The Friends of the Watchung Library are enjoying a flurry of activity along with the beautiful weather this spring. For the month of April, the Friends held a successful membership drive with a revised membership schedule. Instead of asking for a specified amount for membership, the new schedule welcomes members who make a donation of any amount. New members joined the Friends and others renewed memberships. Most individual donations ranged from $10 to $100; many were matched by employer matching donations programs. Friends President Marcia Walsh noted “We’re very pleased with the response to our drive, which is higher than we’ve seen in previous years. I’m excited to see all the new members and to know that the library has the support of so many in the community.” Friends Board member Diana Churchill adds “Even though our official membership drive has ended, we welcome new members any time.”
The Friends’ membership drive was culminated by a special event, “Fluffy, Funny and Fantastic Creatures,” offered for the enjoyment of members and nonmembers alike. Families met, touched, and held interesting and exotic animals brought to the library by Unique Creatures NJ, where learning is disguised as entertainment. Watchung resident Jason Ng, age 12, observed that “It is a good experience to interact with different types of animals.” Tenyear- old Nolan Weber added “I like animal visits, but it is WAY more fun when they let you hold and pet the animal!”
(above) Unique Creatures’ iguana enjoys the warm spring weather
(above) Did you know that snakes feel warm and smooth, and not slimy at all?
(above) Unique Creatures’ 15-week-old bunny hasn’t grown into his ears yet.
