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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Leading the charge are newly elected board members:

• Christine Szeluga, President
• Dan Marcus, Treasurer
• Sara August, Secretary
• Lauren Marcus and Kristin Vassallo, Members-at-Large

The Friends extend heartfelt thanks to outgoing board members for their generous service and steadfast support of the library’s mission.

“Our new board is energized and ready to continue the incredible momentum the Friends have built,” said Christine Szeluga, incoming President. “We’re especially excited to bring the community together through fun, impactful events this fall.”

Championing Literacy and Community Access

Over the years, the Friends have raised thousands of dollars to fund some of the Scotch Plains Public Library’s most beloved programs. Recent highlights include:

• Full sponsorship of the Summer Reading Program, which engaged more than 650 local children this year.
  
• Support for the Museum Pass Program, providing free access to premier cultural institutions including the Met, MoMA, and over a dozen others.
  
• Funding for new Yoto cards, innovative screen-free audio devices that let children listen to books and music both at home and on the go.
  

Events to Mark Your Calendar

The Friends are turning up the volume this fall with a series of exciting community events:

• October 24: Scotch Plains Pub Crawl – Celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week in style.
  
• November 10: Annual Friendsgiving – A festive gathering to connect with fellow supporters.
  
• December 6: Holiday Jewelry Sale – Find unique gifts while supporting a great cause.
  

Get Involved – All Are Welcome

Public meetings are held monthly and open to all—members and curious newcomers alike:

• September 8, November 10, and December 8 at 7:00 PM in the Scotch Plains Public Library Meeting Room

Attendees will hear updates on fundraising, upcoming programs, and how to get involved in supporting the library’s mission.

As a bonus, Friends members enjoy exclusive perks, including local business discounts and early access to the Annual Book Sale held every June.

Learn More

To join, donate, or find out how to get involved, visit
https://scotchplainsfriends.orgew
Email: spplfriends1@gmail.com

The post Friends of the Scotch Plains Public Library Unveils New Board and Launches Exciting Fall Events appeared first on Friends of the Scotch Plains Public Library.

The proclamation highlighted the many ways the Friends enhance library services. Through their fundraising efforts, the organization provides more than a dozen museum passes for residents, supports the library’s popular Summer Reading Program, and helps grow the Youth Services collection. These initiatives, the proclamation noted, make the library a welcoming and dynamic place for residents of all ages.

Mayor Losardo emphasized that the work of the Friends goes beyond financial support. “Our library is a cornerstone of the community,” the proclamation read, “providing opportunities for lifelong learning and connection. The Friends’ volunteerism ensures those opportunities continue to flourish.” He urged residents to recognize and thank the Friends for their ongoing dedication.

The proclamation also underscored the importance of well-funded libraries, noting that the Friends advocate tirelessly to ensure the Scotch Plains Public Library has the resources it needs. Their commitment to literacy, education, and access to information reflects the values that make Scotch Plains a vibrant and engaged community.

The Friends of the Scotch Plains Public Library continue to welcome new members and supporters. Through their time, energy, and generosity, they demonstrate how volunteerism strengthens the community and ensures that the library remains a thriving center of learning and inspiration for years to come.

The Proclamation

Proclamation Recognizing
National Friends of Libraries Week/
Friends of the Scotch Plains Public Library

Whereas, the Friends of the Scotch Plains Public Library raise money that
enables our library to serve all members of our community by purchasing more
than a dozen museum passes, funding the library’s Summer Reading Program,
and providing new resources for the Youth Services collection;

Whereas, the work of the Friends highlights on an on-going basis the fact that
our library is the cornerstone of the community providing opportunities for all to
engage in the joy of life-long learning and connect with the thoughts and ideas of
others from ages past to the present;

Whereas, the Friends understand the critical importance of well-funded libraries
and advocate to ensure that our library gets the resources it needs to provide a
wide variety of services to all ages including access to print and electronic
materials, along with expert assistance in research, readers’ advisory, and
children’s services;

Whereas, the Friends’ gift of their time and commitment to the library sets an
example for all in how volunteering leads to positive civic engagement and
improvements in our community;

Now, therefore, be it resolved that, Mayor Josh Losardo proclaims
October 19-25, 2025, as Friends of Libraries week in Scotch Plains, New Jersey,
and urges everyone to join the Friends of the Library and thank them for all they
do to make our library and community so much better.

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