By: | March 27, 2025 | | Colts Neck
%20smaller.jpg)
By LiliAnn Paras
“It won’t cost you a thing!” This assurance was made to the taxpayers of Colts Neck 25 years ago, regarding a very ambitious project to build a new library in town. It took a leap of faith for the residents to believe this could be true and fortunately, optimism won over skepticism. Last month, the Colts Neck Friends of the Library hosted a Silver Anniversary celebration in the library’s large meeting room, where staff and loyal patrons gathered to commemorate this milestone.
A Look Back
Although Colts Neck is part of the Monmouth County library system, the buildings are each town’s responsibility. Former Mayor Tom McClintock had a goal to erect a library facility in the town complex. He was certain this could be accomplished completely through monetary donations, together with contributions of time, services, and materials. The previous library had been housed in an old, cramped former grange building having little room for the books needed, or the programs available. The vision was an attractive large brick building to not only hold reading materials, but to also include multiple meeting rooms for library programs and the many community groups in town. The Mayor and his wife Judy kick-started the effort with a $50,000 donation and a call to action.
The townwide effort ensued, and felt right out of a small-town movie. Local fundraisers cropped up, attracting residents, politicians, and even some entertainers including Geraldo Rivera, who made an appearance and a donation. The effort yielded nearly one million dollars, with services and materials happily contributed by planners, contractors, and other professionals. The building was completed without loans, bonds, or debt and was dedicated on March 1, 2000. Fortunately, the organizers were visionaries who had the foresight to form a library committee to ensure community involvement in ongoing decisions. The original committee continues to this day as the Colts Neck Friends of the Library (The Friends Group), which continues to welcome new members and volunteers. The meeting rooms are booked solid by Township organizations for their gatherings, and throughout the years have been the home for art shows, book sales, spelling bees, library-sponsored lectures and programs, social activities, and more. The main library area holds books, magazines, DVDs, computers, and has tables available for quiet study. A separate living room setting, complete with a fireplace, is the perfect place to browse and relax. Years later, The Friends Group added a fenced-in garden adjacent to the building: open to the public to enjoy and a host to many learning experiences for children.
The Celebration
Good cheer prevailed at the 25th anniversary event, as residents gathered to celebrate the efforts that led to the stately library in town. The guests did a lot of reminiscing, but also shared information about existing and upcoming programs. The commemoration began with a prayer by Reverend Scott Brown of the Colts Neck Reformed Church — particularly fitting, as he had offered the invocation 25 years ago at the dedication ceremony. Mayor Tara Torchia Buss (who also serves as the Township liaison to The Friends Group) was on hand to express her appreciation for the library and the efforts of the volunteers. Michele Batista, the president of the The Friends Group, related the history of the project. Afterwards, Michele was roundly applauded for all of her above-and-beyond efforts concerning the library throughout the years. Sabrina Pisciotta, current branch manager, along with Stephanie Laurino and Tracey Curtis, (former Colts Neck librarians), spoke fondly about their tenures at this location, and a special welcome was extended to Robin Wood, who recently took on the role of Director of the Monmouth County Library System. When she revealed she is also a photographer, she graciously agreed to take the photos of the party.
A Look Forward
The library is currently in the capable hands of the dynamic, young librarian, Sabrina Pisciotta, who started in 2021 and became branch manager in 2023. The children’s programs are headed by Kierstin Shea, who began in 2023. Each continues the tradition of the librarians putting their own spin on program offerings. One new offering initiated by Sabrina is the Teen Advisory Board. The enthusiastic group already devised an agenda of community service opportunities and a plan for reaching out to other teens. Kierstin has implemented a new recurring sensory program for the children. This will nicely complement the existing and popular story time and craft events.
After noting that the library is actually two years older than she is (!), Sabrina shared her experience as head librarian. “I adore working here. I always tell people it’s like working in a Hallmark movie and that wouldn’t be possible without this wonderful community, and this library would not be possible without all of your generous donations. It’s really such a privilege to work here. I want to give a big thank you to The Friends Group. I am so lucky to have such a dedicated group who cares so much about this library and this community.”
Don’t miss!:
Special events: Visit the Colts Neck page on www.monmouthcountylib.org
Book Sale in Lower Level: April 26 and 27
Teens are invited and encouraged to sign up for the next meeting of the Teen Advisory Board or to volunteer. 732-431-5656
Donation brick pavers for walkways are available, quantity is limited.
