Kinnelon Library, Schools Partner to Celebrate 50th Anniversary

The Kinnelon Public Library kicks off a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary as it partners with the Kinnelon Public School District
to present a “Student Starlit Showcase.” This event will be held at the library Saturday, June 8, from 5-7 p.m.  

Students in grades 3 through 8 and their parents are invited to browse hundreds of informational books and other texts students wrote this spring. Some students will give brief presentations about their topic, their book or the writing process. High school students will lead presentations about new and popular apps and other engaging information technology.

The evening will feature DJ music provided by Al Louis Music, light refreshments, a coffee bar and raffle prizes. Patrons without library cards will also have the opportunity to sign up for one. In addition, library trustees will ask for permission to collect patrons’ email addresses in an effort to build a patron database.

Although the library has a website, Facebook page, and Twitter account, communicating upcoming events and important news to patrons in an “outbound” method is a challenge. 

“Getting the word out to our patrons about important news like hiring our new director, offering new services and products and hosting events is often a challenge,” noted Board of Trustees President Anne Vosatka. “Having the ability to proactively communicate with patrons helps us improve the value we already provide.”

Vosatka added that Superstorm Sandy provided the library with examples of how the new age of technology can be vital for residents.

“We saw how effective digital communications such as text messages and Facebook can be,” she said. “It was the main vehicle through which word got out that the library was open, had electricity for people to recharge their
phones and had WiFi.”

Invitations to the anniversary event will go be sent to Stonybrook and Pearl R. Miller school parents next week.

“This celebration brings together the library and our students, underscoring our shared commitment to helping our young citizens learn, succeed, and shine," said Kinnelon Superintendent of Schools Diane DiGiuseppe. "What better way to celebrate the 50 years of our library than by spotlighting the citizens and leaders of the next 50?”

Vosatka agreed.

“It’s going to be a very special event—one our entire community will be
very proud of.”