Libraries all over New Jersey are celebrating “I Love My Library Month” this February!

How can you show your love?  You can become a Friend of your library, volunteer, or let your officials know how much you value your library – you can even sign up for legislative alerts that are sent out a few times a year by signing up to be a New Jersey Library Champion. As always, even by just using our services, checking out materials and attending programs at your local branch, you are doing your part to help show Libraries you care! Check out a few of the events going on in NJ libraries for this month long celebration:

Lots of libraries are celebrating the month with “Blind Date with a Book,” an event that allows patrons to pick up a wrapped book at their library, check it out, and discover what title awaits them at home!  Cranbury Public Library, Monroe Township Public Library, Franklin Township Library in Middlesex County and the Library Company of Burlington (Burlington County) are just some of the libraries around the state who are doing the program, for patrons of all ages.  Check to see if you can have a blind date with a book at your local library!

In Ocean County, customers and children’s groups at the Ocean County Library System will have the opportunity to share the reason why they love their library by posting notes at the branches.  “Because the library is the heart of every community, February seems the perfect time for the public to share their appreciation for branch services, collections and staff,” said Marilyn Bass, Ocean County Library Volunteer Coordinator who is organizing the project.  Patrons can show their appreciation for the Ocean County Library System by stopping by any of the 21 locations to create a heart Valentine telling the OCL why you love the library! Hearts will be displayed for the month of February. 

Similarly, the Roxbury Public Library in Succasunna (a M.A.I.N. library) will be having an I Love My Library Contest for kids in Pre-K to Grade 12.  Participants are asked to stop by Library’s Youth Services Reference Desk to fill in a heart (or bring a heart or valentine from home) telling them why you love the Roxbury Library. Prizes will be awarded in 3 age groups. All hearts/valentines will be displayed in the Youth Services Department. 

For more ideas on how to love your library, click here.