Did you know???

Since 1976, Oakland Public Library's collections have increased by 85% and library circulation has increased by 25%. However, the library's physical space has not increased at all, creating a space shortage that is now very evident.

About Us

The Library Growth Foundation of Oakland was established in 2001 as a nonprofit corporation organized exclusively to raise and distribute funds for improvements and enhancements of the facilities and services of the Oakland Public Library. The trustees of the Foundation have set an initial fundraising goal of $250,000. Donations are tax deductible under the Internal Revenue Code. Please read on to find out how you can help us.

You are invited to participate in the expansion of Oakland's library. The expansion will ensure that library patrons continue to have the best resources for personal and intellectual growth. The dollars donated will be added to the $2.55 million bond ordinance, recommended by Oakland voters and approved by the Borough Council, and to the $725,000 grant received from the New Jersey State Library Construction Bond Fund.  

The library expansion will double the current size of the library and will give Oakland residents:

• An expanded library building that will preserve the beauty and history of the library we all love;

• A bright new Children's Library on the main floor;

• Space for young adult books and materials;

• More space for adult reading areas and reference materials;

• Flexible facilities that can support new technology solutions to better serve patrons;

• Reallocation of parking spaces to ensure adequate parking;

• A drive-by book pickup station and drop-off.

On May 24, 2002, a groundbreaking ceremony was held by Oakland's mayor and the Library Board. Construction work began on July 15, 2002. The new Children's Wing opened in March 2006, and we are awaiting completion of the renovation of the original building.

As of December 2006, the Foundation has received donations totaling $170,000. If you would like to help up reach our goal of $250,000, please send your donation to address below.

 

Library Growth Foundation of Oakland P. O Box 361 Oakland, NJ   07436

Checks should be made out to: Library Growth Foundation of Oakland.

The Library Growth Foundation of Oakland invites all residents, their friends and relatives to participate in two fundraisers: The first is the "Tree of Remembrance" project which gives people an opportunity to honor the memory of the most cherished people in their lives by purchasing a personalized leaf on the tree. For a donation of $100.00 per name, people can have a two-line plaque inscribed with the name of the person they choose to remember, as well as the name of the donor placed on the tree. The tree hangs prominently to the right of the circulation desk on the wall that will connect the new and old wings once renovation is completed. The second fundraiser is the "Pathway of Stars" project which will give everyone a chance to "celebrate" all the very special children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews in their lives. For $50 per star, one can honor any young relative or friend by having his or her name inscribed on a beautiful 5-inch gold star that will be prominently displayed on the wall in the new children's wing. Each name will be engraved on two lines, with the first and middle name on the top line and the last name centered on the line below.

Applications for both fundraisers can be obtained at the Library, or for more information on either project call Gerri Schrier at 201-337-3472.

Help us raise money for the library just by banking with Commerce Bank!

Through its Affinity Program, Commerce Bank will make ongoing donations to the Library Growth Foundation if you already bank with Commerce or open a new account. There is no cost to you, and Commerce will reward you $25 if you open a new account. Please click on the logo below to find out more.

Click to Enlarge