Help Build A Strong Foundation

The mission statement of the Bernardsville Library Foundation proclaims that it was established "to be a source of private funding to enable the outstanding Bernardsville Public Library to continue to operate at a level of excellence without regard to variations in public funding."

Famous for its spectacular annual Homes of Distinction fundraiser, which will be held at Hamilton Farms in June, this volunteer group is also determined to establish an income-generating endowment to fund special projects for the library. A well-funded endowment will help to offset budgetary constraints in the future; however, the library is currently facing a reduced budget because the Bernardsville Borough Council did not increase the library's annual allocation this year. These cuts to the budget will force noticeable changes to this year's operating hours and material acquisitions.

Due to these budgetary constraints, the Board of Trustees has approved the decision to reduce library hours in 2017. Effective July 1, the library will have shortened Saturday hours, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and will maintain these hours through the end of the year. In addition, the library will close on Thursday evenings at 5:00 pm instead of 9:00 pm. and will continue to close an hour earlier on Friday evenings, at 5:00 pm, as previously announced. Reductions have also been made in the materials budget, particularly in books and audiobooks, as well as online databases and magazines.  Planned expenditures on computers have also been sharply reduced to stay within the budget.

To avert further restrictions to library access, the Bernardsville Library Foundation is currently undertaking a donation campaign and is counting on your support. The Foundation provides an additional way to show your support by purchasing tickets to its annual house tour and reception known as Homes of Distinction. This year's event is scheduled for Sunday, June 4, at the U.S. Equestrian Team Stable and Carriage Barn at Hamilton Farms where live entertainment, a silent auction, wine pull, cocktails and appetizers, and several other exciting features will be offered.

Tax deductible donations will also be gratefully accepted by the Friends of the Bernardsville Public Library, a volunteer group providing wonderful programming throughout the year for children and adults. If you've enjoyed the many Sundays at Three free concerts or made use of the Summer Reading programs for your children, you have been benefitting from the hard work of the Friends. "Considering the constraints we are facing this year, we encourage all concerned citizens who use and love the library to make a contribution to one of these groups," states Alexandria Arnold, Executive Director of the library. By doing so, you will be building a firm foundation for your library's future.

Books for Kids: A Holiday Giving Opportunity

Imagine the consequences if you were to put the gift of a new book in the hands of a child with little access to reading material. You'd be right to envision the immediate joyous scene as the child smiled, laughed, or jumped with the thrill of book ownership. But think of the benefits that could accrue to that child over time just from being exposed to new reading opportunities.

Early literacy opens a young mind to unimagined possibilities and choices. Books introduce new ideas and spark flights of fancy; they instill curiosity about the world and allow children to imagine their future roles in our world. In truth, literacy provides the access to knowledge needed to build strong character and success in life. But books also befriend and comfort children in difficult times. Sometimes they simply entertain and enthrall their readers - how wonderful is that?!

If you would like to give a world of opportunity to a child, please donate to our holiday cause, Books for Kids, being run in tandem with the New Jersey Library Association. We ask that you place one or more new books appropriate for children ages infant to teen in the donation box atop our Books for Kids display located in the library lobby. We are collecting your gifts through December 15, when they will be distributed to children in New Jersey who have limited or no access to books in their lives. Thank you.

Books for Kids Holiday Drive

Would you like to give a gift this holiday season that lasts the test of time? Consider giving a child who has little or no access to books the gift of a life-long love of reading! You can do this simply by donating new books to the Books for Kids annual holiday drive sponsored by the New Jersey Library Association’s Children’s Services Section. As a library partner in this drive, we are currently collecting new books that are appropriate for children from infancy through the teen years.

It’s fun to pick out board books for babies, picture books for boys and girls, and young adult stories for teenagers; you might even recover some childhood memories of your own favorite books while browsing for these selections. Of course, our children’s librarians will be happy to make a few suggestions if you need advice. There’s no need to wrap your donations. Simply put these new books in the decorated collection box in front of our holiday book display and know that you will be making a difference in a child’s life. All donations will be distributed to New Jersey children. Kindly donate by December 15th. Thank you!

Teddy Bears Need Clothing, Too

Once again, Bernardsville Public Library is participating in the annual Teddy Bear project. In just a few weeks, the Salvation Army will be distributing these teddy bears to needy children in New Jersey as a holiday treat.  But first, there is something missing; the bears are bare and need clothing!

Right now the teddies sit patiently in our lobby cases waiting for their outfits, so we invite you to drop by, borrow a bear, dress it, and then return it before Thanksgiving. Outfits may be purchased at craft stores as well as clothing stores where preemie and small infant sizes fit the bears nicely.  Another alternative is to create your own teddy bear outfit.  Sew a dress, knit a sweater, stitch together a fleece top - be creative and enjoy the experience of dressing your teddy in a style that a child would love.  Feel the satisfaction of knowing your teddy bear will give a child much needed happiness this holiday season.

Go Green This Halloween

What a great idea!!  Donate your gently used Halloween costumes so that others can purchase them at the upcoming Halloween Costume Sale hosted by Bernardsville Library's Teen Group. Recycling a costume makes perfect sense these days and is in keeping with the Teen Group's interest in the "green" movement. Your slightly used Halloween costumes for children or adults are now being accepted in the donation box located in our lobby.  Costume accessories are also welcome.  The fun part starts on these sale days when great costumes will be available to buy, and the proceeds will benefit future Teen Group activities.  The sale will take place on two separate days as seen in the poster.  

Supporting Your Library

Libraries are able to stir the spirit, warm the heart, and enliven all those who enter.  They are a portal for knowledge and a refuge in times of emergency.  As charitable giving approaches the end of the calendar year, please remember your local library's contribution to you and your family's well being.  

Bernardsville Public Library is one of those libraries that has been there for you - open and operating - even in times of crisis.  Most recently, during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Bernardsville Public Library maintained its regular services while functioning as a warming center and community gathering place.  

Throughout the year Bernardsville Public Library schedules a variety of free programming for all ages, provides reference and learning resource assistance, and offers the latest in loanable materials including i-Pads, e-readers, dvds, books, and online databases.  Most important to some visitors, we offer a welcoming smile and a hello.  Please consider a contribution to your local library.  It is an investment with good returns.  To donate to Bernardsville Public Library, please follow this link http://www.bernardsvillelibrary.org/support/.  We thank you.