FARMINGDALE – With nearly seven million residents of the Garden State vaccinated, more evidence that New Jersey may truly be emerging from the clutches of the coronavirus was seen on July 3, and it came from the most unlikely of places.
In the tiny borough of Farmingdale, yet another indicator that the pandemic is ebbing occurred, and perhaps it is only fitting that it took place in a historic setting.
The Wainright House and Museum is the oldest home in Farmingdale, having been erected (it is estimated) in 1750. Originally constructed by Quaker Robert Lippincott, it later became the home of the Wainright family, which became prominent citizens in the history of Monmouth County. But now, in addition to serving as a museum and center for cultural events, the Wainright House enters yet another phase of its history.
It will also function as a library.
Originally scheduled to open in this capacity in 2020, it was delayed due to the onset of the worldwide pandemic, and the government-imposed quarantine that gripped New Jersey and the country.
“I’m excited,” says Virginia Woolley at the Wainright Museum, “and I’m hoping that everyone is over being afraid and come out [and] they start living again.” As the founder and curator of the museum, Woolley has meticulously maintained the Wainright House and Museum since its inception and is now thrilled that the library has finally come to fruition. Had it opened as scheduled two years ago, the rules during COVID would have made the library’s operation much more difficult.
“I would have to sterilize the books that anyone took out,” Woolley explains about attempting to launch the project in 2020. Now, two years later with COVID restrictions eased, the library is open to the public.
No library card is necessary. In order to take out a book, patrons need only fill out information on a sign-out sheet that includes one’s name, phone number and the title of the work that is being borrowed. In addition, there’s no registration fee, and no time limit on when the book needs to be returned “as long as it’s reasonable.”
As to the collection, the books are all recent publications that have come out within the last 10 years. Many of the books were donated by an individual who reads books for a living, and then determines the appropriateness of the work for particular grade levels.
“They’re beautiful books,” says Woolley of the Wainright collection. “I would say twenty percent of the books in the library are through her and are brand new. They’re the later books. They’re just [recently] out.”
The opening of the library lines up with the summer season, during which thousands of beachgoers will read during their time at the shore. Unlike electronic devices that may be difficult to use due to sun glare, moisture or a dying battery, the only impediment to reading hard-copy books is the user’s willingness to turn the page.
Librarian Linda Scott will help to oversee the Wainright library’s operation now that it has opened its doors to the public, while Woolley handles many of the functions of the museum.
Also on hand for the library’s opening was Beth Ferry, the author of children’s books such as “The Nice Dream Truck” and “Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish.” Ferry even took the opportunity to read her books to the children who attended the opening.
In addition to children’s books, patrons of the library may find mystery novels as well as books on history or arts and crafts. One can also find reference books at the Wainright House, which may be utilized by patrons while in the library. But because of their significance and their age, these volumes are in a brittle stage and may not be checked out. But the hassle-free library is just the latest in a long line of charitable endeavors for Woolley.
“I’ve been a volunteer and worked a lot in different historical societies,” says Woolley. “I was a Girl Scout leader for ten years. I enjoy being with people.” In the past, Woolley would even bring children’s books up to a women’s prison so that when the children of inmates came to visit, the mothers could read to the kids. The visiting children were then free to take the books home as a keepsake.
Following the death of her husband in 2010, Woolley looked to fill the void with a philanthropic purpose.
“I thought, ‘I have to find something’ and I right away thought of the building on Main Street that was looking so poorly,” recounts Woolley. “When I mentioned it to my son, I said, ‘What do you think?’ And he said, ‘Well, I’ll do it with you.’ So, I purchased it and he restored it, so that worked out.”
The Wainright Museum was the brainchild of Woolley, who then turned the dilapidated home into a treasured historical site in the town in 2012. Each room of the house has incredible pieces from over two hundred years of history, from the original flooring to antique furniture and collectibles.
Under the ownership of the Wainrights, the building was not only the family’s home, but served as a store. The building later came into use as a post office for the town.
But the library is only the latest civic purpose of the Wainright House. In addition, the museum hosts art exhibits, photography shows, seasonal events and even walking tours of Farmingdale. The museum also has guest speakers who cover a variety of topics from craft instruction to historical lectures.
The Wainright House and Museum is located at 48 Main Street in Farmingdale. Hours of operation for the museum are Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Those looking to schedule a tour or seeking additional information may call 732-938-5432. Its website (Wainrighthousemuseum.com) lists a calendar of events for the remainder of 2022.
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