As first-time parents in a post-pandemic world, life has had its fair share of challenges for us. Discovering a wealth of resources in a safe, familyfriendly environment just down the road has been truly serendipitous. Middletown Free Library is not only a community meeting space, but also a home away from home - full of lots of new friends, tons of educational opportunities, and endless entertainment as well. We’re incredibly grateful for the wonderful staff and volunteers for all of the heart that they pour into this place. We simply can’t ever move, because we love our library too much.
BOARD
Robert Fyfe, President
Parag Dalal, Vice President
Mark Borda, Treasurer
Donald Melnick, Secretary
Patricia Finegan
Dan Washburn
Perry Kotsiopoulos
Dave Irving, Trustee Emeritus
STAFF
Derek Lloyd
Director
Laura Kuchmay
Adult Services, Reference Librarian
Jason Fialkovich
Youth Services Librarian,
Maker Space Manager,
PA Public Notary
Carol Rickert
Head of Circulation
Sarrah Deets
Technical Services
Libby McCampbell
Youth Services Assistant
Jenny O’Neill
Adult Services Assistant
Matthew Lomas, User Services
Ana Paula Fonseca, User Services
Revathi Jangiti, User Services
Abbigail Jones, User Services
Alyssa Lintow, User Services
Stephanie McDermott, User Services
FRIENDS OF MFL
Cathy Bautista, President
Sharon Napoli, Treasurer
Pat Voelker, Book Bin
Leslie Grissom, Secretary
Dear Patrons and Supporters of the Middletown Free Library,
Welcome to the 2023 edition of the Middletown Free Library Magazine and Annual Report. When Dan Washburn joined the MFL board a few years ago, he brought his expertise in magazine publishing and offered to help professionalize our annual report. I’m happy to tell you that under Dan’s guidance, the MFL magazine won the American Library Association’s award for Best Digital Publication in the nation for medium-sized libraries!
Another exciting development was the publication of our very own children’s book, “Mr. Jason Goes on Vacation.” Written by our talented staff and illustrated by Keville A. Bowen, this comical tale aims to spark the imagination of young readers and instill a love of reading. Be sure to read the article in this magazine dedicated to the creation and impact of this delightful book.
Delaware County Libraries (DCL) hired a consultant to evaluate the countywide system and its twenty-six member libraries. I’m proud to report that the Middletown Free Library was recognized as “best in class,” specifically highlighting our facility, MakerSpace, and programs.
Once again, we held our two largest annual fundraisers, the Tea Party in May and BeerFest in October. Both events were hugely successful, setting records for attendance and funds raised.
A notable highlight this year was our participation in Delco Gives Day, where the generosity of our community shone brightly. We raised over $10,000, which will significantly support our programs, services, and future initiatives. This incredible achievement underscores the strong support and belief in the mission of our library.
MFL currently has three endowments totaling over $700,000, an increase of $100,000 in the last year. Interest in Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) has increased, and we have received several large gifts from individuals choosing to donate their IRA RMDs to the library.
We welcomed Pete Toto to the board as an advisory member. With his background and expertise in non-profit organizations, he has already proven to be a great asset.
Thanks again to everyone who supports our library. We look forward to seeing you at a program, fundraiser, in the MakerSpace, or browsing the stacks.
Sincerely, Bob Fyfe President, Middletown Free Library Board of Trustees
I have developed a sincere fondness for the Middletown Free Library, finding both solace and community within its walls. The events hosted by the library never fail to captivate and enrich me, offering a diverse range of experiences that cater to various interests and passions. Whether it’s literary discussions, educational workshops, or cultural celebrations, each event leaves me inspired and eager for more. I am deeply appreciative of the invaluable role the library plays in our community, and I am eager to contribute further to its continued success and growth.
Qing Song
3,094
BY THE NUMBERS 2023
CIRCULATION
66,300
1,450
24,000
MOST POPULAR CHILDREN’S BOOK
803
62,200
MOST POPULAR YOUNG ADULT BOOK
A COURT OF THORN AND ROSES
RESERVATIONS
MOST POPULAR NEW MOVIE
THE WHALE I WILL SURPRISE MY FRIEND ELEPHANT & PIG
COMPUTER RESERVATIONS
2,541 1,040
MOST POPULAR ADULT BOOK MOST POPULAR MUSEUM PASS MOST POPULAR GAME
3D PRINTS MADE FOR PATRONS
130
52 LUIGI’S MANSION
THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO ELMWOOD PARK ZOO ROBOT TURTLES
618
INSPIRE
Tell us about your company.
Inspire Home and Health is focused on improving the lives of the neurodiverse population. We focus specifically on autism and intellectual disability providing services to these individuals in their home, community, and workplace settings. To make it simple, our staff teaches life skills based on the goals of the participant. Learning to cook, budgeting, taking public transportation, finding and maintaining friendships (or a love partner!), obtaining employment, and learning to live in an apartment are just a few of the services we provide. Through these services, our intent is that our individuals live the best life possible through building independence.
What inspired you to get into the field of occupational therapy?
Well, I thought I wanted to be an art therapist, but after taking a few classes I thought it lacked roots in science. I switched to physical therapy, but then felt it missed the creative side. I didn’t know anything about occupational therapy until I read an online article about a therapist reteaching a woman with a stroke how to put her makeup on again using her affected arm from the stroke. This one sentence changed my professional trajectory. Using science and creativity combined, I felt OT was exactly the fit for me. After a decade of being an OT, I started my agency supporting the neurodiverse population utilizing my past experiences and skillset learned. While my staff aren’t OTs, I provide clinical oversight and go out in person to support my staff. What I
love most about the clinical oversight is that I’m learning from them as we utilize a team-based approach to enhance the skills of our individuals.
What first brought you to the Middletown FREE Library?
Oh my goodness, let me shake out the cobwebs! I believe it was one of my individual’s mom who stated, “I think there’s a library close by you can check out with my daughter (with intellectual disability).” Little did I know, we discovered a hidden gem. People who don’t know this library, don’t know how amazing it is, especially the community it unites. Almost everyone of my staff that starts at my agency states, this is way more than a library, this is an awesome community center! The library staff are always helpful and I love that we can collaborate with them to bring more opportunities for the community including volunteering, social meetups, and training opportunities.
Is there something you would like to tell our patrons about your clients?
If you regularly attend the Middletown Free Library, you may have interacted with my individuals with autism and/ or intellectual disability. What I like to share about them (and perhaps you share my thoughts) is that we all have a superpower. I tell all of my individuals that they have a superpower and they shine at the library. Some of them are artists who contribute artwork to the library, some love to
help others and deliver food that Middletown organizes, and others have a powerful smile that can brighten even the worst of days. Many of my individuals have gotten close to not only the library staff, but the patrons. If you are reading this article, you know who you are <3.
Likewise, just as we all are humans, we also have bad days. You, as a patron at the library, may see one of my individuals having a bad day. They may be crying, avoiding, yelling, and pacing. Please know that many of them wear their hearts on their sleeves and this, again, is a superpower in showing the true vulnerability as a person. How many people hold their emotions in, too afraid of what others will think? There is so much beauty when true emotions are expressed and that is a gift our individuals can show.
Why do your clients keep coming back?
To put it simply, we keep coming back because we feel welcomed and included in this library community, which isn’t always the case for people with autism and intellectual disability. The head librarian Carol is always up to hear about a new goal one of our individuals achieved like landing a job. Derek is always up for me to bring a new idea to the library to enhance community such as volunteering to clean up the playground weekly when the playground is built. Laura is helpful and knows when me or my staff are knocking at her art door, she is always willing to share the library art supplies when we forget some markers or scissors. I believe the seeds that Inspire Home and Health have planted alongside Middletown Free Library will bear fruit for years to come.
How do you see Inspire Home and Health in the next 5 years?
We are hoping to expand and support more people who are neurodiverse with the focus on innovative and meaningful opportunities for them. Through being a part of the beautiful community of the Middletown Library, we hope others will see the benefit of including those who are neurodiverse in their space.
What do you think libraries can do in the future to help the community?
Culture and innovation! This library is different because the staff have a great work culture in making you feel welcomed, they are open to ideas and follow through with them, and are open to patrons taking an active role in the library. When you think of a library, you normally think of a cold librarian shushing you to be quiet, right? Middletown Free Library is the complete opposite of that in that they want to form a relationship with the community and make you feel welcomed.
We also interviewed one of Inspire’s participants, John, who had some great things to say about the library.
What does Inspire Home and Health do for you? They help me get out into the community. Keep me away from the TV, by having arts and crafts classes and other activities like board games that help me meet people and socialize more.
Is there something you would like to tell our patrons about you?
I am a nice person. I’m easy to get along with and like to hang out, and am a good listener. I love animals. I like going for walks and hikes outdoors, and I started a non-profit dog walking service, Walk on State. I volunteer at Surrey Senior Services as well.
What brought you to the Middletown Library?
It’s a great library where it’s clean and everyone is nice. Also, they put on activities for people like arts and cooking classes that I enjoy attending. The librarians are very helpful even with everyday tasks like helping to make copies on their copiers.
Why is it you keep coming back to the library? I like that it’s a great place to socialize with friends and eat lunch. Everyone is very friendly there. I enjoy the arts classes they host and it’s air conditioned in the summer time so its nice place to keep cool enjoying yourself spending time inside. I am looking forward to using their podcasting room to start my own podcast.
What do you think libraries can do in the future to help the community?
Maybe host a talent or puppet show, and more social activities and meet ups. Keep up to date with technology so patrons can use their equipment more readily. Maybe have a tie dying arts and crafts event to bring more life to shirts and/or towels. Have an updated community board where patrons can post/ advertise things that they are doing. Also, it would be great to have a guest reader volunteering to read to the young kids weekly. Have the library have more social meetups where we can meet new people and share our lives and favorite things and hobbies with one another.
A Conversation with Shainna Young from Inspire Home and Health
Above, Left to Right: Shainna Young, Oliver Salustri, Tyler Orens, Ashley Fadden, John O’Malley, Carina Aahren, Maxx Vitiello
MARK’S PARK
An exciting new playground adjacent to our library is coming soon. Sure to bring lots of smiles and laughter, it will be named the Mark Dombroski Memorial Playground, aka “Mark’s Park”. While the genesis of this project is due to tragedy, the playground is based on abundant kindness and support.
We knew we had to focus on Mark’s love for others, and desire to make people happy.
In 2011 Lisa Dombroski began teaching yoga classes at the library and was also hired as Youth Services Assistant. She knew this library was a very special place. In 2018, her 19-year-old son Mark, a freshman at St Joseph’s University, passed away while in Bermuda for an international rugby tournament. Mark was a friendly and outgoing young man with a “lit from within” happy personality. He was always up for helping others. The Dombroski Family received an outpouring of support, which they channeled into founding the Mark Dombroski Foundation whose mission is to provide funding to organizations that support youth education, athletics, safety, and well-being.
While donating to numerous youth charitable groups, the Mark Dombroski Foundation also began fundraising for an accessible playground at the Roosevelt Community Center. According to Lisa, “We knew we had to focus on Mark’s love for others, and desire to make people happy.” The combination of children’s literacy, through trips to the library, and healthy outdoor play on the playground would be a great way to continue Mark’s legacy. Jennifer Maull, Director of Parks and Recreation for Middletown, has worked tirelessly to create an accessible playground for children of varying ages and abilities. Lisa says, “We thank Jennifer, Middletown Township, our many yoga students, library board, patrons of MFL, and contributors throughout the community and tri-state area who have generously helped us make this dream a reality.” The playground will be open by the end of the year.
VOLUNTEERING
TIME TO GIVE BACK
Member Friends and Board
Members Give Back with Their Time
Continuing a legacy that started in Nov. 1977, The Friends pictured above work to enrich the library through donations to programs and the library’s physical needs. We accomplish our work for the library by reaching out to Member “Friends” for donations and raising money thought the resale of books and media at our onsite Book Bin.
We value all our friends and contributors who have so generously helped us over the years, but we would be remiss if we failed to mention the special contributions of Pat Voelker, Bea Price and Genny Hamilton. Pat has been a member of the Friends for over 12 years. She is the driving force and organizer of The Book Bin and book sales. Pat, a retired nurse always loved reading and wanted to be a librarian. She likes her volunteer work as she is “around like minded people “.
Bea Price, one of our longest tenured volunteers served as The Friends Treasurer for over ten years. Bea continues to volunteer at The Book Bin. Genny Hamilton served as Liason for the Friends to The Board of Directors. Genny also continues to volunteer at The Book Bin.
I agree with President Franklin Roosevelt: I have an unshaken conviction that democracy can never be undermined if we maintain our library resources and a national intelligence capable of utilizing them.
Don
Libraries are not just for borrowing books anymore! It’s a community resource for everything from books to board games to a calm place just to go. Amazing in every way!
Pat
Upon moving to Middletown Township in 1966, I realized that a great asset for my growing family would be the local library. I applied to be a library board member in 1967 and have had the privilege of serving and seeing the library flourish and grow ever since.
Dave
I serve on the library’s board to help sustain a place that offers invaluable resources to our community. Our library is a hub of learning and connection, providing not just books but also cutting-edge technology, diverse programs, and a welcoming space for everyone.
Dan
Libraries do so much for so many people, from infants to seniors. The Middletown Free Library is truly best in class so when asked if I was interested in serving on the board it was an easy choice.
Bob
The library has been an amazing resource for my family! Our children attended Mr. Jason’s programs when they were younger and continue to enjoy all the library has to offer. I am honored to serve on the board, and give back to a wonderful library that has been so important to my family.
Perry
Above, Left to Right: Bea Price, Joan Hendrickson, Genny Hamilton, Judith Boudwin, Leslie Grissom, Pat Voelker, Cathy Bautista, Sharon Napoli
Above, Left to Right: Don Melnick, Pete Toto, Dan Washburn, Bob Fyfe, Dave Irving, Parag Dalal, Pat Finegan, Perry Kotsiopoulus
MR. JASON GOES ON VACATION COMIC Q&A
Keville: Artist guy derek: director dude jason: kid’s library guy
Keville:
My wife and I rekindled our love of the library in our short time living abroad. When we moved back to DelCo, Middletown Free Library became our family library. Our daughters have frequently attended Mr. Jason’s storytime and continue to love borrowing and reading books to this day. After volunteering for his comic book workshop, Jason introduced me to the greater Library Children’s Performance and Workshop Programs. It’s because of him, my Teaching Artist career has grown. Above all I treasure my friendship with Jason and the library staff.
When Derek and Jason came to me with their idea for a Mr. Jason children’s book, I had to take it. It was my way of saying thank you to him and the staff. I also wanted to capture the little things both personal and fun. My daughters always called it Mr. Jason’s Library, which is why he packs and leaves from the library. His collection of colorful glasses makes an appearance as a game. And he would sometimes ad-lib parts of a story for the parents’ benefit. I wanted to capture the other librarians’ personalities as well. So it was great to hear that they loved their pages too. It was a joy to work on this book.
Derek:
What inspired you to create the Mr. Jason is on Vacation book?
The first summer I worked at the library, I was Jason’s assistant. When he went on vacation, it was my job to fill in for him at storytime. I had watched him run a storytime a couple times and he left me with a sheet of directions that had the order of how he did things. I picked out some books and had a song and dance picked out for the end. At that time, we were in the old building and there was a much higher limit on storytime. We would get near 100 people on occasion. Other staff had warned me that they had filled in for storytime and it was challenging because of the high bar Jason set. Some refused to read storytime because of it. Up for a challenge and knowing it was my job, I went in nervous but ready. It was going well for all of three minutes when I was about to start and a boy and his mom walked into the room. She was holding his hand and I bent down to say hello. “My name is Mr. Derek, I’m reading storytime today because Mr. Jason is on vacation.” The boy looked at me, looked at his mom, back at me, back at his mom. Then he turned around and left. I managed to recover from that discouragement and get through storytime, but it did clearly demonstrate to me how skilled and beloved Jason was.
For the next few days, I told the story to the rest of the staff. One of the staff at the time, named Rita, was an artist. We were working together talked about how it would be funny to have a picture of the scene. The discussion continued and we brainstormed what would happen to each of the staff if they tried to read storytime. That was when the idea for the book was born. We talked about it on occasion for a few months after that, but we did not work together very often and then Rita moved away and the idea went into hibernation. Years passed and I became director. I still told the story from time to time when I or someone else had to read storytime. Others who took turns at it had similar experiences. One day I told the story to Keville, an artist who runs a class at the library teaching anime art. He thought it was funny and mentioned he would be up for illustrating the book. Suddenly, the idea was real and we started to come up with scenes for every staff member.
What was the staff’s reaction to being in the book?
They all thought it was a great idea and were amused at the thought of being in the book. Everyone had a chance to give input on what their scene should be and were able to give final approval on the wording and picture. We tried to incorporate the things that the staff did if when they read storytime, and were a bit more creative for those that didn’t want to read storytime. We let them pick where they wanted to be when the inspiration picture was taken for the artwork.
Jason:
Mr. Jason, what did you think this book being made about your vacation?
Vacations can be adventurous or relaxing. Honestly, I prefer a relaxing one to recharge my energy and reset my mind. I appreciate when some of my coworkers are willing to step up and carry the mantle of managing story times while I’m away. I’m also a bit curious to know how it went according to them AND according to families when I return. It is very touching to hear how much I was missed while I was gone, and my coworkers are thrilled to have me back doing story times.
Everybody working at the library has our favorite stories about funny things adults or kids have said, crazy things that have happened in the library, and so on. I also love hearing about what happened while I was away on vacation, and Derek has had a handful of all-time favorites. Ask him to share any of them and he’ll be glad to! I’m so thrilled that his funny idea of making some of those into a picture book has become a reality. Keville Bowen has done an incredible job illustrating the whole thing, and I’m really hopeful that you all will purchase it as a great addition to your home bookshelves. Thanks for your support, as always! And let us know if you have a great idea for a sequel!
COPIES OF MR JASON GOES ON VACATION ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE LIBRARY DESK. ASK A STAFF MEMBER OR BUY ONLINE!
Tea for Two & Two for Tea
The Middletown Free Library hosts a very popular annual Tea Party Fundraiser every May. Patrons celebrate Spring and the Library while enjoying afternoon high tea with their friends and fellow patrons. They enjoy multiple teas, treats, and scones. Each year there is a different theme. There are raffles, a photo booth, and a different tea theme presentation by Certified Tea Sommelier Karen Donnelly of Greenhalgh Tea. This event sells out in a matter of days each year!
2023 LIBRARY TIMELINE
The staff are very helpful and friendly, with a welcoming atmosphere. We enjoy the variety of books available to children and adults. The programs available to all ages are really great. Another unique offering - the meeting rooms, are a terrific resource that dramatically enhances productivity for work from home professionals and we make use of it on a regular basis. We have never enjoyed a library as much as we enjoy going to the Middletown
Library
MEET OUR STAFF
I already know many of the MFL patrons as I am usually standing at the front desk, but let me introduce myself to those of you I have not met. I have reached the point in life where I most often introduce myself as a lucky grandmother of five lovely grandkids. My husband, Tom, and I moved to Delaware County 45 years ago. Our three children, Jon, Brian and Maggie, graduated from Penncrest High School. It is hard to believe, but our oldest turns 40 this year. How can I be the mother of a 40 year old??? Shortly before the pandemic, I retired from Apex Learning as Director of Sales for the East Coast. During my 40 years in sales I worked with public libraries and school districts. Once retired, I quickly realized that I missed work and began working at MFL.
In order to write this article, I began thinking of why I Love MFL and certain words and images came to mind. I thought of the many smiling faces that approach the circulation desk having found a pile of new books. I am thinking of our conversations about favorite authors and books that often bring to surface personal issues. Today, the first visitors to the library were several groups of neuro-diverse individuals and their staff who come daily to socialize. I see their friendships grow. I can’t think of the library without hearing the giggling voices of the many children
who come with their caregivers. They bring joy to our library. There are also many folks, who like me, are approaching (or have arrived in) their golden years and are such loyal library patrons, who are now my friends.
In short, when I think of MFL I think of community, a rich diverse community of all ages and backgrounds. Our community is linked and strengthened by the programs, staff and offerings of MFL.
When creating MFL programing Derek, Jason, Libby and Laura work to meet a wide range of our community’s needs. I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to establish Life’s Final Chapter Book Club. This program offers book club members the opportunity to safely explore a subject that very few of us speak about – death and dying. The personal conversations have touched on everything from end-of-life medical care, to dealing with family members, hospice care, reviewing paperwork and grief. Through this program, MFL has been able to extend its community reach to include residents at nearby senior living communities. Interest in this program continues and we hope to soon expand our offerings to include speakers on elder law, hospice, funeral homes, and offer a grief workshop.
Of course, when thinking about the MFL community, books come to mind – and I’d like to share the title of one of my favorites: Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. It is a children’s book that tells the story of life’s full circle and the full circle of parent-child love. It is so simple and yet so powerful. It brings tears to my eyes as I write this. This book, and so many books and programs here at MFL, pull us together and strengthen community –That’s why I Love MFL!
THANKFUL TO BE AT MIDDLETOWN FREE
I am a big fan of quotes…little bite-size life lessons that are quick to grasp, easy to remember, and have a way of popping into mind right when needed. As a mom and librarian, I am always looking for ways to incorporate literacy into life when one least expects it….and quotes are one of my favorite methods! I like to turn it into an art project and decorate a pearl of wisdom with my children. They reread the quote so many times while illustrating it, that before long, they have internalized an insight without even realizing it!
I collect quotes. Whenever I hear something that I want to remember, I jot it down in my little book. I periodically reread my entries, and am always amazed at how one small sentence can motivate me to change my actions. Here are some quotes that I have taken to heart. Maybe they will inspire you too.
If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. Don’t by surly at home then go out in the street and start grinning ‘Good Morning’ at total strangers.—Maya Angelou, Poet
It’s really important to try something new, be really bad at it, and watch yourself improve the more you do it.
—Cherri Gregg, news anchor for WHYY
It’s a lot easier to not do something then to try to fix something after it has happened.
—Donna Marie Z. Special Education Teacher
No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking. —Voltaire, Philosopher
I am still determined to be cheerful and to be happy in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances. We carry the seeds of one or the other with us, in our minds, wherever we go.
—Martha Washington, First Lady
Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. —Charles R. Swindoll
Everything can have beauty, even the worst horror.
—Frida Kahlo, painter
Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.
—Albert Einstein, Scientist
If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. But by all means keep moving.
—Martin Luther King Jr., Activist
Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny. —Lao-Tze, Philosopher
You will never learn if you only do what you know you can do. —Peter McCampbell, 10 year old kid
And my favorite quote comes from one of my favorite books, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin. The story is beautifully crafted and in it we learn, “The story of the paper of happiness, and the secret [of happiness] which was one word written over and over again…. And that word was: Thankfulness.” -Grace Lin, Author
I am so thankful to be a part of Middletown Free Library!
CHECKING IN & CHECKING OUT
CAROL
MISS LIBBY
MEDIA MIDDLETOWN
The idea for an audio visual room in the library goes back many years. The original plan for the new library included one. Unfortunately, as construction continued in the time of COVID, costs kept going up, and some elements that were in the original plan for the library fell away. One of those elements was the audio visual room.
Stopped for the moment, the plan was still in the minds of the library staff and board. They began to look for the money to complete the room. Among the different plans for use of the room were: recording music, podcasts, and the creation of a StoryCorps. That third thing is the idea of recording the stories of people that can be listened to by others. In the case of the library, the stories would be ‘checked out’ by the public.
It was with that idea and the focus on people from Delaware County that a grant was written for the Voices of Delaware County. The Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund stepped up and funded the library to complete the audio visual room so that we will be able to run this project. The Voices of Delaware County will collect the audio stories of residents of Delaware County to preserve those stories for future generations.
Our kids have grown up at the Middletown Free Library. We have been attending programs at MFL since our 14 year old was just 5 months old. We started with twice weekly trips for story time, Makin’ Music, Drive-In Movies and other special offerings. As the kids grew, so did their interests. They have participated regularly in Coding, Board Game, Dungeons & Dragons Clubs, Maker Space and Sewing programs, as well as weekly Girl Scout meetings. One constant remains the same—they always feel welcome at the Middletown Free Library. Each Chapter of their growth opens a new page full of their interests.
The Reed Family
DONORS
$5,000+
Bob and Shirley Fyfe
Justin and Kaori Nepo
Andrew Rauenzahn
Diane Zinn
$2,500+
Khaw Family Foundation
(Bliss Khaw & Dan Washburn)
Karen and Pete Toto
$1,000+
Anonymous
Sally Burkam
Brian and Suzzane Clauser
Parag Dalal
Diane Ferrante
Alexandria Garrity
Joe and Laura Graham
Hadley Guiler
Martha Harriz
Larry Hartley
Jeanne Maloney
Donald and Pamela Melnick
Benjamin and Margery Preddy
Ann Reece
Li Rothkopf
Bill and Judy Strine
William and Beverly Taylor
Werner Volkmann
William Zimmer
$500+
Elaine Battle
Dianne Caggiano
Ken Dinitz
Richard and Renee Erickson
Eileen Everly
Denise Hader
David and Barbara Irving
Carol Nichols
Caitlyn Pandian
Heidi and David Powell
Richard and Natalie Scheff and Ramsey
Middletown Township
Sewer Authority
Kennth Soltis
Timothy F. and Marcia E. Sullivan
Sara Thompson
MaryAnne Troy
Helene Weathers
Lawrence Willinger
$250+
Gregory Blackman
Keith and Katherine Buchanan
Katherine Button
Sheila Chellappa
Robert Clancy
Katie Clifford
Amber Flynn
Susan Graham
Talmadge and Susan Graham
Richard Heller
Jan Kagarise
Robert Kelly
Stephen Korzeniowski
June Kowalski
Margaret Long Kuo
Stanley Kwaszkiewicz
Christopher Lamoureux
Jill Laxton
Charles and Karen Lillie
Donna Maher
Cynthia Martin-Furia
Leslie Miller
Dorry and Philip Newcomer
Barbara Norton
Esmail and Sakina Olia
Josephine Ott
Elizabeth Podrebarac
David Reed
Jay Sanders
Susan Satur
Charles and Jane Schock
Phyllis Stevick
Dana Vellios-Miller
Pat and Nick Whalen
Steve Whitmore
$100+
Ward and Brenda Abrams
Richard and Mary Anne Adler
Linda Alba
Judith Allen
Albert and Margaret Amoroso
David and Doris Archibald
Jo Ann Baiocco
Marian Baldini Filtz
Amy Barnes
Robert and Nancy Bernhardt
James and Carol Bigas
Amy Binder
Edna Bogert
James and Jean Bowen
Lorraine Bradshaw
Anne and Steuart Brown
Kathryn Buckley
Jim Calgiano
Patrick and Susan Caligiuri
Dee Anne and Warren Casner
John and Ellen Chacosky
Charlene Chapman
Ting Chou
Sandra Clitter
Clifford and Donna Cohen
Robert and Paula Cook
Cooper and Holland Trust
Michael Cosentino
Donna Coulter
Nancy Curran
Philomena D’ Orazio
William and Norma Defulvio
Lynn Demeester
Lawrence and Patricia DeMooy
Barbara Digi
John Ebenreiter
Gerri Eunson
Jack and Virginia Falkenbach
Patricia Finegan
Cheryl Fisher
Louis and Linda Flocco
Bill and Jen Flounders
Marcia Ford
George Fotiades
Penny Frasier
William and Rosemary Fulgham
Edward and Margaret Furmaniak
Thomas and Kathleen Gaval
Larry Geary
Jeanne M. Gelbach
Jeff and Elizabeth George
David Geveke
Patricia Gildea
Ernest Gore
William and Elizabeth Gorman
Leslie Grissom
Sharon Guarente
Christine Hagendorf
Patricia Haggerty
Genevieve Hamilton
Geraldine Hansen
Judith Harper
Dean and Carol Helm
Patrick Hencinski
Joan Hendrickson
Stephanie and Gary Herman
Augusta and John Hixson
Betty Hummel
Daniela and Hiroshi Iizuka
Charles and Connie Joanedis
Ruth Ellen Johnson
Eileen and Paul Karwaski
Diane and Tara Keeley
Raymond and Geraldine Kelleher
John Kelley
Scott and Jacqlyn Kennedy Sisson
Mary and Mark Kirchgasser
Lucy Klodarska
Drew Kmetz
Walter Koenig
Helenmarie Kolicius
Maria Kotch
Perry Kotsiopoulos
Suzanne Lehman
Elizabeth Lieux
Bill Linke
Terry Lytle
Charles and Barbara Maldarelli
Robert and Charlene Mangano
Korah and Shobha Mani
Joan and Edward Martin
Marjorie Mcaboy
Alina McDonnell
Fay McManus
Joseph Mercadante
Susan Mescanti
Robert and Alice Messinger
Donna and Neil Meyer
Karen Miles
Andrew Miller
Eleanor Miller
Sara Mills
William and Karen Mills
Arthur and Kathleen Moffa
Michele Morris
James and Geri Morrison
Anne and Raymond Murphy
Kevin Murphy
Bruce and Bonnie Oestreich
Justin Ohm
Tricia and Dan O’Loughlin
John and Gail Olshefski
Joseph Patterson
John and Debra Paulson
Louis Pobo
Frances Poole
Susan Powell
Katherine Prosser
Leonard and Suzanne Rappold
Walter and Karla Read
Sarah Rehberg
Ernest and Angela Repice
Paula and John Ridge
Michael and Elizabeth Ripple
Constance and Thomas Rosenberger
Barbara Ryan
Mariann Rybarczyk
Jay Sadowski
Steven and Carolyn Samples
Judith and Peter Schlett
Liz Scholz
Lynne Schulman
Tina Shaffer
Susan Sharp
Barbara Shellington
Ruth Shuman
Katharine Silvasi
Stanley Slater
Ernie and Mary Snodgrass
Timothy Snyder
John Soety
William and Jean Stollsteimer
Michael and Stacy Tegan
Janice Ticknor
Raymond and Rosemarie Titter
Allen and Margaret Turberville
Joseph and Rita Tyson
Kenneth and Kathleen Vecchia
Patricia Vogler
Iles Wauhop
Susan Welfley
Jacquelyn White-Reimer
Paul and Cheryl Wilkinson
JoAnn Williams
David and Priscilla Williams
Carolyn Wilson
Kyle Winters
Patricia and Frederic Woerth
Stephen Wood
Clifford and Lorraine Woodbury
Kenneth and Patricia Woznicki
$50+
Carl Adams
Janice and Thomas Alessi
Benjamin Alouf
Anonymous
Rudolph and Marcia Baehr
Donald and Conadine Banninger
Nani Batta
Bonnie and Robert Bellino
David and Sandra Bennett
Margaret Berken
Susan Bianco
Robert and Jean Boell
Judith Boudwin
Daniel and Susan Bubnis
Domnick and Deborah Bucci
William and Leslie Bullitt
David and Claudia Burtt
Ryan C and Jamie M Cahill
Patrick and Susan Caligiuri
Leslie Campo
Julia Catini
Dean and Virginia Cave
Shirley Clayton
Patricia Cofiell
Paul and Rosemary Conway
Joanne Crain
Daniel and Jayne Cross
William and Denise Davidson
Rita Defelippes
Robert and Margaret Delprato
Warren and Mary Densmore
Daniel Desiderio
Anthony and Debra Dicicco
Michael and Kathleen Dolan
Anne Donovan
Florence Dougherty
Marisa Drake
Raymond and Rosemary Duffy
Elaine Dunn
Lynne Easton
Matthew and Mary Egan
Alicia Eggers
Melissa and Jonathan Evans
Dan and Kathleen Falkenstein
James Fawcett
Abby Feinstein
Dave Fiebert
Mary Ann Fiebert
Debbie Field
Kimberly Finlay
Pam Frebowitz
Nancy Furmanak
Bette Jean Ganter
Alan and Mary Jane Golub
Kate Gordon
Diana Grant
Marlene Green
Kenneth Green
Daniel Grover
David Guthrie
David Guthrie
Carol Happersett
Grace Hedmeck
Don and Jinny Heilala
Karen Holcombe
Susan Howe
Judith Johnson
Robin Juliano
James and Helen Kain
A. Robert Kannapel
Virginia and Stephen Kapski
Renee Kelly
William and Antoinette Kinney
Bonnie Kushnerick
Faith Kwaszkiewicz
Helen Larkin
Mary Logue
Jeanette Lynch
Michael and Rebecca Majeski
Louise Malady
Janice Mancuso
Matthew Mccusker
John and Judy McDonnell
Karen McGinn
Bruce McWaters
Charlotte Miller
Terri and John Missar
Richard Moberly
William and Marian Moran
Kristina O’Neil
Shawna Ong
Theodore and Elizabeth Ottey III
Theresa Phillips
Anne Pike
Peter and Helen Pitts
Janet Powell
Beatrice Price
Dorothy Pywell
Terry and Polly Renee Rauenzahn
Sharon Reed
Judy ReedGreen
Michele Restaino
David Rittenhouse
Donna Roberts
Kathleen and James Ryan
Arlene Sander
Ginny Schroeder
William Sheehan
Ann Sher
Agnes Silverman
Renae Sirkin
Renae Starker
Tom and Mary Starrs
Joseph and Lorraine Stavola
George and Vivian Sutton
Todd Swanson
Carol Swayngim
Daniel and Mary Sylvester
Dot Talley
Craig and Donna Thompson
Margaret Turbitt
Peter Voudouris
Emogene Vough
Marie Wardynski
Donna Weischedel
Judith Wentz
Michael Wernert
Donald and Susan Wilkins
Barbara and Earle Williams
Donna and Glenn Willis
Lisa Wolgast
Lillian Young
Daniel and Sung-Yin Zakorchemny
<$50
Joan and John Amoriello
Peter Barry
Dilip Bhandarkar
James and Tracy Boyle
Jeanne and Martin Brna
Susanne Bryan
Clarence and Susanne Bryan
Richard Burgess
Polly Bush
Frederick Clothier
Joanne Crain
Thomas Crane
Liliana DelBonifro
Vincent and Kathleen Delvacchio
Christine Demuro
Carol Devine
Michael and Mary Jo Di Mario
Horace and Faith Elcock
Lorraine and Jeffrey Ertwine
Morris - Carolyn M Fansler
Charles and Carol Farnan
Joanne and John Fitzgerald
Linda Fox
Patricia and William Gardner
Marie Gianchetti
Jennifer Gillespie Buccilli
Eileen Gilligan
Mary Graham
David and Diane Granger
Todd and Susan Hagenbuch
Glenn Heinbaugh
Ruth Hendry
Richard Henne
Annie Hollis
Cora and Thomas Hunter
Elwood Irwin
Diane and Herbert Jackson
Georgette Kandrak
William and Helen Kaufman
Kate and Bill Kauranen and Moore
Robert Keller
David and Darla Koenig
Lois Kolimaga
Doris Landers
Linda Locklear
Gary and Gayle Logue
Shannon Mahler
Thomas and Anne Mandell
Daniel Marmer
Elizabeth and Raymond Maruca
Sandra Masse
Edward and Kathy Mcclellan
Jane and Thomas McGovern
Jane McGovern
Charles and Coleen Mckenney
Lynn McMonagle
Terrance Mohan
Mary Mulholland
Carole and James Nolan
Annette Olesen
Michael Ostroski
Janice Kirkwood and Philip Peterson
C.T. and W.A. Pfeiffer
Joanne Phillips
William and Marianne Poole
Ralph Rainey
Julie Ramsey
Walter and Carolyn Reading
Andrew and Catherine Redding
Sharon Reed
Mildred Royer
Jody Ryan
Eileen Sabatelli
Alfred and Ann Schwacke
Ann Sevec
Brooke Shapiro
Joan Skurski
Carol and Donald Storey
Edward and Marie Taylor
Glenn and Deborah Taylor
Catherine and Howard Tustin
Marilyn Verbits
Mark and Joyce Volpe
Marianne Watson
Karen Wells
John and Sandra Whitnell
Edward Williams
Mary Williams
Charmaine Wishart
Ronald and Sharon Woolfrey
James Yates
Libraries have always been a lifelong special place to visit. But my years as a Middletown resident with access to the MFL has been a decades long relationship. As a mom with my daughter, Alison, checking out children’s literature, story times, and events brought us to the Pennell Road location regularly.
In recent years, craft classes, movies, history presentations have added great entertainment and fun to my retiree social calendar. New skills such as learning crochet and art techniques are available at MFL and I’m trying them all! But volunteering my time presenting Dental Health Education to children with my puppet friend, Bitewing, has been a most rewarding part of my “retirement career” thanks to the Middletown Free Library. So come visit, sign up, join in and enjoy!
