Thursday, September 29, 2011

Two New Tech Features!

One of our brilliant Computer Tech Assistants, Curtis, has been hard at work on two recent assignments that were launched this week. 

First, is a monitor set up at the Circulation desk which runs a powerpoint presentation announcing our upcoming programs, special events, and library announcements.  This monitor is mounted in a central location so that both patrons checking in or out at the desk, and those passing through can see it.  (Thanks to my dad who did the mounting of the monitor!)

Second, is a wonderful new feature on our website to let patrons know about our newest acquisitions.  If you go to our homepage: http://www.matawanaberdeenlibrary.com/, you will see a blue box in the center of the page that says "New Books @ MAPL."  When you click on this box, you are brought to a page that shows you our newest materials including adult fiction, adult nonfiction, children's books, teen books, and audiobooks.  There is a picture of the cover, a brief description, and bibliographic information for each book, as well as the date published.  This is a feature that is not found on most libraries' websites!

Thank you to Curtis for implementing these innovations here at MAPL!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Homework a struggle? We can help!

Has that homework started piling up already?  Keep in mind that your library can help! 

MAPL offers free access to Tutor.com,  a wonderful online tutoring service for students in grades K-12 (and college students and adult learners as well!).  Students with a homework question can sign in with their MAPL library cards and ask for grade-specific and subject-specific help in a live chat with a professional tutor everyday between the hours of 2pm and 10pm. 

If you are a parent, teacher, or care-giver and would like to learn more about this service, we will be providing an introduction to Tutor.com on Tuesday, September 27th, from 6:30-7:30pm here at the library.  To register, please contact Jill at 732-583-9100 or jstafford@lmxac.org.

If you'd like to jump right into Tutor.com, go to our website (http://www.matawanaberdeenlibrary.com/), click on the icon labeled "Electronic Resources" on the left, then scroll to Tutor.com in the list.

Happy Homework!

Friday, September 2, 2011

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month!

Why should you (and everyone you know) get a library card?
  • At MAPL alone, there are over 70,000 physical items (books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, MP3s, etc.) available to be borrowed.  Because we belong to the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium, if we don't have what you're looking for, we can borrow the material from one of 27 other libraries.  If none of those libraries have it, we can do a state-wide search!
  • From our website, you can download music, audiobooks, and eBooks.  http://www.matawanaberdeenlibrary.com/  You can learn a language, get help writing a resume, connect with an online tutor, research everything from financial ratings to Matawan/Aberdeen history, and access our amazing list of online resources.  http://www.lmxac.org/mata/resources.html
  • You can attend our incredible programs for babies, children, 'tweens, teens, or adults!  (Registration AND a library card is required for many of our programs -- space is limited!)
With a valid library card, all of the above are FREE!  So, stop in this month and get a card -- tell your neighbors and your friends, bring your family along!  Here at MAPL, we will be holding raffles for new card holders during the month of September, so on top of all the amazing benefits, you could also win a prize! 

If you are a Matawan or Aberdeen tax payer, all you need is a driver's license or other ID (school ID, utility bill, etc.) and about 5 minutes.  Hope to see you soon!