SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE

SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE

A special meeting of the Somerset County Library Commission will be held on Tuesday, November 29th at

9:30 am in the Administration Conference Room of the

Bridgewater Library, 1 Vogt Drive, Bridgewater, New

Jersey. The Commission will discuss changing health

contract with the alternative carrier.insurance carriers and take action on whether to sign a

Bridgewater Library invites you to share in the "Warmth of the Season"

Share in the Warmth of the Season at the Bridgewater Library by helping needy families and shelter animals.

During the holiday season, the Bridgewater Library has set up a drop off area next to the customer service desk, for animal shelter donations.  The Somerset Regional Animal Shelter depends on volunteers and public donations.  Items include cat, kitten and dog food, pet toys, non-clumping clay litter, dog leashes, collars, cotton towels, paper towels, bleach, laundry detergent and store gift cards.  The Bridgewater library will be collecting animal shelter donations until December 16.

Donate canned or boxed food, personal-care items on ‘BOBO Friday’.  “Buy One, Bring One” (BOBO) collection of food and personal-care items are for needy families in Somerset County.  Personal-care items, including bath soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo and toilet paper, also are collected since these items are not covered by food stamps.  The bins are available every day, not just on the third Friday, so donations may be dropped off at any time during regular library hours.

Bridgewater Library presents "Books for Kids!"

Bridgewater Library presents "Books for Kids!"
"This Holiday Season, Open Up a World of Possibilities..."

Beginning November 1st, the Bridgewater Library will be accepting donations of new books for children (all ages).  Reading material will be distributed to children and teens throughout New Jersey who have limited access to books.

Book donations can be placed in the container at the enterance to the Youth Services room of the Bridgewater Library.  Donations must be dropped off by December 11th.

We thank you for taking the time to help give New Jersey's children a chance to explore the world of books.

You can make a difference in a child's life.  Donate a new book to Books for Kids!
 
This program is sponsored by the Children's Services Section of the New Jersey Library Association.
 
Bridgewater Library
1 Vogt Drive
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
908-526-4016 ext. 126

Holiday Card Craft - Bound Brook Library

Holiday Card Craft
Saturday, November 19 at 10:00 am
Bound Brook Library
402 E. High St.
Bound Brook, NJ 08805
 
Directions: http://www.somerset.lib.nj.us/boundbrook.htm
 
Do you have leftover holiday cards that you can’t bear to throw away?  Join Nancy Leary as she shows you how to craft a holiday tree out of those old cards, recycling them into a keepsake to enjoy for years to come.  
ADVANCED REGISTRATON REQUIRED  
Limited to 25 people  
Cards will be provided.  But we ask you to provide some of your own cards to personalize the craft. 
 
This program is free and open to the public.  Registration is requested.  Call (732) 356-0043 to sign up or click on  http://www.libraryinsight.net/EventSignUp.asp?t=722963229&jx=jbp&lmx=217044 to register online.

Hitchcock: 'The Master of Suspense' Program

Hitchcock: 'The Master of Suspense' 
Saturday, November 19 at 2:00 p.m. 
Bound Brook Library
402 E. High Street
Bound Brook, NJ 08805
 
Directions: http://www.somerset.lib.nj.us/boundbrook.htm
 
Sir Alfred Hitchcock directed over 60 films spanning more than half a century. With a distinctive style, both in front and behind the camera, his movies have influenced generations of filmmakers. Watching classic scenes from 'Rear Window', 'North by Northwest', 'Psycho', and 'The Birds', we will discover what made Hitchcock 'the master of suspense'.  
Presented by Chris Messineo, Director of the New Jersey Film School
 
This program is free and open to the public.  Registration is requested.  Call (732) 356-0043 or click on http://www.libraryinsight.net/eventdetails.asp?jx=jbp&lmx=226070&v=3 to register online.

Library & Schools Consortium Provides Shared Online Resources

News from the Somerset County Board of Chosen FreeholdersP.O. Box 3000, Somerville, NJ 08876-1262Contacts:  Linda Van Zandt / Joanne Vuoso / Lisa Krueger908-231-7020 / publicinfo@co.somerset.nj.us

 A new shared-service initiative, launched with the support of the Somerset County Board of Freeholders, is providing online resources to students throughout the county in libraries and in schools.            

The Somerset County Library System and the Somerset County Superintendent of Schools, along with most school districts and municipal libraries in the county, have joined forces to provide a set of common online databases that are accessible to all students in the county.  

Following a planning meeting with school media specialists and public librarians in October 2010, a purchasing cooperative was formed for Somerset County to procure a set of common online databases to be shared and accessible to all Somerset County students. 

In addition to being available in schools, the electronic reference tools will be accessible through almost every library in the county, including independent municipal libraries that are not part of the county system. 

“Through economies of scale, each participant will pay significantly less than if they purchased the services individually,” said Freeholder Patrick Scaglione, liaison to the county Library Commission.  “More importantly, every student in Somerset County will have access to a common suite of online resources.”  

Based on a survey of school media specialists throughout the county, the consortium included resources most frequently requested and for which the most cost effective pricing was available: World Book Encyclopedia, Facts on File and Grolier.  The shared-service consortium was able to lower the per-pupil cost for these key reference tools. 

“Last year’s threatened state cuts to library services were the impetus to link common needs for libraries and public schools,” said Somerset County Library Director Brian Auger.  “Previously, database vendors sold identical products to different organizations which collectively serve the same clientele.  With budget caps in place, all public entities must scrutinize expenditures. Libraries and school districts reached out across the agencies within the county to reduce costs to Somerset County taxpayers, while expanding the level of service for all students.”

For more information, contact Somerset County Library Director Brian Auger at 908-526-4016, ext. 129, or Beverly Hetrick in the Superintendent of Schools’ Office at 908-541-5738.

 # # #

Watchung Library Closed 10/31/2011

The Watchung Library is closed today, 10/31/2011 due to power outages from the snow storm on 10/29/11.

Smartphone App Makes SCLS Mobile

Somerset County Library System (SCLS) is accessible on the go!  The SCLS mobile app powered by Boopsie, now available, gives users access to the library’s catalog and their account.  Library cardholders can access the catalog anywhere they use their phone, run searches and place holds on materials that they want to borrow.

The app also allows users to access and download e-books and e-audio the library’s digital media collection in one step.  Downloads can then be done immediately or can wait until the user is on a computer.

In addition, the SCLS mobile app allows users to find branch locations and hours from wherever they are and even ask a librarian for help.  Choosing library programs at each branch and making reservations for the event are also a part of what the app can do.

“Content and information are mobile.  We recognize this and that our patrons increasingly need to access information on the fly.  The SCLS app is one tool that allows us to provide that content where, when and how our patrons need it.”  Richard Loomis, Electronic Services Librarian at SCLS explained while discussing the features of the app.

The app is available for Android, Blackberry, and other internet enabled mobile devices.  The app for the iPhone will be available soon.  It can be downloaded at popular application market places as well as on www.sclsnj.org, the library’s web site.

Patrons with further questions can call SCLS at (908) 526-4016 or enter the website at http://www.sclsnj.com.  The Somerset County Library System has branches in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill, North Plainfield, Peapack & Gladstone, Somerville, Warren Township and Watchung.

# # #

SCLS and Kindle®: eBook Heaven

Somerset County Library System (SCLS) cardholders with a Kindle^® are in for a real bonanza: Amazon has finally made its Kindle readers compatible so that ebooks can now be borrowed from public libraries.  Readers with other devices such as the Barnes & Noble NOOK™ or the Kobo™ have long enjoyed borrowing ebooks from SCLS.

Users will log onto www.sclsnj.org, select digital media on the right hand menu and then browse for reading material that is available for the Kindle.  Once readers make a selection, they will be directed to Amazon’s website to download the reading material.  The transfer can occur over a WiFi or USB cable connection.  All nine branches of SCLS provide WiFi access within their buildings.  A library card account number and pin, along with an Amazon account are needed to complete the transaction.

Kindles are not the only devices that can be used to download e-materials.  MP3 players, smartphones and computers (both pcs and Macs), can be used, including most ereaders that accept Overdrive’s small software downloads to activate and accept the ematerials from SCLS.  The library has access to over 50,000 ebooks, audio books, music and video selections. Lending periods are up to 14 days on all electronic materials. 

“We are here to give our patrons access to information in the format they most desire,” states SCLS director Brian Auger.  “Even though SCLS has the largest collection of ebooks in New Jersey, we have stepped up our purchasing because our customers are asking.  We anticipate a huge surge in demand over the holidays and are taking steps to be prepared.  Don’t forget, we’ve been buying ebooks for only a few years – we had an 80 year head start buying traditional books!” 

Rich Loomis, SCLS electronics librarian adds that “We are always on the look out to obtain electronic resources that provide the high quality of information sources our patrons are used to from our system.  Access for Kindle device owners to selections through SCLS is just another service we are thrilled to be able to offer our patrons.”

Patrons with further questions can call SCLS at (908)526-4016 or enter the website at http://www.sclsnj.org.  The Somerset County Library System has branches in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill, North Plainfield, Peapack & Gladstone, Somerville, Warren Township and Watchung.

# # #

New Mobile Connectivity Options at the Hillsborough Library

Google Chromebooks are now available to borrow within the Hillsborough Library.  The size of netbooks (small laptop computers), Chromebooks rely completely on cloud computing to operate and for hosting all the productivity software that a user might need.  The computers connect to the internet and other devices via WiFi, which is already available at the Hillsborough Library.

The Chromebooks will allow patrons of the library to move around the interior of the facility without having to sit in any particular spot.  Lent out for four hour periods with one renewal period of two hours, users will need to use a Google account or log in as a guest will in order to save any work or information accessed on the web.  Information and documents can be saved in the Google Docs environment, in Picasso for images or through a cloud storage app.  Google Docs is a cloud-based productivity suite which takes the place of Microsoft Office and other such software tools.

“We’re thrilled to be able to add more computers to the mix for patrons at the Hillsborough Library,” notes branch director Edward Hoag.  “We get to offer more services without needing to claim additional space in the library for a desktop computer set up.  Because the Chromebooks’ battery charge lasts about eight hours, we also don’t need to worry about having additional electrical outlets out on the floor.  We’ll charge them in the back office areas of the library and have the computers all set to go when patrons borrow them.”

Rich Loomis, Electronic Services Librarian sees additional benefits for patrons and library staff.  “Updates for all the software, including antivirus and firewall protection is all done automatically through the computer’s instant connection to the internet.  There is virtually no software maintenance meaning that patrons will be able to have more time with the Chromebooks as library staff will not need to spend time on fixing or upgrading the computers.  Another benefit of the computers is their quick start-up time of about eight seconds.”

Chromebooks are available to all Somerset County Library System card holders at the Hillsborough Library through the Circulation Desk there.  Driver’s licenses will also be needed to borrow Chromebooks.

Patrons with further questions can call SCLS at (908)369-2200 ext. 13 or enter the website at http://www.sclsnj.org.  The Somerset County Library System has branches in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill, North Plainfield, Peapack & Gladstone, Somerville, Warren Township and Watchung.

# # #

Warren Township Reference Librarians Star on TV. "Check It Out!"

Starting on Sept. 1, Warren Library’s own TV show called “Check It Out!” will begin airing daily at 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Cablevision channel 15 and Verizon channel 44.  more...

A Book Signing at Washington Valley Library in Martinsville

A book signing of “Martinsville and the Washington Valley” by Patricia Valentine Whitacre is planned to take place August 20, 2011.  The book is comprised of old photos of Martinsville.  more...

Somerset County 4-H Fair is Aug 10, 11 & 12 at the North Branch Park

The Somerset County Library booth is in the County Government Tent located at the far left as you cross the bridge.  Games, prizes, giveaways and library information will be available.  For more details about the fair, click here.

Friday Night Movie - The Conspirator showing at the Bridgewater Library

August 19 at 7:00 PM, Bridgewater Library will host The Conspirator.  Click here for movie information and registration.  Participation is free!  All adults are invited to attend.

Peapack & Gladstone Library Present "How To Train Your Dragon"

Family Movie Night, Tuesday August 9 - From DreamWorks Animation that brought you "Shrek," "Madagascar" and "Kung Fu Panda" comes "How To Train Your Dragon" -- an adventure comedy set in the mythical world of Vikings and wild dragons, based on the book by Cressida Cowell.

The story centers around Hiccup, a Viking teenager who lives on the island where fighting dragons is a way of life. He encounters and ultimately befriends, an injured dragon and his world is turned upside down.

Starring Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Kristen Wiig

Click here to sign up

Still Standing Band - Good Rockin Tonight at the Bound Brook Library

The Bound Brook Library presents the Still Standing Band on Thursday August 11, for a night of good rockin, as well as vintage tunes from the blues tradition that gave birth to rock and roll. More....

Outings with the Sierra Club at the Hillsborough Library

On Wednesday August 10, join local members of the Sierra club who will intrigue you with various destinations in the local New Jersey area.  Their presentation will give you an inside view of outings to enjoy the great outdoors by canoe, kayak, and hiking as well as an overview of opportunities to become involved with the Sierra Club.  Click here to sign up.

Bridgewater Library to close during solar panel installation

The Bridgewater Library will close on Monday, July 18 in order for the installation of solar panels on the roof of the building to be completed.  In case of rain or other inclement weather, the library will close on Wednesday, July 20.   More...

Afternoon Movie - The Adjustment Bureau

Romantic, Sci-Fi Thriller – Mysterious forces try to keep a romantic couple apart.  Starring Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Anthony Mackie, John Slattery, Michael Kelly, and Terence Stamp.  Tuesday July 19 from 2 – 4pm at the Bridgewater Library.  Click here to sign up.

NJWorks Job Seeker Destination at the Bridgewater Library

New Jersey State Library designates 56 libraries as NJWorks Job Seeker Destinations.  Librarians are trained to assist patrons in job seeking, resume writing, interviewing, computer skills, etc.  More...

RVCC graduate Casey Randazzo collects books for libraries in New Orleans

Along with 4-H leader Mark Brubaker, Casey collected thousands of books to aid New Orleans schools in rebuilding their libraries.  The Friends of the Bridgewater Library donated 200 cartons of books from their recent book drive.  More…

Shakespeare on the Lawn at the Somerville Library

On July 5 from 7:00 - 8:15pm, The Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey will be performing Love's Labor Lost on the Borough Hall Lawn.  Click here to register. To learn more about the Shakespeare Theater of NJ, view their website at http://www.shakespearenj.org/.

Summer Fun at the Watchung Library!

Watchung Library has over 60 programs, reading clubs and a variety of activities for every age.  There will be raffle tickets, numerous prizes, gift cards, a trophy and even a Wii!  Click here for full details.

County Library System seeking input from Somerville patrons

On June 22 at 7pm, Somerville Library Director Melissa Banks, Executive Director Brian Auger and Commissioner Evelyn Silverstein will hear patrons share their feelings about advantages and disadvantages that have come about since joining the Somerset County Library System.  More…

Warren Township Library has a temporary change in hours

During the week of June 12 – 18, 2011, Warren Township Library will have a temporary change of hours.  The library will close at 5 pm on Wednesday, June 15 and Thursday, June 16.  Normally, the library is open until 9 pm both nights.  However, the Warren Lion’s Club annual carnival will be held in the fields adjacent to the library.  Due to the anticipated crowds at the carnival, township officials requested that the library close early on those nights. Regular hours will resume on Monday, June 20, when the library will remain open until 9 pm.

Changes in the Hold Policy at SCLS

Starting June 15, 2011, patrons used to putting a “hold” on library materials through the Somerset County Library System’s (SCLS) on-line catalog will see some changes made to the reservation system .  The library will now only hold reserved and inter-library loan items for four days as opposed to six days, which was previously the policy. more.....

Book Sale at the Bridgewater Library

Friends of Bridgewater Library's booksale is June 8 - 11 and June 13 , 2011. The Friends of the Library only accept cash for purchases and payment of entry fees.  Click here for book sale pricing.  June 8 hours are 4:00 - 8:30pm with a pre-admission fee of $25.00.  Thursday, June 9 hours are 9:30 - 8:30pm.  Friday and Saturday hours are 9:30 - 4:30pm.  For more information, check the Bridgewater Library Calendar.

Introduction to Tai Chi and Qi Gong at the Mary Jacobs Library

Experience the gentle flowing, movements of Tai Chi on Tuesday June 21 from 7:00 – 8:00pm.  Learn how Tai Chi helps you deal with stress by relaxation and gentle calming. The rhythmic movements and slow graceful postures are coordinated with breathing to help you achieve a sense of calm.  The class will be led by Jimmy Lee with 25 years experience.  Click here to sign up or call 609-924-7073 ext 4.  Registration is required.

Summer Reading at Your Library

Summer Reading Club registration begin on June 20 in all branches of the Somerset County Library System.  Check your local branch for children, teen and adult program information. 

Friday Night Movie: True Grit -- Registration Begins Jun 14

June 24, 2011 at the Bridgewater Library 7:00pm - 9:15pm.  Jeff Bridges, Josh Brolin and Matt Damon star in True Grit. Fourteen-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), joins an aging U.S. marshal  Rooster Cogburn and hardened Texas Ranger LaBoeuf  in tracking her father's killer into hostile Indian territory.  Despite their differences, their ruthless determination leads them on a perilous adventure.  Click here to sign up for this event. 

NJ State Library Award for Early Literacy

State Library honors the Somerset County Library System for their Parent Teacher Workshops.  Click here for details.

More Than Meets the Eye by Lisa Bogart

Lisa expands on today’s current events becoming future library collection material in various formats.  She will continue to submit posts to several of the Patch e-mail newsletters about what services and benefits the Somerset County Library System offers to its patrons.  To read this exciting article, click here.

Blood Drive at Bridgewater Library May 12

The blood mobile will be outside the Bridgewater Library on Thursday, May 12 from 3:30 - 7:30 pm.  Picture ID is required.  Please eat something before you donate.  For more information call The Blood Center of New Jersey 1-866-968-2265.  Give so others can live.

Classic Action Movie Nights at Hillsborough Library

Tuesday night Classic movies May 10 & May 24.

“The Train” starring Burt Lancaster on Tuesday May 10 from 7:00 – 9:00pm.  Sign up here.

“I am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang” starring Paul Muni on Tuesday May 24 from 7:00 – 9:00pm.  Sign up here.

State Library Talking Book & Braille Center Kiosk at the Bridgewater Library

The Bridgewater Library will debut the service during an open house on Thursday, April 21 from 1 – 4 pm.  The "Outspoken Library" kiosk is designed to demonstrate to residents who have impaired vision or a physical disability that makes it difficult to hold a book to see how the audiobook readers work .  Registered users will be able to access over 18,000 downloadable audiobooks and 42 magazines from the National Library Services Braille and Audio Reading Program from home.  Bridgewater Library staff will be available to demonstrate the kiosk, explain a patron's eligibility, and assist with the application process.  For more information about the service, Click Here.

Friday Night Movie at Bridgewater Library - Tron: Legacy on May 6

Tron: Legacy is a high-tech adventure of Sam Flynn played by Garrett Hedlund, looking for his father Kevin (Jeff Bridges) and ends up inside the virtual world that his father designed. This is the sequel to the 1982's Tron with Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner.  Registration begins Tuesday, April 19^th.  Participation is free!  You must sign up to attend.  Contact the Bridgewater Adult Reference Desk (908) 526-4016 x105.  

Click Here For More Information.

The King's Speech - An afternoon movie at the Hillsborough Library

Tuesday May 3rd from 1:30pm - 3:30pm.  This British historical film is based on Prince Albert’s ascension to the throne and his friendship with Lionel Logue, an Australian speech therapist.  The King’s Speech won Academy Awards for Best Director - Tom Hooper, Best Actor – Colin Firth, Best Screenplay – David Seidler and Best Picture of the Year.  Click here to sign up.

Children’s Bookmark Design Contest at the Mary Jacobs Library

This contest is to celebrate Children’s Book Week in May. The contest theme is Look What I Found at the Library!  Winning bookmark designs will be printed and distributed during the library’s summer reading program. Voting will take place at the Mary Jacobs Library from May 2-8, 2011.  Click here for entry form.

Songs of the Civil War at Warren Twp Library on Saturday 4/9

Lisa Godino and Chuck Winch will perform at the Warren Twp Library on Saturday, April 9 at 2 pm. Pre-registration required.  This program uses both authentic Civil War era songs and original compositions.  Click here for details.

 

History of the Delaware and Raritan Canals at Mary Jacobs Library

On Tuesday, April 12 from 7:00 - 8:30PM, canal author and historian Linda J. Barth will introduce you to the people, the bridges, the locks, and the aqueducts that made the canal work. This waterway, now the centerpiece of a popular state park, transported men and supplies between New York and Philadelphia during three wars.  This program is Free and registration is required for this program. To register,click here.

FREE Car Show at the Bridgewater Library!

The 7th Annual Car Show will be held on May 7th.

 

We’re happy to announce that the FREE 7th Annual Car Show at the Bridgewater Library will be held on Saturday, May 7th from 12:00p.m. – 3:00p.m.  The rain date will be Saturday, May 14th.

There will be FOOD, MUSIC and PRIZES!

We will be giving trophies for the following categories: Best in Show (1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd place), Dream Car (1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd place), Best Exterior, Best Interior and Best Engine. All makes, models and years are WELCOME! Registration AND admission are FREE!!

The public votes on the winners.  We hope to see you there! 

For more information go to http://www.somerset.lib.nj.us/new/carcatalog.htm

Cholesterol Screening at the North Plainfield Library on April 14

Education and prevention can keep you and your loved ones healthy.  You are invited to take advantage of Overlook Hospital's sponsored health screening at the North Plainfield Memorial Library.  To register for this screening please call 1-800-247-9580 or 1-888-285-1460 Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm and Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. There is a small laboratory fee for this event.

Introduction to Qigong at the Watchung Library March 28, April 4 and 18

Qigong exercises promote good balance, coordination, inner and outer strength and a lively spirit by moving slowly without strain.  This program is presented by Patricia Barron, L.Ac. Licensed Acupuncturist. 
Click here to register.

Bound Brook Library Presents The Great Tree Adventure

A photographic travelogue journaling a search of America's greatest trees is presented on April 27 from 7-9:00pm by Walter Choroszewski New Jersey photographer, author and advocate of state pride.  This program is free.  Click here to sign up.

Friends of the Somerville Library Host Silpada Designs on April 2

The Friends of the Somerville Library are hosting two fundraising events.

Silpada Designs features a wide variety of beautiful hand-crafted Sterling Silver jewelry available for purchase on April 2 from 11-2:00pm.  For more information Click Here.

The Pampered Chef on May 14, 2011 from 2-4pm will offer high-quality kitchen tools that can be used by anyone who enjoys cooking.  Click Here for details.

Warren Twsp Library Presents A Workshop For Educators, Parents And Caregivers

Bullying, Teasing, Name-Calling, Rejection - It's Rough Being a Kid!  Presented by Margo Saltzman, March 28 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM.  Click here for more information.

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"Have Fun with Chinese Characters" at the Hillsborough Library

At 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, participants will learn how the characters are formed and will be able to try writing the characters.  Hillsborough Library is located at 379 South Branch Road.  Click here for more information.

Bridgewater Library’s Afternoon Movie: The Social Network

Nominated for 8 Oscars The Social Network won three.

Tuesday, March 15th, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Meeting Rooms A/B/C - Doors Open at 1:40pm

Participation is free!  All adults are invited to attend.
Contact the Bridgewater Library Adult Reference Desk to sign up or click here!

Somerville Library Hosts a Performance by Robin Lane

The life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis by Robin Lane on Saturday, March 26 at 1 p.m. at the Somerville Library.  Click here for details.

Volunteers read to children

Branchburg and Washington Valley Reading Stations are keeping with tradition.

Somerville Library to hold open house Feb.12

Click here for more information.

FREE Car Show at the Bridgewater Library!

The 7th Annual Car Show will be held on May 7th.

We’re happy to announce that the FREE 7th Annual Car Show at the Bridgewater Library will be held on Saturday, May 7th from 12:00p.m. – 3:00p.m.  The rain date will be Saturday, May 14th.

There will be FOOD, MUSIC and PRIZES!

We will be giving trophies for the following categories: Best in Show (1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd place), Dream Car (1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd place), Best Exterior, Best Interior and Best Engine.

All makes, models and years are WELCOME! Registration AND admission are FREE!!

The public votes on the winners.  We hope to see you there! 

For more information go to http://www.somerset.lib.nj.us/new/carcatalog.htm

Libraries are doing their best against weather

In response to a recent letter printed in the Courier News. 

Downloading to your mobile device just got easier.

January 25 Press Release: OverDrive’s Apps for iPhone® & Android™ Support One-Click Downloading.
Announcing the release of OverDrive® Media Console™ v2.1 for iPhone and Android!
With this release, users can…

1.   Enjoy the convenience of one-click downloading.
After clicking the ‘Download’ button for a title at an OverDrive-powered web site, the title is loaded in OverDrive Media Console, and the associated files begin downloading immediately. Users are no longer required to select the files they want to download, though the option to disable automatic downloads is available if users prefer to select files.

2.   Benefit from performance enhancements.

iPhone
·      EPUB titles load faster.
·      eBook Reader controls are displayed for five seconds and then fade out.
·      ‘Waiting for Wi-Fi’ is displayed when the app is waiting for a connection in order to download large files.
Android
·      New ‘Orientation’ setting to lock eBook Reader screen.
·      New icons, including a calendar icon that displays the number of days left until the title expires.
The system requirements haven’t changed. The free apps can be installed on phones and devices running the Android OS (v1.5 or newer) or iOS (v4.0 or newer).
The updated app is available from:

·      Android Market
·      App StoreSM
·      http://www.overdrive.com/software/omc

Read Like a Champion

New library program encourages children to read by giving out rewards.

Pizza-themed winter reading program begins at Watchung Library

"Carry Out a Good Book" at the Watchung Public Library's winter reading program.
Every book gives the reader a chance to win a Pizza Night Gift Basket of DVDs, games and books.  The program runs from Jan. 10 through Feb. 19

Somerville library reopens to enthusiastic patrons

Thursday was Somerville Library's first day of business under county control.

Somerville Library's first day as county branch

Somerville Public Library open for business Thursday, 01/06/2011.

Welcome Somerville Library

Here are the latest press releases:

• Somerville mayor maps out year ahead as local governments begin reorganizing

• Somerville Library will be closed Friday through Jan. 6

• …And Then There Were Nine!