Long Hill Township Library 2020 Annual Appeal
Submitted by Marygrace Luderitz
The Foundation of the Long Hill Township Public Library announces the completion of their 2020 annual appeal, reporting a goal-breaking total of more than $28,000 in donations. This year’s appeal came at a time of economic uncertainty. The Long Hill community showed its support for one of its most valued resources, the library. For the first time ever, an anonymous group of donors made possible a $1,000 matching campaign during the final three weeks, which helped raise an additional $2,415 to conclude this year’s appeal.
During the pandemic and the government-mandated closure, the library created and delivered innovative programs and new services so the community could continue to utilize library resources while people were at home. The library offered: more digital services such as eBooks, eMagazines, and movie streaming; interactive children’s story times and activity videos on Facebook and Instagram; book clubs via Zoom; and personal phone calls with members and over 35,000 Facebook interactions.
Marygrace Luderitz, director of the Long Hill Township Public Library, said the work of the library foundation helped make these programs possible. She said, “Even when our doors were closed, the library was able to adjust and continue to serve the community during the pandemic. We couldn’t have done this without the help of the foundation.”
At the conclusion of this year’s appeal, with the generous support of the community, the foundation donated over $5,000 (with another $5,000 in reserve) to support library programs and services. The remaining donations will be used to grow the endowment fund, which was established in 2015 to help ensure the viability and sustainability of the library for years to come.
“The library foundation wishes to express our deepest thanks to those who contributed this year,” said library foundation board president, Lisa Hoffmann. “Your support in times of need is greatly appreciated.” A complete list of donors can be found at fflhtpl.org.
