The anniversary celebration will take place on June 11
On June 13, 1966, the Franklin Township Library officially opened its doors as a municipal library. The library will be celebrating 50 years of service to the community from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 11. Weather permitting, there will be a farmers market on the street behind the library with activities for the children, photo opportunities, giveaways, live music, a huge book sale and more. Inside the Franklin Township Community Center, there will be additional entertainment, activities, and cake.
In 1965, Helen B. Richman built a library on her property on Old Delsea Drive in Malaga, which was known as the Richman Public Library. Unable to operate the library herself due to illness, Richman deeded the library to the Township of Franklin in December of 1965. Recognizing the need for a community library, Erma Horel started the library in June of 1950 in the Franklinville fire house and residents donated books, shelving and their time to staff the library. The operation of the library was maintained with little financial support. In 1965, Helen B. Richman built a library on her property on Old Delsea Drive in Malaga, which was known as the Richman Public Library. Unable to operate the library herself due to illness, Helen Richman deeded the library to the Township of Franklin in December of 1965.
The library officially opened as a municipal library on June 13, 1966, and a Board of Trustees was established. Martha Ochs was the librarian there for 17 years. In 1985, the Richman Library moved to a larger location on Delsea Drive and was renamed the Joseph J. Grochowski Memorial Library.
Over 30 years later, the library resides at the Franklin Township Community Center (1584 Coles Mill Road, Franklinville), a beautiful building opened in 2002 with the aid of several grants and many dedicated individuals. Today the library houses over 90,000 items, 10 public internet stations, a separate children's library and garden, and hosts monthly programs and events throughout the year. During 2015, the library served over 55,000 visitors, circulated over 84,000 items, and hosted 85 programs and events.
There is no rain date for any of the scheduled outdoor activities. For more information, contact library director Deborah Riether at 856-694-2833 or visit the library's website at www.ftlnj.org.
This item submitted by the Franklin Township Library.