Shhh: Tinton Falls Public Library Celebrates 50th Anniversary

For one night, the library in Tinton Falls was filled with speeches and laughter and no one was shushed.

The Tinton Falls Public Library celebrated its 50th anniversary Wednesday evening and honored three women who were instrumental in establishing the library in 1961. The current board president, Linda Zucaro, presented each of the women with a commemorative certificate during a speech that sang their praises.     

Grace Schwartz and her late husband Bernard were the founders of the library, which was first set up in an old Methodist church in the borough.  Bernard served as the first president of the library's board.  Grace,  a certified librarian, is still on the board of trustees and also heads the professional services committee.

Leona Littman,  one of the library's original eight trustees, was a longtime member of  the book committee who took a special interest in the children’s collection.  She still visits the library weekly even though she now lives in Red Bank.

Former Mayor Anne McNamara pushed hard at borough council meetings for Tinton Falls to have its own library long before she was mayor.  She is still an active volunteer, a member of the book selection committee and a trustee. She was unable to attend the ceremony but her certificate was accepted on her behalf by two of her five children, daughters Sheila Gelsomine and Eileen Heinzel.

The library has moved several times in its 50 years.  It relocated from the church to the borough hall in 1964 and then to its current home on Tinton Avenue in 1977.  The grey bungalow has served its purpose well and although small, the patrons have developed a strong community bond.

The 50th anniversary committee was chaired by Barbara Roselli. 

There will be a buffet luncheon and gift auction to further celebrate the library's 50th anniversary at Branches in West Long Branch on March 27th.  All are welcome.  For details, phone 732-542-3110.