Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Dogs at the Library?

No, MAPL has not gone to the dogs, BUT the dogs will be coming to us!  On Saturday, April 30, at 11am, we will be hosting a different kind of program: about therapy dogs.  We are partnering with the Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs organization to bring in several owners (with their dogs) to talk about what it takes to become a therapy dog, what kinds of uses therapy dogs have, and to hear about each individual's own experiences.  There will be time for Q & A and to meet our four-legged guests, as well.  This is an all-ages program, and there is currently still space available -- just stop by or call to register. 

The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. can be found on the internet at http://www.golden-dogs.org/.  They are a non-profit organization and the participants in Saturday's program are all volunteers.  We thank them (in advance) for their time -- and we look forward to seeing you there!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

National Library Week PSA AND Literacy Programs of New Jersey!

First, the filming of our National Library Week PSA went very well and, thanks to Curtis Clark, our filmographer/producer/director/editor, the finished product is fantastic!  Thanks to all who participated!  Here's the link to the PSA on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7_MIRlHe9g&feature=youtube_gdata_player.  You can also get to it from our website. 

Second, the MAPL staff has formed a team to participate in the Taking Steps for Literacy Walk, sponsored by Literacy Programs of New Jersey.  The walk will take place at Middlesex County College on Sunday, May 1st and our team has set a goal of $500.  So far, we've raised $200!  With only two weeks left, we ask you to stop by the library with your loose change or visit the walk's website to contribute: http://www.literacywalk.org/.

The mission of Literacy Programs of New Jersey (LPNJ) is to enable adult, native speakers of English, and those whose native language is not English, to acquire the necessary basic skills in reading, speaking, and writing English, thereby empowering them to participate more fully in the daily tasks of family, school, job, and community.

According to a report issued in January 2009 by the National Center for Education  Statistics, New Jersey ties for the sixth-worst illiteracy rate in the nation -- a shocking 17%!

Please help the cause if you can.  The MAPL team will be proudly supporting LPNJ on May 1st and we would like to reach our goal before that date.  Thank you! 

Monday, April 11, 2011

Help Us Celebrate National Library Week!

This year, MAPL is embarking on a special project to celebrate -- we're creating a public service announcement featuring our library patrons and staff that will be posted on YouTube, and will hopefully be shown on the local TV station, as well.  We're asking participants to answer a simple question: "Why is your library important to you?"  Curtis, one of our fabulous Computer Tech Assistants, will be filming on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week (ask a staff member at the Adult Services desk for times and locations) and then on Saturday, April 16, at 1pm we will premiere the PSA in our meeting room.  Everyone is invited to attend, whether you've been filmed or not!

Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 12, is National Library Workers' Day, so feel free to stop by and let the MAPL staff know that they are appreciated!

 

Monday, April 4, 2011

The Woman's Club of Matawan Celebrates 95 years!

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of attending The Woman's Club's 95th anniversary celebration at their lovely clubhouse on Jackson Street. 

Ladies from the Matawan Club and Women's Club representatives from all over the state gathered to listen to the long history of accomplishments that have been achieved since the federation of the local club in 1916.  The club recognized three local organizations, including MAPL, and donated $95 to the library for the purchase of books in honor of their 95 years.  To wrap up the afternoon's festivities, member Ruth Alt, made an informative and animated presentation about the Matawan shark attacks of 1916. 

Some interesting facts that you may not know:

The General Federation of Women's Clubs, founded in 1890, established 75% of the libraries in America!  More recently, they fulfilled the commitment made at the Presidents' Summit for America's Future by donating $12.5 million in books and materials to public and school libraries.

Locally, the Matawan Club founded the PTA, started the Public Health Association, and worked to establish the current library. 

MAPL has worked with the Woman's Club for many years to display their wishing tree in December.  The club's members make ornaments to adorn the tree, then ask for donations of books for the library at the Clinton Street after-school program.  In exchange for a donation, library patrons can take home an ornament.  We hope to continue this tradition for years to come and possibly work with the Club on other projects.

It was truly a treat to be in the company of so many industrious, caring women today.  They are wonderful role models for this community's young people, and it was an honor to be part of their celebration.

For more information about the Woman's Club of Matawan, you can call (732) 290-3169.