It's really hard to believe that this year's summer reading program is half over already, but we celebrated that milestone in style this year with our family fun program last Friday! Thank you to the more than 200 people who attended, and to everyone who pitched in to make it such a success!
Chrissie, our Youth Services Librarian, organized several fantastic activities throughout the building: crafts in the reference area, tie-dying outside, and caricatures by Gina in the AV area. The Friends of the Library were busy giving out ice cream and Italian ices in the basement, and our teen volunteers helped out all over the place. There were also lots of prizes up for grabs!
From my spot at the circulation desk, I could see our patrons as they were coming in the door (and coming and coming) -- it was such a fun event for the kids, but I saw quite a few adults having a good time as well! Hope you'll join us for Finisher's Day on August 12, from 10am-1pm -- we're hoping to bring Gina back for more caricatures and there will definitely be more prizes!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
MAPL: 21st Century Library
I attended a statewide conference yesterday regarding eBooks that was very informative, and quite motivating. While we are not quite ready to take the plunge into lending eReaders just yet (there is A LOT to consider and policy to be written, etc. before we can proceed with that), we do offer downloads of eBooks and audiobooks from ListenNJ (just visit our website for more details).
Those of you who have smart phones are familiar with QR codes and probably use them regularly to add contacts to your address book, look up products, or find locations. The library has posted a QR code on our front door and on the information board next to our circulation desk for those smart phone users looking to gain immediate access to our website (and all the amazing information that can be found there).
Freegal Music is finally here! If you visit our website on Monday, July 18, you'll notice a banner announcing our new service: Freegal Music!
Freegal is a downloadable music service which provides access to the catalog of artists in Sony Music Entertainment. There are roughly 500,000 songs, from 27,000 different artists, and 50,000 albums. Over 120 genres of music are covered. Our cardholders are able to download up to three songs per week for FREE (starting on Monday). Freegal works with any MP3 device, including the iPod. Downloads use the MP3 format and are not restricted by digital rights management (DRM) which means the patron retains access to the music which becomes part of their personal collection. We are SO excited to offer Freegal to our patrons!!! Freegal is very simple to use, but if you have any questions, please give us a call or stop by the library.
More technology news coming soon, but until then, you can like us on Facebook http://on.fb.me/np9XI3, you can follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/m_apublib, and you can check out all of the electronic resources on our website http://www.lmxac.org/mata/resources.html.
Those of you who have smart phones are familiar with QR codes and probably use them regularly to add contacts to your address book, look up products, or find locations. The library has posted a QR code on our front door and on the information board next to our circulation desk for those smart phone users looking to gain immediate access to our website (and all the amazing information that can be found there).
Freegal Music is finally here! If you visit our website on Monday, July 18, you'll notice a banner announcing our new service: Freegal Music!
Freegal is a downloadable music service which provides access to the catalog of artists in Sony Music Entertainment. There are roughly 500,000 songs, from 27,000 different artists, and 50,000 albums. Over 120 genres of music are covered. Our cardholders are able to download up to three songs per week for FREE (starting on Monday). Freegal works with any MP3 device, including the iPod. Downloads use the MP3 format and are not restricted by digital rights management (DRM) which means the patron retains access to the music which becomes part of their personal collection. We are SO excited to offer Freegal to our patrons!!! Freegal is very simple to use, but if you have any questions, please give us a call or stop by the library.
More technology news coming soon, but until then, you can like us on Facebook http://on.fb.me/np9XI3, you can follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/m_apublib, and you can check out all of the electronic resources on our website http://www.lmxac.org/mata/resources.html.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Sometimes the little things mean a lot.
While you may have noticed some of our recent BIG changes (the Teen Place, installed in June, or the new DVD shelving, installed in October), you may have missed some of the smaller things...
We recently installed baby changing stations in both the men's and women's restrooms. This may not be a big deal to many of you, but if you've ever tried to change the diaper of a squirming, crying toddler without the benefit of a changing table (as, unfortunately, I have!) you know the value of these new additions. [In both restrooms, the tables can be found inside the bathroom stalls.]
Although we don't have a little sign to advertise it just yet, we have installed a book return slot at the circulation desk. Now, instead of waiting in line to hand in your materials, you can simply walk to the end of the desk and insert them in the book return. (If you owe us late fines, we can settle up on your next trip if you're in a hurry!)
You may have noticed new signs in the parking lot regarding towing. We are seriously enforcing the rules stated on the signs and it seems that our actual library patrons are not having as much trouble finding a spot!
On the Adult Services desk, you will find a large, red suggestion box. We hope that you will use it to express your thoughts about our library -- tell us what we're doing right, and what we're doing wrong. If you'd like to discuss an issue with me, please feel free to stop by and do so. I welcome your suggestions and your comments!
We recently installed baby changing stations in both the men's and women's restrooms. This may not be a big deal to many of you, but if you've ever tried to change the diaper of a squirming, crying toddler without the benefit of a changing table (as, unfortunately, I have!) you know the value of these new additions. [In both restrooms, the tables can be found inside the bathroom stalls.]
Although we don't have a little sign to advertise it just yet, we have installed a book return slot at the circulation desk. Now, instead of waiting in line to hand in your materials, you can simply walk to the end of the desk and insert them in the book return. (If you owe us late fines, we can settle up on your next trip if you're in a hurry!)
You may have noticed new signs in the parking lot regarding towing. We are seriously enforcing the rules stated on the signs and it seems that our actual library patrons are not having as much trouble finding a spot!
On the Adult Services desk, you will find a large, red suggestion box. We hope that you will use it to express your thoughts about our library -- tell us what we're doing right, and what we're doing wrong. If you'd like to discuss an issue with me, please feel free to stop by and do so. I welcome your suggestions and your comments!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Thank you, Kathleen!
Kathleen Eovino served as the school superintendent's representative on the Library's Board of Trustees for more than 20 years! She retired from the school district in 2010, after being the librarian in the high school for much of her long career, and we celebrated her final library board meeting on June 8th. On Monday, I attended a school board meeting where Kathleen was recognized for her service to the school district and to the public library. On behalf of the library staff, I wanted to also thank Kathleen for her many years on the board. Although I haven't known her for very long, I certainly appreciate her contributions, and can honestly say that she will be missed.
Taking over Kathleen's spot on the board is Zach Gross, the new high school librarian. Zach's first meeting will be on July 13th, and I look forward to working with him.
Taking over Kathleen's spot on the board is Zach Gross, the new high school librarian. Zach's first meeting will be on July 13th, and I look forward to working with him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)