JACKSON – Friends of the Jackson Library gathered in the library’s meeting room to map out some plans for the new year and also to check out the arrival of some children’s section furniture that they had funded.
The Friends are active volunteers who support the library through fundraising, programs and advocacy. During a recent Thursday afternoon, 15 members of the group assembled to discuss their social media program, membership, results of last month’s gift-wrapping fundraiser, a comedy night fundraiser to be held in May and plans for the 100th anniversary of the county library system.
Group Vice President May Giaimo said she and President Sue Milo “went to a cocktail party that was the kick off of the Centennial Celebration, the County Library will be 100 years old. I must say everywhere we go when we say we are from the Jackson Branch we are told, ‘I understand you are doing great things over there.’ We do a lot.”
“Each branch will be doing their own celebration. We will not be responsible for the celebration – we will participate in the celebration. All of the branches will be having their own birthday party around that date of September 19. That doesn’t limit us from doing something in the summer as well or any time,” she added.
“We were talking about a birthday theme,” Branch Manager Karen Powell said. She noted that such plans could include a face painter, balloon artist and games to add to the fun and to make it inclusive to children as well. “I’m thinking a kind of birthday carnival family fun event. Perhaps we could get some food trucks, a cotton candy machine. A birthday bash!”
It was noted that the library’s magenta dragon mascot, Sparks, had pretty much retired from live appearances. The mascot toured a number of the library system’s major branches during the 90th birthday celebration. Mini stuffed animals of Sparks were the rage around that time and available for order by library patrons.
Friends of the Jackson Library Vice President May Giaimo shows one of two pieces of children’s furniture, this one being a puppet theater, that the Friends were responsible for funding. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
She noted, “we talked about bringing in an author or raffle prizes or giveaways. There will be a special 100th anniversary library card made.”
“There will be will be 100 prizes for 100 years,” Giaimo added. “Every time you attend a library program, there will be a raffle ticket and you have to make sure to hand that back to the librarian that handles that program.”
The group is also looking at possibly featuring a special edition of their newsletter focused on the centennial celebration. Members noted that there are photos from the Friends scrapbook available from over the years.
A few committees were set to be setup for various purposes including one for the Friends Newsletter special edition the target date for its deadline was set for the end of July.
“We noticed that our donations have been going down so we have a big idea. Let’s do a comedy night,” the vice president said. “We looked into it and there are actually services that actually run it for you. They get the comedians and they do all the other stuff. The service we are looking at is called “Funny 4 Funds” and they’ve been around for 10 years and they have some great ideas for us. We are looking at May 17 and we are looking for the venue to be The Wisteria, at the Oliveri Funeral Home. They said the comedians will be begging to perform for this given its location.”
She noted with some humor that, “we asked if they had that date free and the funeral director responded, “well we are usually more last minute.”
A train table is now featured at the Jackson Library children’s area thanks to The Friends of The Jackson Library. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
Giaimo spoke with The Jackson Times afterward showcasing the train table and puppet show area that had been delivered that week. “I love the puppet show piece. We have some other things that are coming in, some reading chairs. We have done so much. Mostly adult programs, children’s programs. We recently had a comedian who came in which was great. Then there is the sensory space here too. We donated some of the furniture for that.”
“We have 250 members and 25 business sponsors. It’s an active group with some good ideas and enthusiastic,” she added.
The branch manager can be reached at kpowell@theoceancountylibrary.org. The Jackson Branch is located at 2 Jackson Drive. Giamo said there are applications for the Friends available at the library and there is a link to the Friends website from the Jackson Library website at theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends.
Those seeking program and services information can also call 732- 928-4400 and visit theoceancountylibrary.org
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