Community Buzz - Top Somerset County Good News Stories This Week

SCLSNJ Joins Major Library Consortium

• On November 17, 2025, the Somerset County Library System (SCLSNJ) officially became a member of the Main Library Alliance, dramatically expanding access. Raritan Neighbors

• This means SCLSNJ patrons can now browse and borrow from a shared collection of over 3.2 million items across ~57 libraries. Raritan Neighbors

• It’s framed as a move to maximize value and convenience for residents while keeping SCLSNJ’s no-fines policy intact. Raritan Neighbors

• There was a catalog system update: branches closed Nov 15–16 for the switch; the new catalog and app rollout is in progress. Raritan Neighbors

Why it’s compelling: It’s a win for public access, resource-sharing, and modernizing library services — all very local and very tangible.

First S.H.A.R.E. Pantry Opens in Somerset County

• The first S.H.A.R.E. Pantry in Somerset County is opening at the Somerville Public Library.
• This effort was launched by Leadership Somerset Class of 2025 to address food insecurity, especially for families who struggle during weekends, holidays, and school breaks.
• The opening includes a ceremony at the library, highlighting the role of community organizations in supporting basic needs.

Why it’s compelling: It ties together library access and social services in a very community-centered way. Great story about civic engagement and meeting local needs.

Food Bank Demand Surges in Somerset County

• The Food Bank Network of Somerset County reports a 166% increase in demand.
• Their “Backpack Program,” providing weekend meals to young students, has grown from 600 kids in 11 schools (2021) to about 1,900 kids in 29 schools now.
• To support this, they’re hosting a Fall Harvest Fundraiser on Nov 13, featuring Broadway performer Suri Marrero, who grew up in Bridgewater.

Why it’s compelling: Food insecurity in a relatively affluent county is a powerful human-interest angle. The fundraiser adds a hopeful community response.

Open Space Preservation Celebrated Through Art

• Somerset County is hosting a special art exhibit (running now through Dec 31, 2025) featuring 30+ NJ artists. NewJerseyStage.com

• The exhibit highlights landscapes from 12 Somerset County parks, reflecting the county’s commitment to open space conservation. NewJerseyStage.com

• The project is part of a long-term effort by the Cultural & Heritage Commission to deepen public connection to the county’s preserved land.

More News from Raritan

• Somerset County Businesses Pack the House for a No-Nonsense AI Bootcamp Held at SCBP in the Somerset Business HUB powered by Unity Bank, Over Light Breakfast.
• SCVTHS Cosmetology Students Raise Funds for Cancer Research The donation to CureSearch for Childhood Cancer Research is in memory of current Cosmetology instructor Julie Francis’s niece, Mackenzie Wright, age 7.