The Hackettstown Free Public Library and the Friends of the Hackettstown Library will be celebrating National Friends of Libraries week from October 16-21. This celebration is in its eighteenth year and is coordinated by United For Libraries, a division of the American Library Association.

The Friends of the Hackettstown Library is a non-profit organization that aims to gain public support for the library and to aid in the funding of programs, learning materials, and educational devices beyond the means of the library’s budget. The Friends organize and run fundraising events each year to benefit the library, including their annual spring used book sale and holiday mini-bazaar. Anyone can join the  Friends to offer their time and expertise to help the library grow and make a difference in Hackettstown.

 “We have a fantastic Friends group that helps us supplement the funding we receive from the town and the state,” Library Director Jerry Galante said. “The help we received from the Friends this year has gone to pay for musical and craft programs, large print books, and technology upgrades, just to name a few. Without the Friends, we really couldn’t provide the great offerings to our community that we do.”

This year’s celebration will also include a prize drawing, with the winner receiving $25 in BID bucks to be used at participating Hackettstown businesses. “A big thank you goes out to Laurie Rapisardi and the Hackettstown Business Improvement District for their generosity. This town is like a big family. I love it,” Galante continued.

Those interested in joining the Friends of the Hackettstown Library or seeking more details should email  hfplfriends@gmail.com or visit the Friends page on the library website (https://hackettstownlibrary.org/about/friends-of-the-library/).

Please see the Library’s website for more information (https://hackettstownlibrary.org)

A free Hackettstown library card is available to anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Hackettstown. Apply in person or go to https://hackettstownlibrary.org/services/library-cards/

The Hackettstown Free Public Library is located at 110 Church Street.

For more information, call (908) 852-4936 or email info@hackettstownlibrary.org