Celebrating Sea Girt’s 'Great Little Library': A Night of Wine, Cheese, and Community

Sea Girt, NJ - The Sea Girt Library, nestled on The Plaza, has been a beloved community hub since it first opened its doors on May 13, 1992. Renowned throughout the Gold Coast area and beyond for its charm and warm hospitality, the library has become a cherished institution for both patrons and visitors alike. This past Saturday, the community’s unwavering support was on full display at the Friends of the Library Wine and Cheese Celebration. Held at The Plaza, the event saw over 160 attendees come together to enjoy food, drink, music, and to raise funds for their beloved library.

"This is our 11th year hosting the event, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Sea Girt Library," said Lisa Luke, Sea Girt Library Director. "It’s the largest fundraiser we hold, and the proceeds go directly to supporting library events and programs." Luke explained that the Friends of the Sea Girt Library was established in 2015 as a 501(c)(3) organization with the goal of supporting the library’s needs through tax-deductible fundraising.

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As Luke marks her ninth year as director, she has seen the event’s attendance steadily grow since its inception. Despite this, tickets have never sold out, as the fundraiser is held outside in front of the borough's picturesque former train station, which now serves as the library.

"Our guests who attend are mostly from Sea Girt but not all are library patrons. We enjoy seeing people who may not use the library themselves but come to our event to support the library as a vital part of our community," she said.

Sea Girt resident Kathleen Lydic, who recently became a Friends of the Library member a year and a half ago, said that she has attended the fundraiser for the past nine years. "This fundraiser is a really nice community event where people come to socialize, have a glass of wine, and support our library, which is a staple in the community.  Lisa does a wonderful job here as the director and the entire staff is just great. A wine and cheese reception is a unique way to get people together for 'our great little library" she said. "When you walk into the library, it is an immediate feeling of belonging. You feel so welcome and always want to return."

Luke agreed and added that people enjoy coming to the fundraiser not only because it supports the library but it also brings the community together. "Our goal is to not just serve our community but to be the heart of our community," she continued.

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The Sea Girt Library is unique in that it opened in the borough’s former train station with only one paid employee and a large team of volunteers. "The tradition of volunteers being heavily involved in the running of the library has continued to this day," Luke explained. "When people visit, chances are they know the person working the circulation desk, not to mention other visitors there at the same time. There’s a lot of socializing that happens at the Sea Girt Library, and we love that! Because our library is so small, we’re considered a 'talking library.' We’re proud to say there’s a lot of talking going on here!"

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