Great Libraries Need Good Friends
The Friends of BHPL is a volunteer-led, 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to making the Berkeley Heights Public Library a more vibrant and engaging resource for residents of all ages.
Our mission is simple: to enhance the library’s programs and services beyond what public funding allows. Through membership dues, donations, and community fundraising events, we support initiatives that elevate the library experience for everyone in Berkeley Heights.
Programs sponsored by the Friends of BHPL
Regional Museum Passes (NJ/PA)
Funded by the Friends of BHPL, library cardholders can check out free family passes to museums across NJ and PA, including the Montclair Art Museum, Morris Museum, Museum of the American Revolution, Newark Museum, Wheaton Arts & Cultural center, and Yogi Berra Museum. And new museums will be added this year.
Museum Bags
Check out the new museum bags! Donated and maintained with funding from the Friends of BHPL, you can now make the most of your museum visit and keep your kids engaged. These carefully curated bags include 2 books, crayons, a notebook, coloring sheets, a fidget toy, and binoculars. They can be checked out for 7 days, and renewed one time. They are perfect to borrow alongside your museum pass to visit any of BHPL’s 13 museums with more coming!
Learn with Bubbles!
BHPL’s youngest readers can now join Bubbles, the library mascot, for a fun early literacy adventure. Sponsored by the Friends of BHPL in 2026, Learn with Bubbles is a new program for children up to age 5 that includes a free tote, a free book, three months of engaging activities, and a helpful reading guide.
Activities focus on building listening skills, expanding vocabulary, and nurturing a lifelong love of reading. Families that complete a three-month tracker will earn a prize, and can pick up a new set of activities to keep the learning going.
Book Sales
Supported by Friends members, volunteers, and donors, our Friends book sales on behalf of BHPL have become a great success. Attracting book lovers from across NJ, sales of donated books have raised funds that go directly toward supporting our library’s programs and materials for adults and kids alike.
Spice Club
Sponsored entirely by the Friends of BHPL, each month the library’s Spice Club offers a sealed package of a new spice to try. The spice packet is accompanied by a recipe and brochure with ideas and information about that spice.
Early Literacy Materials
In 2026, the Friends of BHPL donated a new “Little Library” to augment the Early Literacy area of the BHPL Children’s Room. This sharing library invited young readers to take a book and develop a love of reading.
Coming Soon: Available for children ages 0-5, these themed kits will include books and activities that spark an early love of learning.
And more…
From sponsoring community and cultural events to funding technology upgrades, the Friends of BHPL are always looking for new ways to serve our library and our town.
Join Us
Be a Friend. Support your library. Strengthen your community.
Your support, whether through membership dues, volunteering, or a donation, helps keep our library thriving.
Click here for a downloadable membership form, or visit the circulation desk for a printed form.
Membership dues are only $25 for individual adults, $10 for seniors, or $40 for families.
Tote Bags
Buy a custom tote for $10, and show off your support of our library!
The bag is made from recycled polyester and is designed with a fold-away function. Simply use the drawstring in the bottom corner and toss it in your purse or bag.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Friends of BHPL are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help plan and support library programs, events, and activities throughout the year.
Whether you have a few hours or a few ideas to share, your time and talents can make a real difference.
Volunteer opportunities are discussed at our monthly Friends of BHPL meetings, which are open to everyone in the community. Come join us at an upcoming meeting or email us at friends@bhplnj.org to learn how you can get involved!
2026 Corporate Sponsors & Supporters
A heartfelt Thank You to these local businesses that support our library and community by supporting the Friends of BHPL. Please show your appreciation by supporting them in return.
2026 Meeting Dates
The Friends of BHPL meet once a month at the library, on Tuesdays at 7pm.
January 20 | May 19 | September 15 |
February 17 | June 16 | October 20 |
March 17 | July 21 | November 17 |
April 21 | December 15 |
News
Annual Report
Read about our 2025 accomplishments here.
Board Members
Sharon Loeb | Stacy Weitman |
Angela Mayfield | Adrienne Weissman |
Betty Gerow | Diane O’Halloran |
Ayushman Hazarika | Athena Sapir |
