Library will accept food in lieu of fines

BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer

FREEHOLD — In addition to dropping off or picking up books, patrons who visit Freehold Borough’s Carnegie Library during March can help to feed the hungry.

Library director Barbara Greenberg said the library is sponsoring a community outreach program by running a food drive to benefit Freehold Area Open Door.

“People are welcome to drop off food for the pantry throughout the month of March,” Greenberg said.

As a way of thanking patrons for making a contribution to the food drive, the library will be forgiving book fines for the month.

Greenberg said this is the first time the library has sponsored a food drive.

“Things are difficult today and all the food pantries are in need. Everyone wants to do something to help and this is our way of helping and giving others the chance to help as well,” she said.

Kathy Mulholland, the director of children’s programming at the library, said a collection box for food will be placed on the main level of the library.

She said food pantries need canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned stews, tuna fish and other foods containing protein, such as peanut butter. Other items being requested include dried boxed food such as rice, macaroni and cheese, instant potatoes, and pancake mix.

“Any patron who brings in a food donation will have their late fees on library materials waived,” Mulholland said.

Jeanne Yaecker, the director of the Freehold Area Open Door food pantry, said she thinks the food drive in lieu of library fines is a great idea. She said a food drive will help the pantry a great deal, especially at this time of year. She said the need in the area is steadily increasing as the economy continues to struggle.

In addition to the food drive, the Carnegie Library offers a variety of community outreach programs for Freehold Borough library patrons, according to Mulholland.

Officials are inviting patrons to come in and see the library’s new fresh look. The library has recently been repainted and has had new carpeting installed, making the cozy historic landmark an even more inviting place to read, relax and get away from it all while escaping into a good book.

The library has books for children and adults, in addition to a young adult collection. Also offered are magazines, newspapers and books on tape cassettes and compact discs. Music CDs are also available for loan. Patrons can also borrow movies on VHS and DVD.

There are computers so that patrons may access the Internet.

Children will enjoy the programming planned just for them. Programs include preschool story time, craft programs for elementary school and intermediate school children, and summer reading programs with crafts and incentives. Also on tap are services for senior citizens. A staff member visits senior citizens complexes to bring residents books from the library’s collection.

The library also offers reading groups, and a selection of books are available in Spanish for children and adults.

The library, on East Main Street, is open to patrons Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7-9 p.m.