PERTH AMBOY – Friends of Perth Amboy Free Public Library (11/15/22) – (L to R) Secretary Toni Gianfrancesco, Vice President Alice George, Member Bea Boyce, Liaison to Library Board of Trustees Barbara Sottilaro, Treasurer Norine Gall, President Katherine Massopust. (Missing: Marianne Komek)
*Photo by Paul W. Wang
The Friends of Perth Amboy Free Public Library Promotes Literacy and More!
By: Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – After Wilda Diaz took office, she formed a committee to raise money to renovate the library. It was initially under the umbrella of Celebrate Perth Amboy which later became Save Our Carnegie Library. By 2009, the library’s conditions were terrible, including a leaky roof, mold coming off the ceiling, and a slew of other much needed repairs and attention. The Save Our Carnegie Library was chaired by Karen Kubulak and had multiple fundraisers to raise money for library renovations. One of those fundraisers was a gala at the Raritan Bay Yacht Club chaired by then trustee, Jim Woller.
However, then Library Board of Trustees President Barbara Sottilaro wanted to set up something more permanent to help the library, hence the restart of a Friends of Perth Amboy Free Public Library organization.
On February 24, 2010, the Friends of Perth Amboy Free Public Library Steering Committee was formed. It consisted of Barbara Sottilaro (Liaison to the Library Board of Trustees), Katherine Massopust (Founding President), Arlene Fogarty (Founding Vice-President), Toni Gianfrancesco (Founding Secretary), Joyce Signorile (Founding Treasurer), and Gloria Spear and Pinkie Rodgers who were Founding Members-at-Large. The Friends Steering Committee was later joined by Linda Luden.
The organization soon ratified their by-laws, registered with the State of New Jersey as a Nonprofit Organization, opened a bank account, and a post office box and were well on their way to get their 501c-3 status. The Friends held a logo contest with art students at Perth Amboy High School under the direction of Art Teacher Mrs. Marcella Massopust and decided upon a logo.
Realizing the need for funding for renovations to the library, the Friends of Perth Amboy Free Public Library held numerous fundraisers for the much-needed renovations.
To start with, the Friends had several book sales at the library. This was to fill a dual purpose. Library Director Pat Gandy had plenty of old books to sell, and at the same time, the Friends raised money for the library.
The Friends also undertook the massive responsibility to run two Taste of Perth Amboy’s at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church’s Hall. This was done upon the request of the late Carlos Martins who was also a member of the Save Our Carnegie Library Committee which by now became less active after their own numerous fundraisers. Barbara Sottilaro chaired the 2011 Taste of Perth Amboy with Carlos Martins, and the 2012 Taste of Perth Amboy with Rozalia Czaban.
On June 7, 2013, The Friends had a special open meeting at the Raritan Bay YMCA to highlight the work they did. It included a film made by the Friends in conjunction with the city that showed the poor conditions that the library was in. Councilmen Joel Pabon and Kenny Gonzalez were in the film (the video can be viewed on the Friends website, Media Gallery, Taste of Perth Amboy 2011).
A citywide jug collection was initiated to help with the renovation of the library. This began with the Save Our Carnegie Library Committee, and later continued by the Friends of Perth Amboy Free Public Library. The Friends collected over $1000 in change which was donated to the city for renovations.
Checks from the proceeds of these events were presented at Perth Amboy City Council Meetings. These proceeds totaled over $15,000 for library renovations.
Beginning In 2011, the Friends in conjunction with the Kearny Cottage Historical Association created a 2012 Calendar with restored photographs and sold them as a fundraiser. Each month of the calendar was sponsored by a different business in Perth Amboy. The proceeds from sales of the calendars are split between the Friends of Perth Amboy Free Public Library and the Kearny Cottage Historical Association. With a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic in from 2020-2022, these historic calendars are now being continued and are on sale now at the Barge and from Friends members.
The Friends have hosted many authors and different programs over the years and continue to support the library and promote literacy. One of the first programs the Friends had was Children’s Author Artie Bennet, author of The Butt Book and Poopendous! who came to read to local school children. His popularity is growing, and the reading of his books remain an ever-popular event with the children.
In 2015 the Friends began their Book Sales at the Brighton Avenue Community Center and are there for every second and fourth Saturday of the month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This was chaired by Linda Luden. Members Alice George and Norine Gall soon joined the organization, often coming to the Saturday Afternoon Book Sales.
In 2015 the Friends had their first Book Fair at Barnes and Noble in Menlo Park, NJ. A percentage of the net sales that take place on that date benefited the Perth Amboy Free Public Library. The Friends continued the Book Fair at Barnes and Noble. The PAFOL reached out to all 5 public elementary schools, Assumption Catholic School and Perth Amboy Catholic School for a book donation valuing $200 per school. The following year, the Friends reached out to the Middle Schools in Perth Amboy, for a book donation.
For the 2017 Book Fair, the Friends reached out to Alternative School, Ignacio Cruz Education Center, and Perth Amboy Lower Catholic School. In 2018, the Friends donated to the Perth Amboy Children’s Library. Art Teacher Rachel Wittenberg helped with both years. The Friends would continue to have the Book Fairs at Barnes and Noble until the Barnes & Noble discontinued the program.
Because of the NJ law restricting the use of plastic bags, The Friends decided to sell reusable grocery bags which are available at the book sale and from members.
In 2016 the Friends launched the Museum Pass Program, which provides free passes to Grounds for Sculpture, the Intrepid Air and Space Museum, and the Museum of Natural History. This program continued until the hiatus during the pandemic, which has since been revived in 2022. The Thomas Edison Museum in Menlo Park, NJ has been added for January 2023.
During 2017 was the first time the Friends hosted The Lizard Guys at the library which dazzled children with different types of snakes, frogs, lizards, turtles, etc. The Lizard Guys would return in 2019 and 2022 with successful programs.
SAVE: S -Support A -Advocate V – Volunteer E – Educate
Friends of the Library groups are a worldwide effort to: • Encourage the love of reading and independent learning. • Raise funds for special projects, equipment, and materials in excess of the general library budget. • Provide dedicated volunteer services. • Support Public Library Advocacy. • Sponsor special programs and public service projects for the entire Perth Amboy community. • Play a significant role in community involvement.
If you would like to become a member, or are curious about promoting literacy, or to donate, contact Katherine at 731-261-2610 or email: FriendsofPerthAmboyLibrary@gmail.com or go to FOLPerthAmboy.com
