Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Manville Public Library Completes Transition to Become Part of SCLS


When the doors open on Wednesday, September 5, the Manville Public Library will be a fully functioning member of the Somerset County Library System (SCLS).  Data conversion and staff training took place while the library closed for the last week in August.  Manville will be completely integrated into the SCLS system, utilizing the same website and catalog, available online at www.sclsnj.org, along with other internal processes.

Patrons with a Manville library card will be able to borrow materials at all SCLS libraries, and use its extensive collection of eBooks, downloadable audiobooks and licensed data.  SCLS library cards can now also be used to borrow materials directly from the Manville Public Library.

Positive changes to the library include a substantial increase in the budget for books and other materials.  Patrons will also see new faces, as SCLS enhances the staffing levels to provide better coverage and more programming opportunities.

“We are delighted to serve the residents of Manville,” said Brian Auger, SCLS director. “The transition has been smooth and I believe the residents of Manville will immediately benefit through the access to all the services that SCLS offers to its patrons.”

Changes are being made in the hours of operation, also effective Wednesday, September 5.  The library will be open to the public Monday through Thursday from 10 am – 8 pm, Friday through Saturday from 10 am – 5:30 pm.  The library will not have Sunday hours, although Bridgewater and Hillsborough libraries are open on Sunday, once again starting on September 9th from 1 - 5 pm. 

Some additional changes in the library’s operations include how donations will now be handled.  Gifts of materials will be used for future book sales, as opposed to going into the collection, with proceeds to directly benefit Manville Public Library.  Monetary gifts will now also be used for special projects at the library.

Patrons with further questions can call SCLS at (908) 526-4016 extension 128, Manville at (908) 722-9722 or visit the website at http://www.sclsnj.org for each branch’s hours. 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. 

North Plainfield Library Named a Principles 4 Life Award Winner


The North Plainfield Library was recently named a Principles 4 Life Award winner by the Elizabeth-based The I Can Foundation (http://www.theicf3.org,) as a community partner.  The award was formally presented at the organization’s August 18 Annual Scholarship Banquet Dinner at the Mediterranean Manor in Newark.

The I Can Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides tutoring and mentoring for youth in Middlesex, Somerset and Union Counties, helping them to achieve their greatest potential.  An annual scholarship is presented to selected New Jersey high school graduates opting to go on to higher education.

The North Plainfield Library was selected as an award honoree this year due to immediately agreeing to work with The I Can Foundation.  This included space for tutoring sessions along with providing meeting space for the organization.  Lauren Ryan, director of the branch, worked to alert all schools within the district of the services available to the township’s children through the Foundation.  North Plainfield Library, along with the all of the SCLS branches, does provide meeting space without charge (and based upon availability) without charge to area non-profit organizations.

“We are very pleased to be singled out as a community partner in supporting the efforts of The I Can Foundation.  At the North Plainfield Library, we work hard to support the academic efforts of all students in town through their use of our services and materials,” noted Ryan.

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.

SCLS Makes Changes to its Holds Policy in Effort to Better Serve Patrons


 Somerset Library County System (SCLS) is changing its hold policy as of September 4, 2012.  When a patron places a hold on a title, the catalog system will keep the hold active for 365 days.  After a year, the hold will expire and a cancellation notice will be sent.  Previous to this change in policy, there were no expiration dates on holds placed in the system.

This past March, My Wish Lists became an added feature of the SCLS on-line catalog.  Among its benefits is that items included in each patron’s lists will never be expire in terms of the length of time that an item is included on a list.  In addition, an unlimited number of items may be placed in each list whereas the hold queue only accommodates up to 50 titles maximum.

“This change in policy is a step for SCLS to better manage holds for all of our patrons.  My Wish Lists expands the number of titles patrons may tag in their personal records while also allowing the on-line catalog system to work more efficiently,” said Wendy Clarkson, system administrator.

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.


Monday, August 27, 2012

Documentary Film: Not A Feather, But a Dot



Saturday, September 8, 2012
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Meeting Rooms A,B,C
Bridgewater Library 
1 Vogt Drive
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Teju Prasad is an independent film maker who has interests in documentary and short form storytelling. This is his second documentary film- a 60 minute film that examines the history, perceptions and evolution of the Indian-American community. There will be a Q&A following the film.

This program is free but you must register to attend this event.  Please register online at http://bit.ly/RS3AuO , by phone908-526-4016 x105 or at the Adult Reference Desk.

Patrons with further questions can call the Bridgewater Library 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.

Friday, August 24, 2012

In the Footsteps of Marco Polo


Denis Belliveau and Francis O’Donnell spent two years of their lives retracing Marco Polo’s entire 25,000-mile, land-and-sea route from Venice to China and back.  This PBS documentary was nominated in 2009 for an Emmy® in the category of Outstanding Arts & Culture Programming!  

Presented by Francis O'Donnell at:
Bridgewater Library
1 Vogt Drive
Bridgewater, NJ 08807.
Thursday August 30, 2012
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

This program is free but registration is required.  Please register online at http://www.libraryinsight.com/eventdetails.asp?cnf=1&lmx=410203, by phone 908-526-4016 x105 or at the Adult Reference Desk.

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.

Knitting and Crochet Groups at the Bound Brook Library - September Meetings


The Bound Brook Library offers two opportunities for knitters and crocheters of all skill levels.  New members are always welcome. 

Adults Beginning Knitting and Crocheting
Meets Wednesdays, September 5, 12, 19, 26 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Knitting and crocheting are not just for doilies and scarves anymore! Karen our resident knitter and crocheter will help you learn the basics on Wednesdays from 3-5 pm in the upstairs meeting room.   No registration is required.

Library Loopers
Monday, September 10 and 24 at 7:00 p.m.

Meet! Learn! Share! An informal gathering of knitters and crocheters.  All levels welcome.  These sessions are free and open to anyone 15 and older. No registration is required.  Meets the 2nd & 4th Mondays at 7:00 p.m. 

Bound Brook Library
402 E. High St.
Bound Brook, NJ 08805732.356.0043 

Patrons with further questions can call the Bound Brook Library at (732) 356-0043 or enter the website at http://www.somerset.lib.nj.us/boundbrook.htm.  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.

Bridgewater Library presents Sourlands - Documentary Screening

From award-winning journalist Jared Flesher comes SOURLANDS, a film that weaves a provocative tale of ecology, energy, and agriculture.  SOURLANDS is an official selection of the Princeton Environmental Film Festival. Jared Flesher will attend the screening to answer questions afterwards.

Thursday September 6, 2012
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Meeting Rooms ABC
 
Bridgewater Library
1 Vogt Drive
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Refreshments will be served.  This program is free but you must register to attend this event.  Please register online http://bit.ly/PC56Ox, by phone 908-526-4016 x105 or at the Adult Reference Desk.

Patrons with further questions can call the Bridgewater Library 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. 

Thursday, August 9, 2012

The Bound Brook Library presents...


Hunting Down Ghosts with the Ghosthunter
Tuesday, August 14 at 7:00 p.m.

Ever seen a ghost? Do you wonder if they are real? The answer is not found in gothic novels or Hollywood, but through level-headed investigation.  Join Gordon Ward as he shares his experiences ghost-hunting and learn how he conducts his investigations.

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/eventdetails.asp?jx=jbp&lmx=259254&v=3 to register online.

Patrons with further questions can call the Bound Brook Library at (732) 356-0043 or enter the website at http://www.somerset.lib.nj.us/boundbrook.htm.  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.

Bound Brook Library
402 E. High St.
Bound Brook, NJ 08805
(732) 356-0043
Directions: http://www.somerset.lib.nj.us/boundbrook.htm


Wednesday, August 8, 2012

The Bound Brook Library presents...


Kim Yarson - Free Cover Concert
Saturday, August 18 at 1:00 p.m.

This concert will feature popular songs from the Beatles, Otis Redding, Joan Osbourne, Patty Loveless, Sara McLaughlin, some country covers, some rock covers and a couple of original tunes by the artists performing.

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/eventdetails.asp?jx=jbp&lmx=261284&v=3 to register online.

Patrons with further questions can call the Bound Brook Library at (732) 356-0043 or enter the website at http://www.somerset.lib.nj.us/boundbrook.htm.  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.

Bound Brook Library
402 E. High St. Bound Brook, NJ 08805
(732) 356-0043
Directions: http://www.somerset.lib.nj.us/boundbrook.htm

The Bound Brook Library presents...


Still Standing Band
Tuesday, August 28 at 7:00 p.m.

The Still Standing Band returns to the Library for another summer concert.   The program will highlight classics from the blues, country, and rock and roll traditions, including that 1950s favorite, 'All Shook Up.'

The Still Standing Band members are Howie Bowe on bass, guitar, and vocals; Steve Wortman on keyboards, harmonica, and vocals; J.K. on drums; and Peggy Ehrhart on guitar and bass.  Peggy is the author of the Maxx Maxwell blues mystery series.

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/eventdetails.asp?jx=jbp&lmx=262206&v=3 to register online.

Patrons with further questions can call the Bound Brook Library at (732) 356-0043 or enter the website at http://www.somerset.lib.nj.us/boundbrook.htm.  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.

Bound Brook Library
402 E. High St.
Bound Brook, NJ 08805
(732) 356-0043
Directions: http://www.somerset.lib.nj.us/boundbrook.htm

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Scary-Themed Character Drawing


Thursday, August 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Grades 5 and up

Doug Baron will show examples of his comic book art and give a brief summary of the thought process behind each piece.  Attendees will then draw along with Doug as he breaks down popular cartoon characters like Casper, Frankenstein, Wolf Man, Mummy, etc. from their most basic shapes to completed forms.

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is suggested.  Call (732) 356-0043 or click on  http://www.libraryinsight.net/eventdetails.asp?jx=jbp&lmx=267410&v=3 to register online.

Patrons with further questions can call the Bound Brook Library at (732) 356-0043 or enter the website at http://www.somerset.lib.nj.us/boundbrook.htm.  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.


Bound Brook Library
402 E. High St.
Bound Brook, NJ 08805
(732) 356-0043
Directions: http://www.somerset.lib.nj.us/boundbrook.htm