The Middletown Public Library (MTPL) announces library staff placed third in the nation-wide 2022 @ the Table Pitch Competition conducted by the Entrepreneurship and Libraries Conference this month.
Their idea, “MAKERS MAKE BUSINESS: Supporting Our Community Crafter Entrepreneurs”, was developed and presented by MTPL librarians Katie Jeleniewski and Kate Hammond, earning the award by a panel of judges along with a second award, the Audience Choice Award, and receiving a total of $1,250 in prizes for implementing the proposed project.
“We are so proud of our staff for representing this library at a national level with fresh new ideas that will further enrich, empower and educate our community,” said MTPL Director Heather Andolsen. “We are also grateful to the Entrepreneurship and Libraries Conference for this opportunity and honor.”
The competition focused on how a library can support local economic development, job creation, workforce development, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, small businesses, or innovation in general. Jeleniewski and Hammond proposed the creation of a maker’s crafting center at the library that would provide community entrepreneurs with necessary equipment, crafting supplies, shared workspace, services and support to help their small businesses succeed.
For further information on this or any library information, contact Jenna O’Donnell at jodonnell@mplmain.mtpl.org.
The Library is located at 55 New Monmouth Road
