Programs

The Friends sponsor several events at the library each year.  The types of programs include musical and theatrical performances as well as guest speakers, and vary from year to year. 

There are also several staple programs that the Friends sponsor each year.  Our most well-known annual event is the ever-popular Night of Chocolate.  Thanks to the generosity of local businesses - from donating baked goods for our event or gift cards for the event's random draw baskets - to the efforts of our volunteers - from baking to setup and serving - Night of Chocolate has been a very successful event for many years. 

The Friends also award two scholarships each year to resident students.  Additionally, the Friends sponsor an Employee Scholarship for staff members of the Louis Bay 2nd Library and Community Center.

Programs and Events

In late October, the Friends of the Louis Bay 2nd Library and Community Center were able to revamp a section to the left of the front entrance of the library thanks to a generous grant of native perennial plants from the Dig In! Grant Program implemented by City Green, Inc and funded by the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners.

This is the first year the Friends have participated in the program. The Friends were awarded a grant of 20 native perennials, including Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Beardtongue ‘Dark Towers’ (Penstemon digitalis), Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), and others.  The plantings will enhance the appeal of the library's front entrance and complement the existing plantings close to Lafayette Avenue.                     

For many years, City Green’s Dig In! program has offered grants to create neighborhood farms, community gardens, and beautified open spaces in Passaic County.  The Tree, Bulb and Native Perennial grant, which the Friends were awarded,  supplies daffodil bulbs, ​native trees, and native perennial plants to eligible schools, municipalities, and community groups in Passaic County to promote habitat restoration and community-wide beautification. 

​​Plants are granted by City Green and site preparation and planting is completed by the grantee.  To learn more about the Dig In! Program, email info@city-green.org, call 973-869-4086 or visit www.citygreenonline.org to learn more. 

Annual Programs and Events

Each year, the Friends of Louis Bay 2nd award two scholarships of $500 each to Hawthorne residents who are graduating from high school and going on to higher education.  The scholarships are awarded to outstanding students who have demonstrated a passion for reading and learning. The scholarships are awarded in memory of Marie Joynson, the group’s founder. 

In 2024, the Friends established an Employee Scholarship for staff members of the Louis Bay 2nd Library and Community Center who are pursuing an advanced degree in fields directly related to library sciences.

Since 2017, the Friends has sponsored a free Book Cart at Memorial Pool during the summer season.  Books for all ages are offered.