Something has been growing at the library during the month of May! If you've visited lately, you may have noticed a strange machine sitting next to the copier. Thanks to Abma's Farm, the library has been home to an incubator with a dozen chicken eggs. Our first chick, Artemis (named after beloved children's book character Artemis Fowl), hatched on May 26, 2016. He loves to hop around his home and sleep in his food dish. Be sure to visit him in the Worth-Pinkham Room before he rejoins his brothers and sisters at Abma's!

The library is working to form a Friends group, and we want you to be a part of it! Here are the top ten reasons why you should consider joining:

• Have a say in what the library offers. Is there a specific type of program you'd like to see at the library? How about a special collection of a certain kind of book? Of course we welcome your suggestions any time, but as a Friends member, you can help secure funding to make certain projects happen. 
• Meet your neighbors. Ho-Ho-Kus is a small community, but you might not know everyone. By working closely with other Friends members - all of whom are HHK residents - you can meet new people and make lasting friendships.
• Keep literacy alive. Numerous studies have shown that kids and teens experience some learning loss over the summer. The library's summer reading program helps prevent this by keeping them thinking and reading during June, July, and August. While our current offerings are certainly exciting, the Friends are able to fund additional events that would not be financially feasible otherwise.
• Learn valuable skills you can use at work or in your personal life. As a Friend, you will gain hands-on experience with fundraising and community outreach. These new-found skills may help you at the office, or give you a new sense of personal enrichment.
• Similarly, put your existing skills to good work. Are you a PR pro? Do financial reports make you feel fulfilled? We welcome all of your unique skill sets in helping our organization run smoothly. You can make a difference while doing what you love.
• Help raise awareness in the community. Sure, you may love the library, but not all of our residents are familiar with the services we offer. As a Friend, you can help make sure your neighbors and colleagues are taking full advantage of their tax dollars.
• Understand how your borough works. As a taxpayer, it's important to understand where your money is going and how it is being used. Friends learn more about the library's municipal funding structure - which is defined by state law - and what goes into keeping the borough running.
• Get in on the ground floor. Because we are forming a brand new organization, its founding members have the unique opportunity to shape the group however they wish. Of course, there is also the exciting distinction of having your name on something brand new.
• Add it to your resume. In today's competitive job market, philanthropic activities outside work add character to your professional footprint and help round out your work experience. Being an active member of the Friends is no different.
• Make a difference. Every Friends member makes a true difference in our daily efforts. By volunteering with us, you are giving back to your community in a tangible way. The feeling of fulfillment after funding a special project or bringing a new family into the library is second to none.
  

Ready to join? Interest meetings will be held this spring. Learn more and sign up for updates here.