JOIN US! Get Bookin'!
Pennington 5K and 1M Fun Run

Register at the library or online

Download registration form here 

Out-and-Back USTA-certified course through the quaint streets of Pennington. See course map. 

The Friends of the Pennington Public Library is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to help the Library continue to be a vital link to the community. The Library receives limited public funds and needs additional help for purchases and programs beyond the basic operating expenses.

Funds are raised through annual membership fees and events such as the House and Garden Tour in Pennington.

Through the Friends' fund-raising efforts, money has been contributed for:

• Children's programs
• Recorded books
• Reference books
• Expansion of all areas of the print collection

Click here to view the most recent FOPL newsletter.

 Be a Friend!

If you are interested in contributing to the Library's growth, please consider becoming an active member or volunteer. Membership forms are available at the Library.

History

The Friends of the Pennington Public Library (FOPL) enjoys a rich history.  Following are the highlights from the past fourteen years - click on the quick links below to go directly to a particular year!   Also, if you click here you can jump to the section on this page where Board Members are listed by year.

1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010

1995

• The Friends of the Pennington Public Library (FOPL) started out as a fundraising Committee to purchase furnishings for the new Library facility.
• Using a newsletter, the FOPL recruited members and held a book sale to raise funds.  Their goal was to raise $32,000 and the theme was 'Your Hometown Library.'

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1996

• A new goal was set for the FOPL which was to develop new resources to expand the existing Library.

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1997

• The FOPL became incorporated.
• The Library conducted a logo contest.  Peter Brown from Hopewell Valley Central High School, was the winner!  
• Reference books, a weekly magazine, travel books, recorded books and sixteen files were purchased from the Director's (Pat Butcher) wish list. 
• Jo Allsop organized a House and Gardens tour fundraiser to benefit FOPL.

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1998

• The FOPL funded a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta concert at the Pennington Presbyterian Church.
• The House and Garden tour was conducted again in September.
• The annual events provided income to purchase additional materials from Pat Butcher's wish list including:   two children's programs of stories and music, recorded, travel and craft books, tiered display for adult books, signs and banners, brass plates and a new bulletin board.

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1999

• The Library received over $23,000 from the FOPL since their inception.
• A House and Gardens tour was held in September.
• Successful fundraising allowed the Library to purchase over three hundred children's books, reference books, recorded books and children's programs all chosen from the wish list of Pat Butcher who was the Library Director.

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• The Holiday Open House and a Silent Auction were held in December at the Maida residence.
• The FOPL funded three children's programs, donated $7,000 toward the purchase of new adult and children's books and contributed $5,000 towards library automation.

2002

• Pat Butcher retired as the Library Director in February.
• Theresa Winslow became the interim Director.

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2003

• Mary Fraser became the new Library Director.
• New purchases for the Library included:  recorded books, inside and outside library signs, science books for the juvenile collection, funding for children's programs became the focus.
• The FOPL hosted a thank-you tea for all of its volunteers and helped sponsor an afternoon tea in December to honor June Egan who was a long-time volunteer and local child care provider.
• The FOPL began selling tote bags.
• On December 13th, the FOPL hosted a Holiday at the Lipson's home.

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2004

• The FOPL Book Sale and the Summer Reading Concert was held on June 12.
• The Friends funded the purchase of recorded books, special programs, display shelving and book displays. 

2005

• Kathleen Doyle became the new Library Director.
• The FOPL Book Sale was held at  Pennington Day.
• The income from yearly events funded the following programs:  Summer Reading Program, purchase of DVDs, recorded books, books for young adults and adults, and a new workstation for Internet access.

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2006

• The fund drives this year sponsored recorded books, children's books and DVDs, children's programs, children's area furnishings and wireless network equipment for Internet access. 
• The Spring event was 'An Evening with Ellyn Spragins' author of 'What I Know:   Letter to My Younger Self'. 
• The Friends participated in the Pennington Day with Clifford the Big Red Dog and sponsored a Holiday Walk Book Sale.

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2007

• The Spring Event was 'An Evening with Author Brian Haig,' a New York Times bestselling author.   
• The Friends sponsored a 'sold out' New Jersey Symphony Orchestra String Quartet concert
• The Friends also sponsored a book sale during Pennington's Annual Holiday Walk. 
• The proceeds from annual fund-raising helped fund a Film Movement subscription adult non-fiction books, DVDs, recorded books, children’s books and programs, and a Slatwall display for the Library.

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2008

• The Spring Event featured Ellyn Spragins who is the author of 'If I'd Known Then' book series.
• The FOPL funded the purchase of over 84 recorded books, DVDs for adults and children, and furnishings and a rug for the children's area.

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2009

• Cookbook author Pam Anderson appeared at the Hopewell Borough Train Station for the FOPL Spring Event.   
• A Jewelry fundraiser featuring Missy Brewster     of Brewster Designs was held later that year.
• The FOPL participated in Pennington Day with a booth which included a display of our newest books and Summer Program sign-ups   for children.
• The FOPL co-hosted a memorial reception in honor of Norah Ducharme.

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• Spring Fundraiser a presentation by author Lauren Grodstein held at The Pennington School May 5. Click Here for details.

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Board Members

Many people have dedicated their time and work to the FoPPL over the years.  Here are some dating back go 1995. Scroll through the years of Members below or click on a quick link below to jump to that year.

1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005  2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010