Fundraiser is music to the library staff's ears
NBTHS student to hold benefit performance on Sunday
BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer

NORTH BRUNSWICK - A township high school sophomore will add some rhythm to the library with a fundraiser Sunday.

Rishi Tirumala decided he wanted to contribute to the library in some fashion because of the important role it plays in his life, so he has organized "Rhythm," a variety show with anAsian-Indian theme, to raise money.

"The first time I went to the North Brunswick Library, I really liked to go to the library, and it was one of the few places I enjoyed being around. I thought it would be really great to help improve this place with new books and new technology," he said, saying that the library sparked the fundraising effort, not the other way around.

The first part of the show will be a South Indian classical percussion performance by Tirumala, his teacher and his fellow students. Tirumala plays the mridangam, an Indian drum he learned six years ago. There will also be a kanjira, which is similar to a tambourine, and a morsing, which uses the tongue to make different sounds.

The 15-year-old said a PowerPoint presentation will be done first to introduce the audience members to the various instruments, explaining their history.

"Most people might not be familiar, so before we just go up there and play, we want to show how we play and what we play, so we can enjoy the music together," Tirumala said.

The second part will feature dances fromAsianAmerican clubs from theMontgomery, South Brunswick, West Windsor, Plainsboro and North Brunswick high schools.

"It's a wonderful way to give back to our town and have the students earn community service time," he said.

Tirumala said he currently visits the library about once every two weeks, choosing to read science fiction, mystery, suspense and nonfiction books. He said that libraries offer books for free and that when people see other people reading, it sets a good example.

He said that although the planning process, which began in January, has been difficult, everything is now starting to take shape.

"I hope we have a huge turnout and I hope to raise $10,000, and I hope the library will be helped out a lot," the student said. "I want this to be a community event with everyone helping."

The event is being supported by the Nrithyanjali Institute of Dance, the North Brunswick Board of Education and the North Brunswick Library. Tirumala's mother is part of the institute, and his father used his contacts to invite Gov. Jon Corzine, who is expected to attend.

"Although this is my first program, I have been inspired by my parents with most of my ideas. My parents have given me a lot of support for this program. Whenever I need help or feel bogged down by the work I need to do, my parents are always there to help me out. They have been a major part of this program," he said.

Tirumala said he hopes the money goes toward new programming, more books, more ways to entice children to read, and developing book clubs.

"Anything that gets more people together reading is important to me," he said. "Reading represents education, but it also represents entertainment.…Reading is such a great thing. Reading can take you so many places."

Library Director Cheryl McBride said there are several ideas circulating as to how to spend the money. She said Tirumala's family is impressed by the children's section of the South Brunswick Public Library, and it could be possible to add new end panels, different tables, interactive sand tables, more comfortable seating and a renovated paperback collection to the North Brunswick section.

Or the funds could be put toward book endowments or computer space.

However, she said using the donations for an addition to the current building is unlikely because of the expensive nature of such a project. Instead, she suggested that residents e-mail the mayor and Township Council asking for more space for technology, computers and programming at the library.

The one idea McBride is in most favor of is a Readers Garden, thought of by Marcy Feldheim of the Friends of the North Brunswick Library. McBride said there is an empty space to the right of the building that was originally intended for extra meeting space in the 1970s but has been left vacant ever since.

She said Feldheim's vision is to add trees, bushes, a walkway, benches, a gazebo and some statuary. Since the facility's wireless connection stretches all the way to the parking lot, she said it would be a nice place for residents to sit on a nice day or an area to hold children's story hours in the spring and fall.

"To have a more permanent structure, a more permanent fixture here at the library to commemorate this wonderful event would be fantastic," she said.

For now, suggestions are still being accepted and McBride plans to set up a suggestion box the night of the fundraiser.

"Rhythm" will be held on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the high school, located at 30 Raider Road.

Tickets are available at the library, 880 Hermann Road. General admission will be $10. Student and senior tickets will be $6. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

For more information, call (732) 398- 1699 or e-mail BenefitLibrary@gmail.com.