Autumn continues and winter approaches. Hello from the Friends of Hopewell Public Library. The Friends of Hopewell Public Library is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to support and strengthen our local library. Our annual appeal is currently underway. Last year’s generous donations enabled us to provide the following:

• A brand new workstation/circulation desk
• 2 new computers, 3 bar code scanners, 15,000 labels and 2 high-speed FIOS lines to support our library automation
• 545 books including large print books and updated economics and nature sections
• Subscription to 45 periodicals including New Jersey Monthly, Organic Gardening, Bicycling, Martha Stewart’s Living, Poetry, Scientific American, Saveur, Business Week, People, Time and the daily New York Times
• 20 new DVDs, 40 new CDs, audio books and music
• Programs for toddlers, preschoolers and elementary school children
• Summer reading incentive program including the end-of-year community party and 40 gift certificates awarded to children who completed the program
• All of the delicious refreshments offered at library events

The work of the Friends is essential to the success of the library.  One hundred percent of your contribution goes toward our work for the library. You can send your tax-deductible donation to:

The Friends of Hopewell Public Library
13 East Broad Street
Hopewell, NJ  08525

Watch this space for news of upcoming events and ways to support the library in other ways.

The library hosted its annual end of summer party on August 28 at the Hopewell train station. The Party started with a performance by Picirillo Sciencetelling. The story “The Bugs of Blackwood (Matter)” used experiments with fire, gas, air pressure, water, chemicals, and more and the children on hand in the audience were brought right into the story.

After the show, pizza and ice cream were served. Two craft tables were provided with instructions and supplies to make a butterfly or walking spider.

The $100 Gift Certificate Grand Prize winner of the Hopewell Community Scavenger Hunt was chosen and children were awarded their reading challenge gift certificates. Approximately 100 children and parents attended the party and all had a great time.

A captive audience.

Another volunteer-Faith, what a great assistant.

Ready for the party!

The Hopewell Public Library is embarking on an ambitions project to automate its collection and work toward electronic cataloging. The Friends of Hopewell Public Library are happy to support this endeavor and will be throwing in our hats to voluteer.

The library will close for several weeks in October in order to begin the monumental task of scanning, tagging, and cataloging all its books. Volunteers are needed! Sign up for a three-hour shift at a time of your choosing to help. More details can be found at the library and sign up sheet is there for your contact information.