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January 29, 2009

Libraries, schools honoring Lincoln with Pennies for Peace

Courier-News
By TIM KOLUPANOWIC • Editorial Intern • January 28, 2009

Throughout February, schools and libraries in New Jersey will honor the bicentennial of the Feb. 12 birthday of President Abraham Lincoln by raising money in the Lincoln Pennies for Peace project.

South Amboy's Sadie Pope Dowdell Library is among the sponsors of the penny collection. According to Library Director Elaine Gaber, Lincoln Pennies for Peace will be an opening to "broaden children's horizons and create an opportunity to read."

Pennies for Peace is a nonprofit organization that was started by mountain climber Greg Mortenson. After he traveled to remote regions in Pakistan and Afghanistan, he noticed that children did not have any supplies or places to learn. The Pennies for Peace founder is also the author of the bestseller "Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time."

Information about Lincoln Pennies for Peace only recently has been posted on the State Library of New Jersey's Web site, www.njstatelib.org. As of yesterday, more than 10 schools — including Rutgers Preparatory School in Somerset, the New Providence School District and Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child in Summit — have signed up to participate. Other libraries participating are Bernards Township, North Brunswick, South River and the Henry Inman Branch (in Colonia) of the Woodbridge Free Public Library. Registration is available by visiting www.penniesforpeace.org. Donations will be accepted through March 12.

On Nov. 21, Gov. Jon Corzine signed an executive order establishing the New Jersey Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. In an e-mail, he said, "It is appropriate for the State of New Jersey to join the national effort and to plan and carry out its own bicentennial tributes to honor President Lincoln."

The State Library of New Jersey was contacted by the commission to see if it had ideas to honor Lincoln. Associate State Librarian Tina Keresztury credits State Librarian Norma Blake for connecting with the Lincoln Pennies for Pennies for Peace after reading Mortenson's book.

"She felt (it would be) great if we could get the schools and libraries involved as well," Keresztury said. "This is a great way to honor Lincoln and at the same time help educate others."

The State Library of New Jersey has contacted Mortenson's group, the Central Asia Institute, as well as his publisher and hopes to meet him in April to donate the funds that are raised. Either Mortenson or a representative from the Central Asia Institute will make an appearance to accept the donation.

"This event will also help to show children that a small donation, even just a penny, can go a long way toward helping others," Gaber said. "Whatever (amount) people can afford to donate is great."

Posted by tumulty at January 29, 2009 9:51 AM

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