A Big Year Ahead

AFTER DECADES OF supporting and championing the Ridgewood Public Library independently, the Friends of the Ridgewood Public Library and the Ridgewood Public Library Foundation have come together as one unified organization: The Friends Foundation of the Ridgewood Public Library. This merger empowers the 501(c)(3) to have a stronger focus on fundraising and support activities.

Thanks to donors’ generosity, the Friends Foundation contributed more than $500,000 to the library over the past year, supporting services like free museum passes, ESL resources, and educational programming. It also funded major improvements to the library, including six study rooms and a community conference room, which are reserved over 300 times a month by Village residents.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

In October, the group hosted its first joint event, a book talk and signing by Jean Hanff Korelitz, New York Times bestselling author of “The Sequel” and “The Plot.” Over 70 guests enjoyed the talk, along with wine and snacks in the library’s auditorium.

“It was another fabulous program at the library,” says Ridgewood resident Linda Kotch. “I wanted to hear more of what Jean Hanff Korelitz had to say, and she gave that courtesy right back to us. Her interest in what we thought was genuine.”

The Friends Foundation’s next event is coming up on Jan. 26—free pizza at the library for students during their stressful mid-term week. Word spreads fast among teens when free food is involved, so parents should encourage their kids to show up early.

“Library events like this offer that little study break that’s essential when you’re cramming for an important test, but they also provide a sense of community for all Ridgewood High School students,” says Kate Schmitt, a senior at Ridgewood High School. “These events don’t just give us a free slice of pizza; they bring us all together during times of pressure.”

February brings one of the group’s most cherished events, the Reading Marathon, a fundraiser designed to foster a love of reading while helping support the library’s book and media inventory, along with a wide range of educational and cultural programs. All Ridgewood children in pre-K through grade 12 are welcome to participate, and no registration is required. Children simply set a personal reading goal and track their reading all month long. Then, they submit their reading online at the end of February to be eligible for prizes, such as a free ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s or gift cards to local establishments. More information can be found on the Friends Foundation website, including a list of events taking place throughout the month. The program kicks off at the end of January and culminates with a celebratory LibraryCon event on March 14.

The Friends Foundation’s keynote event of the year is its Author Luncheon, which has been held annually since 1990, featuring renowned authors like Madeline Miller, Jamie Ford, Harlan Coben, Mary Higgins Clark, Geraldine Brooks, Colum McCann, and Marie Benedict. On April 6, the group will host New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize winner Anna Quindlen, author of “After Annie,” “Black and Blue,” “One True Thing,” and “A Short Guide to a Happy Life,” among others. Her newest novel, “More Than Enough,” will be released on Feb. 27. The event will feature a book signing, a meet and greet, and an author talk over cocktails and a seated lunch.

This year, the Friends Foundation hopes to raise enough money to expand the auditorium, create a new reading room, and strengthen the library’s collections.

“We work closely with our library director to identify and fund the ongoing needs of our community, and every donation we receive is an investment in the future of our library,” says Joanie Harrington, co-president of the Friends Foundation.

Want to get involved? “We welcome the opportunity to connect with community members who want to learn about volunteer opportunities,” she says.

BY KRIS PEPPER