There is an area of the collection that we are currently evaluating and would like to expand, but we are in need of some assistance: World Languages!
At the moment, we have small collections of Spanish, Russian, and Chinese books, and a few books in other languages (mostly dictionaries and how-to-learn books) here and there. We have a small, but growing, collection of foreign films, and we have a collection of tapes and CDs to help one learn a language (or to help non-English speakers learn English).
In the Children's room, we have a good-sized collection of books in Spanish that includes board books and picture books, both fiction and nonfiction. Also in Children's, we have a collection of books to help kids learn a second language like Spanish, French, Japanese, and many others.
We are going to be adding several Spanish-language magazines to our library's collection.
We offer two Spanish-language databases on our website: Referencia Latina and Salud en Espanol, and several of our other electronic resources can be translated into Spanish (Compton's Encyclopedia for Children, and Tutor.com, for example).
We also offer an online service called Mango Languages, that allows MAPL cardholders to choose from sixteen different languages (or English as a second language) and learn through online tutorials. This service is FREE and can be accessed from any computer with a valid MAPL card. Contact our Adult Services staff for more information!
Back to the original plea for help: We would like to add to our world languages collection -- books, CDs, DVDs -- but we'd like to hear from our patrons about which languages (and which subjects within those languages) most interest you. It's easy to look at the census data to determine the Matawan-Aberdeen demographic, and we will take that information into account, but it would also be wonderful to hear from you -- our patrons -- and consider your feedback when making purchasing decisions.
So, if you would like to see another language represented, expansion of what we already offer, or if you have comments about the collections already existing here, please take a moment to e-mail me at kpaone@lmxac.org, give me a call at 732-583-9100, or stop by! Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Staff Appreciation -- A Request
MAPL has been quite the summer destination this year and this can be seen on a daily basis as people of all ages queue up to check out or return books, browse the shelves, use computers, or fill up the downstairs area to attend programs. At this point, the summer reading programs are starting to wind down (only a week and a half to go!) and I know my staff is probably looking forward to those last couple of weeks of August when things will get a little quieter around here. Let me tell you, they deserve some quiet.
The MAPL staff (and our fine teen volunteers!) have been moving full-speed-ahead for many weeks -- first preparing for, then jumping into, the summer reading program. Every staff member has given their all -- from those planning, setting up, conducting, and cleaning up after programs, to those checking out all of those books, shelving what's returned, and making new library cards -- on top of the usual day-to-day business of the library. It really is hard work.
So, here is my request: while I try my best to let the staff at MAPL know that their hard work is appreciated, it is extra special when we hear it from the patrons we serve. The next time you or your child is thrilled by one of our programs, take the time to let us know. The next time one of our librarians finds you just the right book, or the information you are seeking, give them the thanks they are due. We have a suggestion box in the adult services department for your comments, or you can always send me a quick e-mail: kpaone@lmxac.org. But a simple "Thanks!" to that person who made your day a little better is great, too.
[To those of you who have come to me recently to compliment our staff members and our library, thank YOU. You are the inspiration for this blog post -- we so appreciate your input.]
The MAPL staff (and our fine teen volunteers!) have been moving full-speed-ahead for many weeks -- first preparing for, then jumping into, the summer reading program. Every staff member has given their all -- from those planning, setting up, conducting, and cleaning up after programs, to those checking out all of those books, shelving what's returned, and making new library cards -- on top of the usual day-to-day business of the library. It really is hard work.
So, here is my request: while I try my best to let the staff at MAPL know that their hard work is appreciated, it is extra special when we hear it from the patrons we serve. The next time you or your child is thrilled by one of our programs, take the time to let us know. The next time one of our librarians finds you just the right book, or the information you are seeking, give them the thanks they are due. We have a suggestion box in the adult services department for your comments, or you can always send me a quick e-mail: kpaone@lmxac.org. But a simple "Thanks!" to that person who made your day a little better is great, too.
[To those of you who have come to me recently to compliment our staff members and our library, thank YOU. You are the inspiration for this blog post -- we so appreciate your input.]
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