A NJ Library Champion needs your support

As you know, NJ Devils hockey player Zach Parise is a NJ Library Champion. It\xB9s a role he has taken seriously. Whether including us in his interview in Sports Illustrated or making a personal appearance at the State Library that attracted the press and First Lady Mary Pat Christie, he is a positive spokesperson for NJ libraries every chance he gets. I think we may be the only library in the world that had ever had photos in Sports Illustrated! He included us again in his latest interview in NJ Monthly.

I\xB9m writing because Zach could use our support. Due to an injury, he had knee surgery and is out for three months. He explained how he\xB9s doing to NHL.com, and it just broke my heart.

"I'm never comfortable," Parise said about life since the injury. "Just right now, even sitting down, it hurts. Walking is tough. Nothing is comfortable and that makes it really frustrating. I feel bad for my girlfriend, she's taking care of me and I'm sitting around, kind of useless."

Zach has been there for us; I\xB9d like him to know NJ libraries are there for him as well. Even if you root for another team, we need you to show your support for a NJ Library Champion and write a note or make a card. Ask your patrons to make one too. I\xB9m hoping we can get enough cards and letters to really brighten his spirits this holiday.

If you want to go the extra mile, you could include an honorary library card for him. Send the letters and cards to the State Library by December 15th and we\xB9ll get them to him.

Let\xB9s let Zach know he\xB9s picked the right organization to support.

Thanks, Norma Blake NJ State Librarian

*Please send mail to Nancy Dowd through interoffice mail or to:

The New Jersey State Library PO Box 520 Trenton, NJ 08625-0520

ATT: Nancy Dowd

Resources: NJ Monthly article: http://njmonthly.com/articles/lifestyle/people/warming-up-to-hoboken.html

NHL blog: http://blogs.bettor.com/Zach-Parise-speaks-about-surgery-and-life-off-the-ic e-a39020

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