In an age when seeing a film in the theater costs $10 and buying a new book is $20, the public library has become one of the few places left where free entertainment can be found.
The nonprofit Friends of the Lawrence Library is an organization dedicated to helping the Lawrence headquarters of the Mercer County Library educate and entertain the public.
Eve Connolly, president of the Friends of the Lawrence Library, said support from the group enables the library to offer free, educational programs every year. Some programs are fun and social, however, like the Wii video-game bowling sessions for senior citizens.
“If you can get quality and healthy entertainment for free, what could be bad about that?” Connolly said.
Connolly, who has been president of the Friends for two years, was first drawn to the group because of her longstanding appreciation for the library.
“I’ve utilized the library all through my life, and I do so now even more since my children have grown up and I have time to read. I really think that you can find out anything you want to know from reading books,” Connolly said. “But I found out about the Friends through their sales. My next-door neighbor and my boss were both members, and they recommended I join.”
When Connolly stepped in to be president, the Friends were going through a difficult period of transition.
“I took the position because no one else wanted it,” she said. “The previous president and treasurer had been doing it a long time, and everyone else had these blank faces. What I find is that there’s largely an absence of people who want to hold office.”
There are more than 100 members in the Friends, but Connolly stated that only about 20 members actively volunteer their time. These men and women are mainly retirees, and some are older than the age of 90.
“We don’t have as many working parents as we’d like,” she said, “because when people have kids, they don’t have as much extra time on their hands.”
But Connolly insisted that within their small group, there is a strong sense of camaraderie and an enjoyment for what they do.
“We always have fun during the events, especially with the library staff and others who volunteer with us.” she said. “And even at our monthly meetings, people often bring some delicious homemade refreshments.”
Connolly has helped to modernize the group, utilizing the Internet to send out newsletters and impromptu information. She has also streamlined the membership process and modified the schedules for book sales so that a preview night for re-sellers will ensure that they won’t bump into those who are casually shopping.
While maintaining that new members are always welcome, Connolly emphasized that being actively involved is even more important than just being a member.
“Even if you’re not a member of our group, you can still come volunteer and help out, especially at our book sales. We need people to help organize before and during the sale,” she said, while also stressing the need for more people to take leadership roles. “Most of the members who are actively involved have been with the Friends a long time. We need new blood.”
James Damron, branch manager for the Lawrence Library, highlighted the importance of the public’s contributions to the library.
“The funding goes to programs that we hold for both children and adults,” Damron said. “There’s a diverse array of educational entertainment, and if people like what the library is offering, they should volunteer so that those programs can continue into the future.”
Margaret Woo, treasurer of the Friends, pointed out the significance of the library and its place in the overall community.
“The library is more than just a place to get books,” Woo said. “It’s a community resource. There might be a local author who gives a talk, a cultural group, or someone from New Jersey state parks. Actually, I teach a crochet class at the library.”
Nancy Breese, the vice-president and secretary of the Friends, also emphasized the library’s impressive accomplishments.
“The Mercer County library system under Ellen Brown is a 5-star rated library system, and that’s because of everything that they offer,” Breese said. “There are computer classes, yoga classes, dance classes and many classes for kids as well.”
Breese, who worked for the library before joining the Friends, said the classes are free for anyone who wants to go, but in order for the library to pay for these events, they need more funding than the county alone can provide.
Those interested in volunteering for the Friends of the Lawrence Library, becoming a member, or donating should contact Eve Connolly at eveconn@comcast.net. The meetings for the Friends are the first non-holiday Monday of every month from 7-8 p.m. at the Lawrence Library. The Lawrence Library will host its next book sale in April.
