EOPL Receives the Shelly Oliver Hollis Community Grant from the Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills

East Orange Public Library Receives the Shelly Oliver Hollis Community Grant from the Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills

East Orange Public Library (EOPL) is proud to receive the Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills (JLOSH) Shelly Oliver Hollis Community Grant for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

The grant was presented to EOPL by JLOSH President, Larisa Holderied, and member Shelly Oliver Hollis in support of early literacy and school readiness programming in EOPL’s Children’s Department. The Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills is focused on addressing the basic needs of low-income children, pre-K through 8th grade. JLOSH created the grant in honor of its esteemed member and beloved library patron, Shelly Oliver Hollis. “Shelly has a very special relationship with the library, and it was her idea to continue supporting the library and we’re delighted to make that happen,” said Holderied.

In 2009, EOPL previously received an award from JLOSH which led to the redesign of the Children Department’s Toddler Area including children’s computers, furniture as well as a painted tree mural collaboratively inspired by Hollis. In 2021, Hollis’ support remains unwavering.

Continuing to evolve through the uncertainty of the pandemic, the library plans to utilize the Shelly Oliver Hollis grant to further innovative programs to service community residents. “The challenging period of the pandemic proved libraries were needed more than ever to help people navigate these unprecedented times,” said Library Director Carolyn Ryan Reed. “We always aim to move forward to meet the needs of our community and the Shelly Oliver Hollis grant will continue to help in our mission.” For further information please visit www.eopl.org.