SHARE

Wayne Supporters Build Library's Foundation

WAYNE, N.J. — A group of Wayne supporters joined forces to move the library forward with new ideas and events.

Wayne Library supporters attend a book signing with author Mary Higgins Clark.

Wayne Library supporters attend a book signing with author Mary Higgins Clark.

Photo Credit: Wayne Library Foundation Facebook

The Wayne Public Library Foundation recently formed to make the library a destination, Treasurer Allison Peckham.

Fundraising serves as one of the group's main goals, Peckham said, but other events can help by bringing people to the library to see what it has to offer.

"Although the idea of a library foundation is not new, it's new to us in Wayne," member Cathie Hermann said. "... I think it's important because it's another layer of thinking. I think the way we're approaching the foundation is it's a think tank. It's a place for ideas."

Fellow member Roberta Loniewski said libraries have changed over the years and they want to help Wayne adapt. The library has to serve as a community center, or the "living room" of the town, Loniewski said.

"We want to get people of all ages to come and engage in the library," she said. "So we have to think about how we're going to approach that."

The foundation will hold its main fundraiser in April, a barbecue, Loniewski said. It will include offerings from local craft breweries plus live music and dancing.

Other events will also help bring people in, member Louise Newton said. The foundation will host a financial literacy expo Jan. 23 and plenty of other gatherings going forward.

They also hope to partner with businesses to sponsor their events or donate to the library, Newton said.

"There are good things to be done on both sides," she said. "The corporations become part of the community and we let them get their money's worth."

TO JOIN: Email Peckham at allison.peckham@gmail.com.

to follow Daily Voice South Passaic and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE