About The Friends

Every nonprofit institution needs Friends—and the East Brunswick Public Library is no exception. Fortunately, the Friends of The Library came into existence when The Library opened its doors in 1967. Along every step of the way, The Friends has been an enthusiastic and generous supporter, providing funds beyond the capabilities of The Library’s budget. That longtime partnership has resulted in countless additional programs and purchases of equipment, furnishing and materials, both print and online, that enable the library to offer those “extras” that make the difference between an ordinary library and one that has been voted the “Best Public Library in Central New Jersey” every year by readers of the Home News Tribune. Chances are if you or your family have attended a children’s program, viewed a film, seen a well-known author, learned a new skill, or enjoyed a performance by a musical group at the library, the Friends were involved. Truly, people of all ages, backgrounds and tastes can find print and media materials and programs of interest to them, thanks in large part to contributions by The Friends.

Award Winning

The Friends of The Library is one of the largest such groups in New Jersey, approximately 1,600 members strong, including individuals, families, organizations and businesses. The key mission of this illustrious group of volunteers is to keep the library at the forefront of information services for the entire community and to promote public awareness of and encourage use of the library’s vast resources. The Friends has fulfilled its purpose so well that it has been honored by such bodies as the New Jersey Library Association and the United Way.

The Friends' Mission

In addition to supporting library programs, the Friends organizes and sponsors special events, such as the always anticipated Bargain Book and Media Sale; What’s It Worth? Antiques & Collectibles Appraisal; Phyllis Noar Puppetry Festival; James Hess Folklore and Storytelling Festival; as well as defensive driving classes and trips to museums, gardens, shows and other culturally relevant destinations. The Friends has provided startup funding for numerous collections, such as DVDs, computer software, and video games. It also promotes literacy through an annual grant to the Literacy Volunteers of Middlesex, supports professional development for Library staff, and sponsors an annual scholarship award to a graduating East Brunswick High School senior interested in library services.

Fundraising

How does the Friends accomplish all that? Thanks to proceeds from major fundraisers, such as the Bargain Book and Media Sale, and dues from members, the Friends is able to keep the library at the pinnacle of service. You can be a part of the Friends’ important work, just by joining.

Entertainment Books

The sale of Entertainment books is an annual Friends fundraiser. This year they are due to arrive during the week of August 6th. They will be ready for use as soon as you purchase them. The Friends will sell books for Middlesex and Monmouth counties and the each book wil cost $25.

Those interested in out-of-town books can order them at Entertainment.com. If you do so, please give the Friends Group ID number (167829). The Friends will then receive monetary credit for each item sold.

There is Customer Bonus this year for purchase of an Entertainment book. For every copy of Entertainment that customers buy, they receive:

• a free 2 week membership for Entertainment on Vacation (a $9.95 value). This features unlimited printable coupons available for download from the Entertainment Vacation Web site.

Save money and support the Friends with your purchase of one or more Entertainment Books this year. Thank you.