EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen and the Township Council have officially proclaimed October 19 through October 25, 2026, as Friends Book Sale Week, recognizing the Friends of the East Brunswick Public Library and their longstanding contributions to library programs, literacy, and community services.
The proclamation, presented during the October 12 Township Council meeting, also announced that Civic Center Drive will be ceremonially renamed “Book Sale Drive” from October 16 through October 26, honoring the volunteer organization's decades of fundraising and community service.
Councilwoman Dana Winston read the proclamation, recognizing the library as one of East Brunswick's valued public institutions and acknowledging the Friends of the Library for their fundraising, volunteerism, and support of educational programming.
The recognition comes as the Friends prepare for their 51st Annual Book and Media Sale, scheduled for Monday, October 19, through Sunday, October 25, at the East Brunswick Public Library.
Margaret Pemberton, speaking on behalf of the Friends of the Library, thanked Mayor Cohen and the Township Council for the recognition and invited residents to participate in the week-long event.
Pemberton said the annual sale attracts hundreds of residents who browse thousands of donated books and other media at affordable prices. The organization will also offer two days of special activities for children during the sale, providing opportunities for families to participate.
Beyond offering affordable reading materials, the book sale serves as a fundraiser for library services and improvements.
According to Pemberton, proceeds from previous sales have supported children's story hours, author presentations, technology upgrades, summer reading programs and other library initiatives.
"It is truly a community effort powered by dedicated volunteers, sustained by generous donors, and enjoyed by readers of all ages," Pemberton told the council.
She also recognized the volunteers who help organize and operate the event, including members of the East Brunswick Youth Council and National Honor Society.
Pemberton encouraged residents to support the sale by purchasing books, volunteering or helping spread information about the event.
Council President Dana Zimbicki thanked the Friends of the Library for their continued dedication, describing the library as the heartbeat of the community. She noted that the library serves residents of all ages and regularly attracts large numbers of visitors.
The proclamation recognizes more than five decades of annual book sales organized by the Friends of the Library, whose fundraising efforts help supplement the library's programs and resources.
Residents interested in attending the sale or learning about volunteer opportunities can visit the East Brunswick Public Library website for additional information.
The 51st Annual Book and Media Sale runs October 19–25 at the East Brunswick Public Library, with proceeds benefiting library programs, resources and improvements.
For our readers, the video from the Town Council meeting is embedded below.
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