The Library is currently closed.  We're open again on Thursday (December 7, 2023) from 9:30 am to 8:45 pm

The Friends of the Library

The Friends is formed exclusively for charitable, literary and educational purposes in support of and cooperating with the Library in developing, maintaining, and enhancing its facilities, resources, and services for the public. Read about and join the Membership of the Friends, and find out about the Member-Merchant Initiative benefit designed to support local Millburn-Short Hills businesses and strengthen library ties with the community (paper form here). For monthly updates, subscribe to the Friends Newsletter.Friends of the Library logo

In furtherance of its purpose, the Friends:

  • encourage monetary gifts for the exclusive benefit of the Library, and raise funds through book sales & other appropriate activities
  • encourage the use of the Library facilities, resources & services
  • focus attention on the Library through promotion and sponsorship of Library programs & activities

The Friends of the Library organize and sponsor a number of programs, events and improvements that help keep Millburn Library fresh, relevant and popular, including:

  • Museum Passes for Millburn cardholders
  • 3D Printer
  • Electronic Bulletin Board
  • Summer Reading program for children & teens
  • Expanded Young Adult space with new space
  • Supplemental library budget for new books, DVDs and more
  • Special programs, lectures ad performances for all ages

Click here to see the complete list of programs.

Annual Chess Tournament

The Annual Chess Tournament will take place on Saturday, December 2nd at 9:30am (with a snow date of Saturday, December 9th — call the Library to check on inclement weather, at 973-376-1006).

  • Each student will play 4 games, with each round allowing 5 minutes per side. Please bring a chess set, though chess clocks will be provided.
  • Groups:
    • 5-7 years old
    • 8-10 years old
    • 11-14 years old
  • Fee: $20 (advance) or $25 (at the door). Pay by cash, check or Zelle. Please make checks payable to “Friends of the Millburn Library” and write “Chess Tournament” and the student’s name in the memo.

Drop-in Saturday Chess Lessons are Back!

Come learn from Chess Master Scott Massey! The rules of chess, how to checkmate, how to play openings & tactics, middle-game strategy & endgames, and how to read & write chess. The cost is $20 per session. Questions: friends@millburnlibrary.org or scottmsy@msn.org.

Chess Class Schedule (Saturdays):

  • September 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
  • October 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
  • November 4th, 11th, 18th
  • December 9th, 16th

Time:

  • Beginner-level: 1-2pm (60 min)
  • Intermediate: 2:05-3:20pm (75 min)
  • Advanced: 3:25-4:55pm (90 min)
Member - Merchant Initiative

Fireside Book Club

The Fireside Book Club meets virtually every month. Lively discussion is led by a library staff member, or other special guests. All are welcome to attend these gatherings! All Fireside Book Clubs are currently virtual. Register for an upcoming Book Club meeting here. All are welcome!

To obtain copies of the monthly book, visit the Millburn Library Reference Desk and ask for a Book Club-reserved copy, or borrow the eBook version via the Libby app.

2022-24 Schedule

  • Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed, by Lori Gottlieb
    • Monday, November 6th
  • Horse: A Novel, by Geraldine Brooks
    • Monday, December 4th
  • Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: A Novel, by Gabrielle Zevin
    • Monday, January 8th
  • South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation, by Imani Perry
    • Monday, February 5th
  • Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt
    • Monday, March 4th
  • How Can I Help You, by Laura Sims
    • Monday, April 1st
  • Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver
    • Monday, May 6th

Officers & Board

Officers (2023-24)

Dorothy Kelly President
Sapna Gupta Vice President
Xiaoming Xia Treasurer
Michelle Brubaker Secretary

Board (2023-24)

Rosemary Becchi
Ruthie Binder
Michelle Brubaker
Judy Eisner
Mara Epstein
Sapna Gupta
Dorothy Kelly
Jean Lee
Stephanie Monahos
Xiaoming Xia
Rachel Wininger

The Friends work to support MFPL through fundraising and by creating interest in the public library. All money raised, whether through donations, membership fees, or fundraising, is used exclusively for programs, materials and projects that benefit the Millburn Library.

The Friends of the Millburn Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, EIN# 22-2280527. Check if your employer offers a matching gift program— it’s an easy way to increase support!

Annual Book Sale

The Friends 2023 Annual Book Sale

  • Final Dates of Book Sale:
    • Monday (5/8): 9:30am-12:00pm, 5:30-8:30pm
    • Tuesday (5/9): 9:30am-11:30am
  • Book Sale Regular Hours:
    • Saturday, May 6: 9:30am – 5:00pm
    • Sunday, May 7: 1:00pm – 4:30pm
      • Location: 2nd floor auditorium (and spill-over in Meeting Room B).
      • Payment: cash, check, or Zelle. An ATM is available in the library lobby.
      • Vinyls: $2 for each single LP, $5 for box-sets.
  • Member Preview Night: Thursday, May 4: 6:30pm – 8:30pm (Friends Members only, no joining at the door; please bring your Friends Membership Card as ID).
  • Books Accepted: Mon 4/3/2023 – Sun 4/23/2023 only.
    • Accepting in Good Condition: hardcovers, paperbacks, children’s books, vinyl records, DVDs.
    • Please no textbooks, encyclopedias or magazines; CDs, VHS tapes; or any badly worn, soiled or torn books.
    • Leave donations in the bins next to the elevator during regular library hours during the donation period.

To volunteer or ask questions, email friends@millburn.bccls.org.

Monthly Meeting

Friends of the Millburn Library Business Meetings are open to the public, please email the Friends if you would like to attend. Until further notice, all meetings will be held online via Zoom. 2022-2023 meeting dates are: 

  • October 4
  • November 1
  • December 6
  • January 3
  • February 7
  • March 7
  • April 4
  • May 2
  • June 6