TINTON FALLS – The Tinton Falls Public Library Association will host fundraisers to assist with the eventual reopening of the Tinton Falls Public Library.
A children’s fashion show will be held on April 2 at the Mahala F. Atchison Elementary School from 2-5 p.m. Funds raised during the event will be used to help reopen the Tinton Falls Public Library, 664 Tinton Ave.
The library was closed by municipal officials in August 2017 when mold was discovered in the building. The building is owned by the borough. Repairs to the building have been estimated at more than $400,000.
Tickets for the April 2 event are $20 for regular admission and $25 for VIP seating. Tickets may be purchased online at tintonfallslibrary.com or at the door. Only cash or checks will be accepted at the door.
The event will include a silent auction, “shout-outs” and Hershey’s Kisses available for purchase to honor participating models.
Ellen Goldberg, representing the library association, spoke during the Feb. 15 meeting of the Borough Council. She said individuals who attend the April 2 event will have an opportunity to purchase bricks that will be engraved and placed outside of the library.
Linda Cicalese of the Tinton Falls Public Library Association said youngsters will be wearing outfits from the GAP at The Grove, Shrewsbury.
The Tinton Falls Public Library was created and is managed by the Tinton Falls Public Library Association. The library operates independently of the Monmouth County Library System.
In January, the library was awarded a $217,500 grant from the state to assist with the reopening.
Rosemary Kochman, the president of the Tinton Falls Public Library Association, spoke before the Borough Council about the grant and the fundraisers that are being planned.
Kochman said because the library received a matching grant from the state, the borough and the library association are contributing money to the eventual reopening of the building. She said the library association has about $435,000 to remediate and improve the facility.
In addition to thanking borough officials for their assistance in the endeavor, Kochman thanked the administrators of the Monmouth County Library System for allowing Tinton Falls residents to check out materials with their Tinton Falls cards.
“(The Monmouth County Library System) told me in email from Heidi Amici, who is our liaison, that when, not if, the (Tinton Falls) library opens, they will be there to give us new books and new computers,” Kochman said.
Concluding her comments by thanking residents, Kochman discussed how the planned fundraisers will assist with costs outside of reopening the library.
“The matching grant only allows us to remediate and fix the library. It does not go toward operating costs and it does not go for future salaries for our staff. It only goes to fixing the library, so we must continue to fundraise,” she said.
Kochman said the library association intends to have a music festival in the summer.
