Library for something that does not happen everywhere — and, in a culture of algorithmic distraction, does not happen often enough: an unhurried hour and a half in the company of poets.

The third annual poetry night, hosted by the Friends of the Scotch Plains Public Library, opened at 6:30 with a welcome from Christine, the evening’s emcee and a steady, warm presence throughout. Three poets had been brought together for the occasion — each distinct in sensibility, each arriving from a different corner of the art form — and what unfolded was less a showcase than a conversation, the kind that continues in the parking lot afterward, or quietly, in the mind, for days.

“A certified Listener Poet, a four-time Pushcart nominee, and a self-described mystic walked into a library — and somehow it all made perfect sense.”

Moriah Cohen opened the evening. A 2023 New Jersey Council on the Arts fellow and the author of the chapbook Impossible Bottle (Finishing Line Press), Cohen brings to her work a precision that feels earned rather than imposed. Her poems have appeared in Narrative, Gulf Coast, the Cincinnati Review, and Best New Poets, among others; earlier this year, she was named a finalist for the Leonard Cohen Prize by ONLY POEMS. She is also a certified Listener Poet — a practice in which poetry is composed in direct response to another person’s story — and co-founded The Fields Poetry Reading Series. On Wednesday evening, she gave the audience roughly ten minutes of her work, then introduced students of her own, each of whom read a single poem. It was a generous gesture, and a quietly political one: she was insisting, in the most concrete way, that the circle be widened.

Ariana Merquri followed. She has been writing since the age of seven, and the years show — not in a weathered way, but in the way that a practice deepens. Her work, rooted in mysticism and enriched by a Rutgers education in psychology and linguistics, has moved from the pages of Teen Ink to White Stag’s Bloodlore, a trajectory that mirrors the expansion of her own interior life. Her poems have a way of finding the numinous inside the ordinary — which is, of course, the oldest task of the art form, and one of its most difficult.

Judith Christian anchored the second half of the evening. A poet of considerable range — she has received four Pushcart nominations and has work forthcoming in the 2026 Moving Words films, a project of ARTS By The People — Christian is also a visual artist, a past president of South Mountain Poets, and the author of two chapbooks: A Certain Knowing (The Paulinskill Poetry Project, 2018) and the limited-edition ekphrastic collection Shifted Construction Plate, which pairs her poems with paintings by the artist Mikel Frank. She considers herself a “dilettante artist,” a characterization that understates, with characteristic modesty, a practice that has appeared on gallery walls and journal covers alike.

Cohen returned at the end for a final poem — an encore of sorts, though the word feels too theatrical for the quietness of the moment — before the poets gathered to sign and sell their books, and the room loosened into conversation. It is in those minutes after, when strangers compare the lines that caught them, that a poetry reading becomes something more than a performance.

The Friends of the Scotch Plains Public Library have now done this three times. The model is simple and, in its simplicity, almost radical: bring people together, clear space, and let the language do what language does when it is handled well. Twenty-eight people came. That is not a small number, for poetry. It is not a small thing, either.

Moriah Cohen’s work can be found at moriahcohen.com. Information about the Friends of the Scotch Plains Public Library and future events is available at scotchplainsfriends.org

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The Friends of the Scotch Plains Public Library hosted a lively Trivia Night on March 4th, and by all accounts, it was a night to remember. More than 50 community members packed Darby Road, bringing their best knowledge — and competitive spirit — for an evening of fun, friendly rivalry, and great company. From pop culture to history to everything in between, players of all backgrounds came together to test their wits and support a great cause.

The event featured two full games of trivia across six themed categories, with questions carefully crafted to challenge even the sharpest minds in the room. Teams huddled together, debated answers, and cheered each other on throughout the night. The host kept things exciting right until the final round, ensuring that no team could ever feel entirely out of contention — and no lead was ever truly safe.

Beyond the bragging rights and some beautiful prizes (like custom glasses), the evening made a meaningful difference for the library. The event raised almost $500, with proceeds going directly toward programs and resources that benefit the entire Scotch Plains community. Organizers were thrilled with the turnout and the generosity shown by everyone who participated, donated, and helped make the night a success.

The Friends of the Scotch Plains Public Library extend a heartfelt thank you to all who attended, volunteered, and helped spread the word. Events like this one are only possible because of a community that shows up — and Scotch Plains showed up in a big way. Stay tuned for details on future events, and visit scotchplainsfriends.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

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Every dollar raised by the Friends goes directly to the library, funding beloved programs like the Summer Reading Program, youth and adult events, and the Museum Pass Program — which gives Scotch Plains cardholders free or discounted access to 15 museums across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The January puzzle and game sale is just one example of how this dedicated group of volunteers works year-round to make the Scotch Plains Public Library an even richer resource for the community.

Want to help make events like this possible? Consider joining the Friends of the Scotch Plains Public Library — memberships start at just $5 for students and $10 for individuals, and members even score discounts at local favorites like Max’s Pizza, Osaka Restaurant, and The Town Book Store. Keep an eye out for the next Friends event!

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Shoppers filled the room throughout the day, hunting for treasures and bargains alike. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with beautifully displayed items, made the sale as much a social occasion as a fundraiser. Many attendees remarked on the variety and quality of pieces available, crediting the Friends’ careful curation and volunteer efforts.sp

By the end of the day, the Friends had raised more than $5,000 to support the library’s many programs and initiatives. Every dollar collected goes directly toward enhancing community resources—from museum passes and youth programs to special events and library improvements.

The success of the Jewelry Sale is just one example of how the Friends continue to shine in their commitment to supporting the Scotch Plains Public Library. Their hard work and community spirit ensure that the library remains a vibrant, welcoming place for everyone.

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Among the standout dishes were a creamy pumpkin mac and cheese and an artfully crafted butternut squash galette—both of which sparked lively conversations and several recipe requests. As plates were passed and stories shared, members reflected on a year of fundraising, programs, and continued efforts to support the Scotch Plains Public Library. The Friendsgiving Potluck offered a welcome chance to slow down and enjoy each other’s company after a busy calendar of events.

A highlight of the night was the presentation of the first-ever Volunteer Appreciation Award, given to Kurt and Diane Horning. Board President Christine Szeluga offered heartfelt remarks, honoring Kurt and Diane’s years of service and for embodying what it truly means to be dedicated volunteers. Their ongoing dedication, ranging from event support to behind-the-scenes contributions, has made a lasting impact on the organization. The applause that followed their recognition served as a testament to the gratitude felt by fellow members.

Organizers also asked that attendees bring donatable food for the Community Food Bank of NJ, and the response was overwhelming. A generous donation will be made to support food-insecure New Jerseyans through the holidays. Events like the Friendsgiving Potluck underline why the Friends of the Scotch Plains Library remain such an essential part of the community. The evening blended good food, genuine appreciation, and shared purpose—exactly the kind of camaraderie that keeps the organization thriving. With momentum building and volunteers celebrated, the Friends look forward to another successful year of supporting the library and enriching local life.

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Guests filled the tavern’s cozy bar area, where laughter and chatter mingled with the clink of glasses. Members of The Friends group shared information about upcoming programs and how their efforts directly benefit the Scotch Plains Public Library—from funding museum passes to supporting special events and technology needs. The relaxed setting made it easy for attendees to connect, swap stories, and celebrate the library’s important role in the community.

By the end of the night, the Happy Hour had raised more than $300—funds that will go directly toward enhancing library services and programming. While that number might seem modest, organizers emphasized that every contribution adds up to meaningful support. “Every dollar helps us do more for our neighbors and our library,” one member noted, smiling over a glass of wine.

The success of the event has already inspired talk of future gatherings that blend social fun with civic purpose. The Friends of the Scotch Plains Library continue to prove that community spirit thrives not only in the library’s quiet reading rooms but also in the local taverns where people come together to make a difference—one round at a time.

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