Library friends honored

OLD BRIDGE - A county library organization has presented its 2006 Friends of the Library group award to a group of dedicated township volunteers.

The Friends of the Old Bridge Public Library accepted the award, given by the Libraries of Middlesex, during an Oct. 24 ceremony at Pierre's in South Brunswick.

"For over 30 years, the Friends of the Old Bridge Public Library have made significant and tireless efforts in helping to fund the library," said Library Director Margie Cyr. Currently, their annual contribution provides funding for the library's newsletter, books and other materials, adult and children's programming, as well as the annual staff day, she said.

More than a dozen volunteers each week sort through hundreds of book donations and make them available through their ongoing book sale in the library. It is through the sale of these used books and other materials that allows the Friends to provide extra funding for the library. In the last six years, the Friends have donated more than $100,000 to the Old Bridge Public Library.

"The Friends contribute in making the Old Bridge Public Library even better," said Library Board President Joe Nuzzo. "Without their great work in raising these funds, the library just wouldn't be able to provide the extras."

Information about the Friends of the Old Bridge Public Library and how to get involved can be found on the library's Web site at www.lmxac.org/obpl. Applications to join the Friends are also available in the library in the book sale room opposite the library's reference desk.