Newark Library Throwing ‘Great Gatsby Murder Mystery’ Fundraiser

NEWARK — It’s no mystery that the library system serving New Jersey’s largest city is in need, which underscores the importance of an upcoming fundraiser.

The Newark Public Library plans to host a “Great Gatsby Murder Mystery Fundraiser” on Thursday, Sept. 19, an event it is promoting as a night of glamour and intrigue in support of the institution.

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Citing crumbling buildings, shuttered branches and understaffing , Library Director Christian Zabriskie earlier this month requested the City Council increase library funding in the 2024 budget.

While council members were receptive to increasing dollars for the Newark Public Library, Council President LaMonica McIver also challenged the library to generate revenue.

“You really need to be thinking outside the box on how do you create revenue for the library?” McIver said at the budget meeting. “And how do you go out there and get more funding from the state and from other entities?”

Raising funds is not a new endeavor for the Newark Public Library, which holds an annual fundraising gala . This year’s is scheduled for Dec. 3 .

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Unlike other government sectors, such as the police department, which issues tickets, and the fire department, which levies fines for code violations, the library is limited in its means to generate dollars.

The mystery-themed fundraiser will be presented by the Newark Public Library Ambassadors , a group of community leaders that promote philanthropy and service in the interest of the library, an announcement said.

“Dance the night away with dance lessons from the 20s, savor delicious food, and dive into a thrilling mystery,” the organizers said.

If you go

The fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, Thursday, Sept. 19, from 5:30 to 9 p.m., at the Newark Library’s Main Branch, 5 Washington St. Tickets are $60 per person for the “Great Gatsby Fundraising Event” and may be purchased on the Newark Public Library website .

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