Friends of the Ridgewood Library Omits From Fund raising Letter it is allocating $25,000 to the Library Reimagine facility project

by Steve Kim

Ridgewood NJ, Friends of the Ridgewood Library is allocating $25,000 to the Library Reimagine facility project, the $7.7 million and 18 month renovation. Nowhere in the letter from Friend does it mention facility renovation as a possible category of allocation.

Oh, and reserve funds should also not be allocated as private donation. When public funds or donations are taken, there are strict obligations to follow the intent as indicated.

Resident Anne LaGrange Loving replied on the Facebook Group ,”it takes a Ridgewood Village”,” I am absolutely furious about this. We have been regular donors to the Friends of the Ridgewood Library. We love the library and use it regularly, and have done so for over 40 years. I am happy to augment my tax dollars to help the library with programs, movies, and other such events.

As far as I am concerned, the pledge of $25,000 by this group toward the massive, excessive, ridiculously over-the-top remodeling project is downright dishonest. Our letter came this weekend, and we were preparing to donate. Then my husband suggested we should hold off, because it might be possible that the Friends would be giving to the ‘re-imagine” campaign. Well, guess what – that is exactly what is happening!

Nowhere in this letter is there any indication that this funding will help pay for the building renovation. My letter is going in the shredder. I am disgusted.”