Friends of the Plainfield Public Library
Launch 2012 Membership Campaign

FOPPL President Pete Jones (right) and Treasurer Joanne Macalusso (center) present their 2011 donation to the
Plainfield Public Library Director Joseph Da Rold (left).

The Friends of the Plainfield Public Library, led by President Pete Jones, launched its 2012 membership drive this month by presenting the Library with a ceremonial check for $37,000.  The amount represents the total donated to the Library by the “Friends” in 2011.  Those joining now will be awarded a 14-month membership through the end of 2012.

The “Friends” assisted the Library in 2011 with an array of projects, including the computer center in the new Children’s Library at $20,000.  After three years in development, the “Reading Rainforest” opened in October to an enthusiastic public.  Another $9,500 was donated to assist in the remodeling of the kitchen and to pay for landscaping improvements.  Annual program support for Local History, Adult Literacy, and Children’s Services was funded at $7,500.

Library Director Joe Da Rold expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Board of Trustees.  “The list of projects and services the “Friends” have supported in over 50 years is endless, and the generosity of our members has been remarkable.  We always have a long list of upgrades and improvements to be made,” he said, “and they are always at our side ready to help.”  The major upgrade scheduled for 2012, he noted, is the creation of a Job Assistance Center on the main level.  The Center will include a computer lab with a bank of 13 additional computers.

Membership in the “Friends” entitles members to early admission at book sales and advance notice of programs and lectures offered throughout the year.  Membership forms are available at the Library’s Circulation Desk.  For further information, contact Membership Chair Tressa Brown, through the Library office at 908-757-2305.

The Friends of the Plainfield Public Library (FOPPL) is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that helps support one of the finest public libraries in New Jersey.

The Friends mission is to promote the general interests of the Plainfield Public Library and the community it serves by maintaining an association of people interested in the library and its resources; focusing public attention on the facilities and services of the library; and assisting the library in providing those facilities and services which will improve its usefulness to the community.

Please click here to read the organization's By-Laws.

Mailing Address
Friends of the Plainfield Public Library
800 Park Avenue
Plainfield, NJ 07060-0607

Who is eligible to join?

There are no membership restrictions.  Residents, non-residents, library users, and library supporters are all welcome to join.  Your donations and annual dues help support the Plainfield Public Library.

How to join

Download the membership form. Forms are also available at the front desk of the library, and at all FOPPL events. Mail or bring your completed application to the Library's Administration Office, and the Friends will be in touch!

FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

• Wine Discovery Event Photos (Courtesy of David Beverly)

LIBRARY PROGRAM SUPPORT

• Children's RIF program (Reading is Fundamental)
• Children's Summer Reading Program
• Adult Literacy Recognition Program
• Local History Archives
• Annual Plainfield Photography Contest & Exhibit
• Other services and equipment, as needed

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

• Presenting author events and other programs of interest to the community.
• Participating with other agencies and organizations in Plainfield on community-wide activities.