Programs and changes aimed to better serve County’s interest in arts through library involvement
In an effort to enhance the efficiency and value of the Somerset County Library System (SCLS), the System’s Director and Commissioners are pleased to announce the launch of a host of new initiatives and programs throughout the Library System’s ten member libraries. From extended hours on Saturdays and holidays to more online and mobile accessibility, the initiatives focus on providing best practices and making the System one of the most innovative in New Jersey.
The new initiatives and programs to be rolled out over the next four months include:
Technology & the Arts:
o SCLS Mobile App – SCLS is the first System in New Jersey to implement a smart-phone app for patrons to use to browse the library catalog; reserve, check-out or renew books; or even check to see if a book found at a local book store is available at the Library. The app may be downloaded by visiting www.sclsnj.boopsie.com on any smart-phone’s browser.
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Freegal Music – Every SCLS patron with a valid library card is eligible to use Freegal, a downloadable music service that provides access to the catalog of artists in Sony Music Entertainment – all through a computer, smart phone or tablet. Library cardholders can legally download three songs a week for free with their card and pin numbers. The downloaded files work with any MP3 device, including iPods.
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Naxos Music Library – SCLS now has full access to the Naxos Music Library, a streaming catalog of over 400 independent labels of Classical, Jazz, World, Classic Rock and Nostalgia genres, as well as Spoken-Word recordings. In addition to being able to stream anything from the Naxos catalog, patrons can also access the Naxos Sheet Music Library to download and print copies from a selection of over 40,000 works.
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Museum Pass Program – Beginning later this summer, patrons will be able to go onto the SCLS website and book a trip to a number of museums throughout the metropolitan area. The museums participating in this reciprocal membership agreement include: the Children's Museum of Manhattan, The Frick Collection, Grounds for Sculpture, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The Stickley Museum, and many more.
Access & Engagement:
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Hours & Holidays – All SCLS branches have adjusted the hours of operation. In addition to staying open for a full day on Saturdays during the summer, all branches will be open normal hours on four formerly-closed holidays: Lincoln's Birthday, Good Friday, Election Day, and Veterans Day.
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Volunteer Coordinator – SCLS is taking steps to expand its volunteer program to better attract and engage community talent and institute uniform practices throughout with the creation of the system-wide Volunteer Program Coordinator.
Additional Resources:
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Career Resources – SCLS has been working with the New Jersey State Library to enhance the System’s job search and career support resources. Patrons can visit
www.sclsnj/new/jobhunt.html for more information.
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eBooks – SCLS continues to expand its extensive eBook collection. With over 50,000 eBooks loaned to date, the annual total should more than double last year’s circulation of digital materials.
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Adult Summer Reading Club – As an enticement to join the Adult Summer Reading Club, the System will be entering each participant into a drawing to win one of ten Sony eReaders that have been provided by the Library's eBook supplier. There are many great prizes in the Teen and Children's Summer Reading Clubs as well.
“SCLS is embracing the changing relationship between patrons and ‘content’. Transformational thinking and best practices will put us in the forefront of the state’s public libraries,” said Brian Auger, Director of SCLS. “I am proud to share the knowledge and experience I have gained from my 30-year career and lead us into such an exciting new phase in our development.”
Patrons with further questions can call SCLS at (908)526-4016 or visit the website at
http://www.sclsnj.org. The Somerset County Library System has branches in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Manville, at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill, North Plainfield, Peapack & Gladstone, Somerville, Warren Township and Watchung.
