Special Events

Throughout the year different challenges will be available to readers on Beanstack. Some will be seasonal, like Summer Reading, while some will be one-time events. Some are limited by age group, while some are not. Please check below for guidelines and available challenges!

Originally started in 2014, New Jersey Makers Day inspires and activates libraries to showcase and highlight STEM and maker culture, enhancing life-long learning.  Learn more at njmakersday.org. View Makers Day events.

Every September we celebrate National Library Card Sign-up Month. This initiative by the National Library Association (ALA) started in 1987 as a response to then Secretary of Education William Bennett, who stated, “Let’s have a campaign … Every child should obtain a library card and use it.” At the end of the month we award a prize to one lucky new cardholder!

February is National Library Lover’s Month!  Show some love to your local library.  Why should you love your library? Here are just a few of the reasons:

• We are a staff of fun, interesting, and helpful people who want you to enjoy your visit!
• We provide hours and hours of free entertainment through books, ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music, video games, and even such items as cake pans, waffle makers, and lawn darts!
• We offer engaging and educational programs for you at no cost: these include lectures, music programs, story times, crafts, and games
• We are a place where you can spend an entire day without being asked to pay for anything. Take that, coffee shop!
• We have a quiet meeting room you can use to study for a test, conduct a ZOOM interview, gather for a knitting circle, etc.
• We host books and materials of local history interest so you can learn all about the place you live

So come to the library, get a library card, and become a LIBRARY LOVER!  Fun facts about libraries:

• Longest Overdue Book – The most overdue library book in the world was the one that was returned after 122 years.
• Largest Library: The Library of Congress in Washington, DC is the largest library in the world, with over 168 million items.
• Father of libraries – Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated 60 million dollars in the early 20th century to open more than 1,689 public libraries worldwide.
• Most Stolen Book: “Guinness Book of World Records.”

Really love your library? Consider donating to, or joining the Friends of the Library.

Every year in October, United For Libraries, a division of the American Library Association celebrates “Friends of Libraries Week.”

The Friends is a nonprofit organization that aims to gain public support for the library and to aid in the funding of programs, learning materials, and educational devices beyond the means of the library’s budget. The Friends organize and run fundraising events each year to benefit the library, including their annual spring used book sale, karaoke contest, and holiday mini-bazaar. Anyone can join the Friends to offer their time and expertise to help the library grow and make a difference in Hackettstown.

The library could use a Friend like you! If you would like to join the Friends and help your library and community, click here. If you feel like you can’t donate the time to help the Friends, please consider making a financial donation via credit card or PayPal here.