The Children's Summer Reading Club has been making a big splash! 636 children have registered having read 3400.5 hours already! They are more than half way to their goal of 6000 hours.
It isn't too late to register! Register at the Children's Desk by August 7th to participate! Record your hours on a reading log up until August 21st. For every 10 hours that you read, you may choose a free book from the prize cart!
For more information call 732-727-0212 ext. 5.
Summer Reading Tricky Tray Finale: This event is for all of the children who joined the summer reading club and who logged reading hours throughout the summer at the library. We will raffle over 50 fabulous prizes including books, DVD's and toys. This event will take place on August 26th at 6PM. Register online beginning August 2nd. Please note that this event will take place at the Sayreville Senior Citizen Center and NOT at the library. For more information call 732-727-0212 ext. 5.
Over 120 people have signed up for the Adult Summer Reading Program!
Did You? If not, there is still time!
Next time you visit the library, come over to the Reference Desk and sign up. You can register until July 30th. The program runs until August 28th. Here's how it works: You read any book you want or listen to unabridged audio books. Write a brief book review on our book review forms which are available at the Reference Desk. Each review counts as an entry into our weekly prize drawing. Each review will also be entered into our Grand Prize Drawing at the end of the Summer. You can enter as many times as you would like. Read the Participation Guidelines and download and print Book Review Forms now!
Summer Children's Programming Announcements!
Back by Popular Demand!
SNAP: Special Needs Active Play! Children ages 3-8, with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and their families are invited to meet at the library. We offer games, videos and learning manipulatives! You must register to attend. Feel free to bring your favorite toys or games! Sundays in August at 2 PM. Register now! Just Added!
Piccirillo Sciencetelling: Pirates-The Curse of the Mutating Hand-A show about Liquid and Density. This demonstration is suitable for children entering grades K-6. Join us as we learn about the science of Liquid & Density by telling the tale of The Curse of the Mutating Hand. By boiling water in a paper cup, crushing a can with only water, creating a mutating hand, and exploding bottles through evaporation, see if James Dauer can stop Hendricks before it's too late! Register online beginning August 2nd.
Update!We are pleased to report that some funding for statewide library services has been restored in the state budget. We await word from the state library as to which services will be funded in the coming year. As of right now, all databases continue to be available as well as the delivery of items between libraries. Thank you to everyone that contacted legislators to fight for library funding! Your calls and letters made a difference!
August's Cool Tool of the Month: COIN Career Library! In an effort to provide library patrons with information to help them make career decisions and improve their job searches, the library is providing access to Career Library. The database is a comprehensive information resource for career and college research to help users discover which colleges and career paths are right for them. User-friendly components help researchers match their interests to occupations, education prospects, and up and coming careers, as well as access a resume builder and other career planning resources. Career Library also provides access to regularly updated preparations including GED, ACT/SAT and proficiency tests along with a comprehensive financial aid center. Find out more now!
July
July's Cool Tool of the Month: Proquest Historical Newspapers! This tool offers online access to historical newspapers that you can click through cover to cover, or search by topic, date, or article type (article, photo, comic, birth/death/marriage notice, display ad, film review, etc.). They present firsthand accounts and opinions that bring history to life. Find out more here!
Summer Children's Programming Announcements! Fish Tales and Ocean Oddballs: This fascinating show includes live animals that you can touch such as the strafish, spiney sea urchin, ancient and mysterious horseshoe crab, and the decorator crab! For children of all ages. Thursday, 7/22 at 6:00PM.
Grossology: Children entering grades 1-6 are invited to join us to learn about all things disgusting! We'll make a gross project every week! Thursdays at 1:00PM 7/29, 8/5, 8/12 & 8/19. Sorry, program is full!
The Artsy
Smartsy Club: Children entering grades 1-6 are invited to learn about the artistic styles of great painters and create their own masterpieces. Thursdays at 1:00PM 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22. Sorry, program is full!
Yummy Stories: Children ages 3-7, accompanied by a parent, are invited to join us for stories and a no-cook, make-it-yourself, story related snack! Mondays at 11AM beginning 6/28.
Terrific 2s & 3s: Join us for 30 minutes of stories, songs and a coloring page. For children ages 2 & 3 accompanied by a parent. Wednesdays at 11:00AM, beginning 6/30.
Creative Kids: Children ages 3 & up are invited to join us for a variety of fun and easy crafts. Wednesdays at 6PM beginning 6/30.
Toddler Time: Join us for stories, songs and playtime. For children ages 6 -23 months, accompanied by a caregiver. Fridays at 11AM, beginning 7/2.
Summer Reading Isn't Just For Kids Anymore! Read books or listen to audiobooks for your chance to win great prizes by registering for the Adult Summer Reading Club. Registration begins 6/20 at the Reference Desk.
The club will run from 6/27-8/28. Read the Participation Guidelines and download and print Book Review Forms now!
PLAYAWAYS have arrived! An all-in-one product, Playaway is a lightweight, compact, easy-to-use player that comes with one audiobook already downloaded. It's easy to use and portable! Just plug the earphones into the universal jack and press the Playaway button. Perfect for adults, young adults, and children. Visit the display in the Lobby! Read more about Playaways here!
June
Check out this video of NJ librarians protesting the 74% in budget cuts libraries will experience in the proposed state budget. These cuts will hault delivery services between libraries, end subscriptions to great research tools, and even close many libraries. This rally took place in Trenton on May 6th. Visit savemynjlibrary.org to contact legislaters with one click to help save library services.
The library is pleased to announce the winners of the Sayreville in Spring photography contest.
First Place: Pat Bodak
Second Place: Jahnavi Patel
Third Place: Dhaval Joshi
The library would like to thank the Friends of the Sayreville Public Library for their support in providing the prizes for the contest.
Summer Children's Programming Announcements!
Summer Reading Club DJ Dance Party!: It's the Summer Reading Club kick-off! Kids Choice DJ will keep you moving and dancing for two hours! Enjoy spin art, face painting, balloons, temporary tattoos and fresh cotton candy! Saturday, 6/19 from 11AM to 1 PM in the library parking lot. Register online beginning 6/1.
The Artsy
Smartsy Club: Children entering grades 1-6 are invited to learn about the artistic styles of great painters and create their own masterpieces. Thursdays at 1:00PM 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22. Register online beginning 6/19.
Yummy Stories: Children ages 3-7, accompanied by a parent, are invited to join us for stories and a no-cook, make-it-yourself, story related snack! Mondays at 11AM beginning 6/28.
Terrific 2s & 3s: Join us for 30 minutes of stories, songs and a coloring page. For children ages 2 & 3 accompanied by a parent. Wednesdays at 11:00AM, beginning 6/30.
Creative Kids: Children ages 3 & up are invited to join us for a variety of fun and easy crafts. Wednesdays at 6PM beginning 6/30.
Toddler Time: Join us for stories, songs and playtime. For children ages 6 -23 months, accompanied by a caregiver. Fridays at 11AM, beginning 7/2.
Summer Reading Isn't Just For Kids Anymore! Read books or listen to audiobooks for your chance to win great prizes by registering for the Adult Summer Reading Club. Registration begins 6/20 at the Reference Desk.
The club will run from 6/27-8/28. Read the Participation Guidelines and download and print Book Review Forms now!
Coming 6/7-PLAYAWAYS! An all-in-one product, Playaway is a lightweight, compact, easy-to-use player that comes with one audiobook already downloaded. It's easy to use and portable! Just plug the earphones into the universal jack and press the Playaway button. Perfect for adults, young adults, and children. Visit the display in the Lobby starting 6/7! Read more about Playaways here!
The Friends of the Library are currently accepting donations for their book sale until 6/11. They do not give letters for tax deductions. For information about donating, please visit The Friends' Blog.
Friends of the Library Summer Book Sale! Fill a bag of books for $8! You must use a bag supplied by The Friends. The sale will be held in the Library's Meeting Room on 6/13 from 1:30-3:30PM.
The Sayreville Public Library is proud to announce that Mary Gilgan is the500th subscriber to our electronic newsletter! She has won a cool MP3 audiobook! Thank you to everyone who entered this contest and enjoy your new subscription to the electronic newsletter!
May
Featured Cool Tool-Byki! Want to learn a new language without spending hundreds of dollars on expensive software or CDs? Try our new, FREE language learning tool! Byki is a powerful language-learning system that uses flashcards to teach you a set of words or phrases. It
is the fastest possible way to lock foreign words and phrases into your long-term memory. Find out more by clicking here!
The Sayreville Public Library is proud to announce that there are almost 500 subscribers to our electronic newsletter! To celebrate, lucky subscriber 500 will win a MP3 audiobook! Sign up now and have a chance at being the 500th subscriber! The winner will be announced May 27th.
Mysteries of the Library:
You will believe in magic! Come join us as Mark Zacharia talks about the most magical place on Earth...your library! Children ages 3 and up welcome. This event will take place Thursday, May 20th at 6 PM. Register by calling 732-727-0212 ext.5
Summer Teen Volunteer Program:
Teens entering grades 7-12 are invited to volunteer at the library! Beginning June 19, you will work directly under the staff of the Children's Dept. and perform a number of diverse duties.
Orientations will be held on Tuesday, June 1st at 3 PM and Thursday, June 3 at 6 PM. You must attend only one session. For more information, contact Leah at 732-727-0212, ext. 5.
"Sayreville in Spring" Photography Contest: The Sayreville Public Library and the Friends of the Sayreville Public Library invite you to participate in our second annual photography contest. Entries will be accepted from April 15th-May 15th. Copies of the rules and entry blanks are available at the Circulation Desk and also by clicking here. First Prize: $50 Best Buy Gift Card Second Prize: $25 Best Buy Gift Card Third Prize: $20 Best Buy Gift Card
For more information, contact Sharon at
(732) 727-0212 x 12 or sdalton@lmxac.org.
April
National Library Week!: The Sayreville Public Library is pulling out all the stops in celebration of National Library Week, April 11th through the 17th! Test your knowledge of all things library in our trivia contests, enter to win a new MP3 player, challenge your friends to a Super Smash Bros. Brawl match-up and get your toughest tech questions answered by our Library Technician. Find out more about the festivities now!
NEW! Yummy Stories: Children ages 3 - 7, accompanied by a parent, are invited to join us for stories and a make your own, no-cook snack! Meets Wednesdays at 6 PM.
Great Reptiles!: Joins us for an amazing night as Snakes N Scales presents an array of giant reptiles up close and personal! Children ages 3 and up will meet a 100 lb. Alligator, a 100 lb. Burmese Python and a 6 ft. Water Monitor Lizard. Younger siblings welcome. Thursday, April 22 at 6 PM. For more information, call 732-727-0212, ext. 5 or register online.
Teen Anime:
Do you love anime? Meet with other fans to view new and classic anime films and shows! A different movie will be shown each month. Cosplay dress-up optional. Snacks will be available. Saturday, April 10 at at 2PM.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl:
Join us for Super Smash Bros. Brawl for Wii. Grades 6-12 welcome. Friday, April 16 from 2:30 - 5 PM in the library meeting room. Register online or in the children's room.
Summer Teen Volunteer Program:
Teens entering grades 7-12 are invited to volunteer at the library! Beginning June 19, you will work directly under the staff of the Children's Dept. and perform a number of diverse duties.
Orientations will be held on Tuesday, June 1st at 3 PM and Thursday, June 3 at 6 PM. You must attend only one session. For more information, contact Leah at 732-727-0212, ext. 5.
"Sayreville in Spring" Photography Contest: The Sayreville Public Library and the Friends of the Sayreville Public Library invite you to participate in our second annual photography contest. Entries will be accepted from April 15th-May 15th. Copies of the rules and entry blanks are available at the Circulation Desk and also by clicking here. First Prize: $50 Best Buy Gift Card Second Prize: $25 Best Buy Gift Card Third Prize: $20 Best Buy Gift Card
For more information, contact Sharon at
(732) 727-0212 x 12 or sdalton@lmxac.org.
National Library Week Poetry Contest: Students in grades 6-12 are invited to participate in a poetry contest. Participants may choose to write a poem about what their library means to them or how the library is part of their life. Winners will win a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card! See the flyer with entry details here!
Featured Cool Tool-ListenNJ! Browse hundreds of downloadable audiobooks and e-books! Check out and download best-selling and classic titles to your PC or Mac, then transfer to a portable device such as an iPod or other MP3 player, or burn many titles to CD to enjoy anytime, anywhere. Find out more by clicking here!
March
The Library Oscars
In celebration of Oscar season, the library has put together an "electrifying" display of Best Picture Winners throughout the years. Rediscover these previous winners and visit the display in the Adult Room today!
"Sayreville in Spring" Photography Contest: The Sayreville Public Library and the Friends of the Sayreville Public Library invite you to participate in our second annual photography contest. Entries will be accepted from April 15th-May 15th. Copies of the rules and entry blanks are available at the Circulation Desk and also by clicking here. First Prize: $50 Best Buy Gift Card Second Prize: $25 Best Buy Gift Card Third Prize: $20 Best Buy Gift Card
For more information, contact Sharon at (732) 727-0212 x 12 or sdalton@lmxac.org.
Kids Around the World Program: Children in grades K-5 are invited to an evening of fun, food and games from around the world! Learn about kids in other cultures and find out why "it’s a small world after all!" This program is presented by the Sayreville Public Library Teen Advisory Board. Register online beginning February 22. This program will be held in the Meeting Room on Thursday, March 25th at 6PM.
SNAP: Join us for Special Needs Active Play! Children with special needs and their families are invited to play and socialize in an informal, fun-filled environment. Some games and manipulatives will be provided, but feel free to bring a toy, activity or DVD that your child would be willing to share. A parent or caregiver must attend with child and siblings are welcome. Ages 3-7. Sundays in March from 1-2:30 PM. Register online.
Rock Band 2 Tournament: Calling all gamers in grades 9-12 to compete in this region-wide competition. Have you and your friends mastered Rock Band 2? Then we need you to compete for Sayreville Public Library! The top scorers will move on to the 1st Annual Lib Cup Tournament to be held in April. At Lib Cup, you’ll compete for prizes for both yourself and your library! Register in the Children’s Room today! You will need a team of three players, for lead guitar, bass and drums. No Vocals. Event will take place Friday, March 19th at 3PM.
National Library Week Poetry Contest: Students in grades 6-12 are invited to participate in a poetry contest. Participants may choose to write a poem about what their library means to them or how the library is part of their life. Winners will win a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card! See the flyer with entry details here!
Sayreville Public Library will be participating in the "Pennies for Peace" campaign now until March 28, 2010. How can a penny bring peace? It can buy a pencil, start an education, and transform a life! That pencil can empower a child to read, write, and learn! Those wishing to donate, please visit the donation center in the Children's Room. Every penny helps! For more info. call 732-727-0212 ext. 5
Yoga for ASD Families: Children ages 4-12 with ASD, along with their parents and siblings, are invited to join Nicole Calvano for 45 minutes of yoga fun and relaxation. Please wear comfortable clothes, bring a yoga mat or towel and a bottle of water. For more information, call Leah at 732-727-0212, ext. 5. Register online.
Featured Cool Tool-Ferguson's Career Center: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center contains information on thousands of jobs and industries and provides invaluable advice on applying for a job, acing an interview, behaving professionally in the work environment, and more—with more than 90 sample résumés and cover letters included. You can also search and browse tens of thousands of entries on scholarships, internships, and more—as well as hundreds of new videos, on jobs, industries, and skills. Click here to begin!
February
February is...
To celebrate, check out our "Blind Date with a Book" Display in the Adult Room and go on a blind date...
with a book!
Each book is wrapped
in wrapping paper, preventing you from knowing its true identity! Take one home and be surprised. If you don't like the book, stop reading and bring it back—you won't hurt the book's feelings.
Sayreville Public Library will be participating in the "Pennies for Peace" campaign now until March 28, 2010. How can a penny bring peace? It can buy a pencil, start an education, and transform a life! That pencil can empower a child to read, write, and learn! Those wishing to donate, please visit the donation center in the Children's Room. Every penny helps! For more info. call 732-727-0212 ext. 5
Interested in free eBooks? Check out our list of websites offering free eBooks for download to your PDA, iPod and eBook Readers! Presley & Melody Rocket Ship Rock N Roll Concert: Children of all ages are invited to join library favorites Presley and Melody for an exciting, interactive music concert! Register online.
Yoga for ASD Families: Children ages 4-12 with ASD, along with their parents and siblings, are invited to join Nicole Calvano for 45 minutes of yoga fun and relaxation. Please wear comfortable clothes, bring a yoga mat or towel and a bottle of water. For more information, call Leah at 732-727-0212, ext. 5. Register online.
SNAP!: Introducing Special Needs Active Play! Children with special needs and their families are invited to play and socialize in an informal, fun-filled environment. Ages 3-7. Sundays in February from 1-2:30 PM. Visit the online calendar for more information.
Featured Cool Tool-ListenNJ: Browse hundreds of downloadable audiobooks! Check out and download best-selling and classic titles to your PC or Mac, then transfer to a portable device or burn many titles to CD to enjoy anytime, anywhere. Click here to begin!
Find the library on Facebook and Twitter! Click on the icons on the main page in the menu on the left to check us out!
New DVDs and CDs have been added to the New Items Page! Check out the newest releases, and place holds on these items from the comfort of your home: New DVDs New CDs
January
Book Donations Being Accepted as of 1/2/10: The Friends of the Library will be taking donations beginning Saturday, January 2nd until Saturday, January 9th. Please visit the Friends of the Library's blog to read about donation guidelines.
Book Sale: The Friends of the Library will be having a sale in the library meeting room on January 10th from 1:30 PM until 3:30 PM. A bag of books for $5.00! The Friends will be supplying the bags.
Find the library on Facebook and Twitter! Click on the icons in the menu on the left to check us out!
New DVDs and CDs have been added to the New Items Page! Check out the newest releases, and place holds on these items from the comfort of your home: New DVDs New CDs
Super Smash Brothers Brawl Tournaments! Calling all gamers to compete in this region-wide competition. Are you unbeatable at Super Smash Brothers Brawl? Then we need you to compete for Sayreville Public Library! The top scorers will move on to the 1st Annual Lib Cup Tournament to be held in April. At Lib Cup, you’ll compete for prizes for both yourself and your library! Register in the Children’s Room today! January 15th at 3:00PM-Grades 6-8
January 29th at 3:00PM-Grades 9-12
Children's Winter Storytime Schedule: Begins the week of January 17th. Visit the online calendar to check out programs and dates!
Sing Along with Pat: Join Pat McKinley every Tuesday beginning January 5th for 30 minutes of lively music and song. All ages, accompanied by a parent.
Kwik Krafts! A New Children's Program: Join us on Saturday, January 23rd & 30th for an easy "make and take" craft. For ages 5 & up.
SNAP! February Children's Program Addition: Introducing Special Needs Active Play! Children with special needs and their families are invited to play and socialize in an informal, fun-filled environment. Ages 3-7. Sundays in February from 1-2:30 PM. Visit the online calendar for more information.
December
Books to Keep Book Drive: Since 1990, residents of Sayreville and throughout Middlesex County have made it possible for disadvantaged children to learn the joy of reading and book ownership through their contributions to Books to Keep. Over 140,000 donated books have been distributed by the Libraries of Middlesex over the years during the holiday season and in observance of National Library Week in cooperation with 30 day care and Head Start centers, public housing facilities, soup kitchens, shelters and other agencies and organizations serving those in need. We need your help again. The library will be collecting new children’s books beginning from now through December 15. Distributions will begin in late November, so bring books in as early as possible.
Sleepytime Stories—Wednesdays in December: Children ages 3 & up, accompanied by a parent, are invited to join us for stories, songs and fingerplays. Wear your jammies and bring your favorite blanket and stuffed animal! No registration is required, but you must present a Sayreville Public Library card to attend.
No Computer Classes this month: Computer classes will return in January!
Database of the Month: In the spirit of the holiday season, this database was chosen to be featured because of its tie to families and their history. As you gather with your loved ones for the season, why not discuss your family trees and your family history? Heritagequest Online is where your online quest for genealogoical information starts!
November
Books to Keep Book Drive: Since 1990, residents of Sayreville and throughout Middlesex County have made it possible for disadvantaged children to learn the joy of reading and book ownership through their contributions to Books to Keep. Over 140,000 donated books have been distributed by the Libraries of Middlesex over the years during the holiday season and in observance of National Library Week in cooperation with 30 day care and Head Start centers, public housing facilities, soup kitchens, shelters and other agencies and organizations serving those in need. We need your help again. The library will be collecting new children’s books beginning from now through December 15. Distributions will begin in late November, so bring books in as early as possible.
Children's Programming Changes: Please note that Book Babies has now been combined with Toddler Time on Fridays at 11:00 AM starting in November. In addition to this, Yoga Kids has been cancelled indefinitely. See the online calendar for complete programming details!
November Database of the Month: Need to improve your SAT score? Want to prepare for the U.S. Citizenship test? LearningExpress Library will help prepare you for the most important exams and certifications of your lives!
October
Chilifresh Reviews Now in the Catalog!: Read about Chilifresh, the latest feature just added to the catalog where you can read and write reviews of books, movies and music. LMxAC Libraries are the first libraries in New Jersey to offer this feature to their patrons!
Member libraries of LMxAC are encouraging readers to add their personal reviews to the online iBistro catalog. Have you ever searched an online bookseller and read the user reviews? If so, you will enjoy this newest enhancement that adds an element of social interaction to the online library catalog. Reader reviews are moderated by the library automation system so that there is no risk of inappropriate content being displayed. Most importantly, ChiliFresh won’t slow your computer down.
ChiliFresh Reviews has library patrons reading and writing reviews through library online public access catalogs in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Once you search for a title, author or subject in the iBistro catalog you will be given the opportunity to either write a review or read posted reviews. As with other types of review sources, each review is ranked by the number of stars. Reviews can be sorted by most useful (based on reader’s reactions to the reviews), newest, oldest, highest-ranking and lowest-ranking review. Those browsing the online catalog can even read reviews of other titles by the same reviewer.
ChiliFresh gives library customers an easy way to interact with the online iBistro catalog and collaborate with each other. If you want to write a review, LMxAC requests that you limit your comments to the title you are reviewing and that you do not use what are commonly referred to as 'swear' words. LMxAC staff moderates the reviews and if your review does not meet the above conditions they will return it to you via email. Reviewers will be asked for their email address, but that is ONLY collected to maintain a unique record for each reviewer. The privacy and security of reviewers will not be in jeopardy.
So if your library is an LMxAC member and you are looking for a book that you can’t put down, just finished a selection that you absolutely loved, or want to warn others that a new release is not all you expected it to be, simply go to your library’s online catalog and join our readers’ forum. Book lovers are looking forward to reading your reviews!
LMxAC membership includes libraries in Carteret, Dunellen, Edison, Jamesburg, Kenilworth, Long Branch, Manville, Matawan-Aberdeen, Metuchen, Middlesex, Middlesex County College, Milltown, Monroe, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, Old Bridge, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Plainfield, Plainsboro, Red Bank, Roselle, Roselle Park, Sayreville, Somerville, South Brunswick, South River and Spotswood.
Fall Children's Programming Schedule: Beginning September 21st, the fall storytime schedule and programming will begin again in the Children's Department!
No registration is required. See the online calendar for program details! Also note that Yoga Kids has been cancelled indefinitely. October Database of the Month: Need to improve your SAT score? Want to prepare for the U.S. Citizenship test? LearningExpress Library will help prepare you for the most important exams and certifications of your lives!
September
Get the Smartest Card @ Your Library:Help celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month by making sure you and your family have library cards!
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium wants to make sure that residents of all ages in their communities have the smartest card of all – a library card.
Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.
“A library card has always been the most important school supply of all,” says James Keehbler, Director at Piscataway Public Library. “Kids can come to the library to get homework help and check out books, but they can also check out free music and movies and use the Internet to make afterschool life a little more fun.” There’s a lot happening at LMxAC member public libraries in Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset and Union counties and the best part for both kids and parents is that most of it is free with a library card.
Of course, library cards aren’t just for kids. A recent poll by the American Library Association shows that adults agree; libraries continued to experience a dramatic increase in library card registration last year. In fact, 68 percent of American adults have a library card. Now more than ever, people of all ages are turning to their libraries for reliable financial information, free computer access, and of course, books, movies, audiobooks, CDs, and downloadable media. In July, LMxAC libraries collectively registered over 6,000 new library card holders!
LMxAC currently consists of public libraries in Dunellen, Edison, Jamesburg, Kenilworth, Long Branch, Manville, Matawan-Aberdeen, Metuchen, Middlesex, Milltown, Monroe, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, Old Bridge, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Plainfield, Plainsboro, Red Bank, Roselle, Roselle Park, Sayreville, Somerville, South Brunswick, South River and Spotswood and Middlesex County College. Carteret Public Library has recently joined LMxAC and will be online this fall.
Libraries Invite People To “Listen up!”: Read below about ListenNJ, a free service for library users to download audiobooks online!
Andrea Londensky, of the South River Library, describes it as “a way of life.” Other users apply terms like “convenient,” “easy” and “addictive.” And for library patrons throughout the 28 members of the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium (LMxAC) it’s free.
It is the online access to audiobooks, ListenNJ.com, which brings free audiobook downloads directly to the reader (or listener) via any Internet connection. Launched in 2003 as a project of INFOLINK and the Central Jersey Regional Library Cooperative, ListenNJ offers over 4800 audio selections, including the latest from Janet Evanovich, Finger Lickin’ Fifteen, as well as Guillermo del Toro’s The Strain and Nora Roberts’ Black Hills.
53 libraries in central NJ are participants in ListenNJ. LMxAC member libraries were charter members of ListenNJ and have added all ListenNJ titles to their shared online library catalog. So finding an audiobook to download is as easy as searching for a book on the shelves.
Joan Henry, director of the Dunellen Library, which joined LMxAC in 2007, reflects, “As a small library in a small community, we could never have afforded ListenNJ on our own. But membership in the consortium has the additional perk of giving our users access to ListenNJ, and they are really enjoying it.” Usage at Dunellen has increased 65% over the past year. That might be impressive, but Keith McCoy, director at Roselle Public Library, reports the even more astounding fact that usage had increased 255% at his library!
From January to July 2008, 6241 titles were checked out by LMxAC libraries using ListenNJ; in the same time in 2009, activity increased by over 47%, to 9176 titles. Some of this spike in use can be attributed to the introduction of iPod-compatible downloads. Cheryl O’Connor, Executive Director of INFOLINK, explains, “This is what our customers have been waiting for – the ability to transfer audiobook downloads to iPods, iPhones, and other smart phones, as well as to the standard mp3 player.”
Listeners can play the downloaded audiobooks on their iPod, iPhone, or mp3 player and the ListenNJ audiobooks can also be burned to discs, copied to a computer or a laptop hard drive for ten days. When using ListenNJ, listeners are required to agree to specific terms of use and once the lending period expires, the expired title is deleted from the PC. “ListenNJ titles circulate for 10 days at a time and may not be renewed’ noted Eileen Palmer, Executive Director of LMxAC. “Once you become addicted, like I am, you listen all the time in your car.”
And to make listening in the car use even easier, Palmer now accesses her downloaded audiobooks via her mp3 player and a digital FM transmitter. “My audioLbooks play out of my car radio,” she confirms. Digital FM transmitters for MP3 players are available at most electronic stores for a modest price and are easy to install and use.
Library customers also love the fact that ListenNJ is available 24/7 via any Internet connection. “Our commuters are big users,” explains Ingrid Bruck, director of the Long Branch Public Library. “And they don’t need to worry about getting to the library before we close. ListenNJ selections can be downloaded anytime they want from our library’s website plus they don’t need to be returned to the library as they are automatically deleted after 10 days.”
Other big users are students covering required reading. “Somehow students find Shakespeare a little easier to digest when they can listen to Hamlet on an iPod,” jokes YA librarian, Mary Piekarski from Piscataway Public Library. And ListenNJ has the goods on required reading, everything from Brave New World and Fahrenheit 451 to In Cold Blood and classical literature such as Wuthering Heights. But there are also titles that teens and ‘tweens lap up, like the Gossip Girls series and the Gallagher Girls series.
What are the most popular titles for patrons of LMxAC libraries? A surprising mix of fiction and nonfiction including: The Four hour work week, 25 things to say to the interviewer to get the job you want; Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers, and Stephanie Meyer’s New Moon and Eclipse.
“Traffic jams are a little more tolerable now,” admits McCoy, from Roselle Library. And Londensky from South River says “I couldn’t live without it!”
All you need is a library card so stop by your local library and pick one up! ListenNJ has 4800 books you might like to listen to.
LMxAC member libraries include: Dunellen, Edison, Jamesburg, Kenilworth, Long Branch, Manville, Matawan-Aberdeen, Metuchen, Middlesex, Middlesex County Community College, Milltown, Monroe, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, Old Bridge, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Plainfield, Plainsboro, Red Bank, Roselle, Roselle Park, Sayreville, Somerville, South Brunswick, South River and Spotswood. Find their websites at: www.lmxac.org/lmx/member.html. Carteret Public Library has recently joined LMxAC and will be online this fall.
Want to get started? Explore ListenNJ now! Contact a librarian to help you set up an account and begin downloading some great audiobooks...for free!
Sayreville Day at Kennedy Park: Come visit us at the Sayreville Public Library booth at Sayreville Day on Sunday, September 13th, from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Ask a staff member at the booth how you can win a prize by visiting the library anytime in September! We also will have cool giveaways and temporary tattoos for everyone that visits us!
Friends of the Library Book Donations & Sale: The Friends will accept donations for our book sale starting August 30th until September 11th. Please see the Friends of the Library web page for our donation guidelines. We do not give letters for tax deductions. The sale will be at the Friends of the Library booth at Sayreville Day on Sunday, September 13th, from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM in Kennedy Park. Fill a bag of books for $5.00! SALE IS NOW OVER. The next sale is January 10, 2010 from 1:30PM-3:30PM.
Fall Children's Programming Schedule: Beginning September 21st, the fall storytime schedule and programming will begin again in the Children's Department!
No registration is required. See the online calendar for program details!
NJCH Award: We are pleased to announce that the Sayreville Public Library has been awarded a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, in support of a family program entitled, Abe Lincoln in Person. This educational offering, which takes place on Saturday, October 10th at 11:00 AM will give children and their families insight into the personality and life of our 16th president. Registration begins September 14th. PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED.
August
NJCH Award: We are pleased to announce that the Sayreville Public Library has been awarded a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, in support of a family program entitled, Abe Lincoln in Person. This educational offering, which takes place on Saturday, October 10th at 11:00 AM will give children and their families insight into the personality and life of our 16th president. Registration begins September 7th. PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED.
Friends of the Library Book Donations: The Friends will accept donations for our book sale starting August 30th until September 11th. Please see the Friendsof the Library web page for our donation guidelines. We do not give letters for tax deductions. DONATION DRIVE IS NOW OVER. Donations will begin to be accepted again January 2nd until Jnauary 9th of 2010.
Adopt-a-Book to memorialize a loved one or honor an important event in someone's life! Find out more by reading the online brochure.
Creative Writing Contest: Attention students in grades 4-8! If you enjoy creative writing, this is the contest for you! Read the contest rules and print out an entry form here! CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. Database of the Summer: Novelist! Find the best beach reads!
June/July
Congratulations to Madeline Tanchingco, the winner of the "Design the New Children's Library Card" Contest! Check out the new card!
