Photo credit above, Fair Haven artist and author Judy Goddard.
Photo credit above, Fair Haven artist and author Judy Goddard.
Hello neighbors
Founded by a group of Fair Haven community members in 2024, Friends of the Fair Haven Public Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Fair Haven Public Library. The Fair Haven Public Library promotes reading, education, wellness, and lifelong learning in a safe and welcoming space that connects and enriches the entire community.
Our goal is to support and enhance our library's services and programming through fundraising, volunteer efforts, and community engagement. If you love and appreciate the services, people, and space in our small town library, and would like to volunteer, please learn more here. To become a "Friend of the Library," please consider a tax-deductible gift to support our mission and donate today! Together, we can make the Fair Haven Library an even more vibrant and inviting space for all. Learn more about our vision for a library "refresh" below.
Our Little Library
Our beloved Fair Haven Library has long been a cherished cornerstone of our community, a place where storytimes, summer reading challenges, book clubs, and many other activities bring us together. Our library fosters friendships, strengthens connections between neighbors, and often serves as the first community experience for our youngest residents. Through its programs and resources, the library introduces children to the joy of reading and the world of literature, sparking a love for books that can last a lifetime. Adults enjoy the knitting and book clubs, various workshops, and guest speakers. Our little library has something for everyone!
If you've visited recently, you likely have noticed that some areas of the library show signs of wear and need attention, such as the damaged rug, collapsed shelving in the children’s section, and outdated computer workstations. The seating in the reading areas and other furniture, including the librarian's circulation desk, all require replacement. Improving these aspects of the library and refreshing the space with better lighting, fresh paint, and a calming aesthetic will encourage more visitors, improve library operations, and maximize use.
Drawing inspiration from the tranquil beauty of the Navesink River, we envision transforming the library with a maritime-inspired design. Soft blues, natural textiles, and accents of white shiplap will reflect the deep connection between our community, the river, and the nearby ocean.
These interior renovations will not only improve accessibility, comfort, and safety but also elevate the overall experience for everyone who uses our library.
The Library Fund
The Friends group is leading efforts to raise funds to enhance programming, provide funds for immediate needs, and improve the interior physical space of the library. Our goal is to support the library in as many ways as possible through the help of volunteers, donations, and grants. We invite everyone to become involved!
Our vision for library interior renovations can be found here. Currently, we are working with the Fair Haven Library Board of Trustees, our town, and trusted vendors (those who have partnered with other local Monmouth County Libraries for interior renovations) to develop a reasonable budget and fundraising goal. We will share those details here as soon as they become available.
Gifts of all sizes are appreciated — it’s your participation that truly makes a difference! Gifts made to the Friends of the Fair Haven Public Library will be used for capital improvements, special programming, guest speakers, and other educational activities.