Happy Holidays!

I have been absent from blogging for awhile - my apologies.  It seems that after the storm, the rest of the year just sped by!  One of my resolutions for 2013 is to return to regular blog posting, so you can look to see something from me at least once a month.  I will have updates on our basement renovation,  as well as announcements about other library activities, and we will be launching a new website very soon, so I'll provide details about that as well.

I want to wish you the happiest of holidays, and all the best in the new year.  We look forward to seeing you at the library.

Kimberly and the MAPL Staff

Congratulations, Nook winner!

We had beautiful weather for the Matawan Day festivities on Saturday, and the crowds were out in force!  We had 326 raffle participants in all, but the lucky winner of the Nook Glowlight eReader was Laura Gomez.  Congratulations, Laura!

Thank you to our Rutgers Intern, Liz, and to our Friends volunteers, Eileen and Susan, who helped staff our Matawan Day table.  And special thanks to the Friends of the Library for funding the Nook giveaway!

Let's Catch Up!

Well, September was a VERY busy month getting ready for our renovation project -- and I didn't get a single blog post up...  so I thought I'd take a little time to regroup before we get too far into October. 

First, congratulations to Susan Rusciano who won the Nook Glowlight eReader that we raffled off at Aberdeen Day!  Our very generous Friends of the Library donated the prize, and will do the same for Matawan Day on October 13th, so come see us at the Library's table and sign up (FREE) for your chance to win!

Congratulations, also, to Kelly Ann Traynor who won the Nook we gave away as part of our promotion to celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month in September.  All new patrons who applied for a card in September were entered, and Kelly was the lucky winner!

Remember, if you need assistance with your eReader, stop by the Library on Saturdays between 2 and 3pm for eReader Hour!  Skyler will show you what you need to know either on your device or ours.

Some very exciting news has come from LMxAC, the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium (of which we are a member) -- a new library app called LMxPRESS is now available for download to your smartphone or tablet!  With LMxPRESS you can search our collection, place holds, renew items, check the status of items and seamlessly access eLibraryNJ to download eBooks and eAudiobooks.

Download LMxPRESS by searching for LMxPRESS at your mobile device's App Store or pointing your mobile browser to lmxac.boopsie.com.  LMxPRESS is provided at no cost to library users.  This project is sponsored by our Library  and the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium.  Some funding for this project has been provided by LibraryLinkNJ.  LibraryLinkNJ and its services are funded by the New Jersey State Library, which is responsible for the coordination, promotion and funding of the New Jersey Library Network.

As I mentioned above, a good portion of September was spent getting the basement ready for our big renovation -- that will hopefully be getting underway very soon.  I have been fielding many questions regarding the project, so I thought I'd include some FAQ here:

Q: What exactly is going to be done?

A:  We are doubling our meeting room space in the basement, with a moveable partition which will allow for two concurrent programs or one large program to take place.  There will be a dedicated area for the Friends of the library, a staff area, and a bathroom.  On the main floor, we will be expanding our offices to create additional work space, and a private office for our bookkeeper.

Q: When will the work begin?

A:  We hope that construction will begin in early October.

Q:  What about all of the programs that normally take place in the meeting room?

While some programs, like storytime and movies, have had to be put on hiatus, all of our clubs have been relocated temporarily to various locations throughout the community.  See our events calendar on our website or call the library for more details.  The Children’s Department will be making every effort to offer drop-in programs whenever possible during the renovation, and our Friday night after-hours programs will continue uninterrupted.

Q: Will the library be closing down due to the renovation?

A:  We are not anticipating any closures at this time and hope to remain open throughout the renovation process, although we will have to make decisions based on the safety and comfort of patrons and staff as the project progresses.

Q:  When will the renovations be complete?

A:  Until the project is underway, we will not know for sure, but we are hoping the project will be complete sometime in February 2013.

Q:  What if someone has more questions, would like more information, or has concerns?

A:  I welcome your inquiries!  I can be reached most days during business hours at the library at 732-583-9100 or anytime at kpaone@lmxac.org.  I will also be holding an Open House at the library on Wednesday, October 24, from 10am-6pm, at which time, I will be answering questions, and the project plans will be displayed for interested parties to peruse. 

Our basement had become a catch-all storage area that was in serious need of cleaning up, cleaning out and organizing, so if you visited the Library in the last couple of weeks, you probably saw me covered in dust and looking more than a little tired.  But now that it's all done and we're ready for the next step downstairs, it was certainly worth it. 

I had wonderful helpers that I'd like to acknowledge here:

First and foremost, I couldn't have completed the job without the help of Amber Brisco and John Alston -- two of our library pages.  They worked VERY hard, without complaint, showed up whenever I needed them, and it's just amazing what they were able to accomplish.  When we needed some extra hands, they called in some friends (thank you, Lauren, Juan, and Anthony!) and just went above and beyond. 

Chrissie McGovern and Linda Schroeder from our Youth Services department should also be recognized here -- they spent countless hours sorting and organizing and cleaning out the Children's storage closet, which was no easy task.  They made life a lot easier for me -- when it was time to load the storage Pod in the back, all of the Children's items were neatly boxed and bagged and ready to go. 

And thanks to Bob Drake, our custodian, who was very patient with me and all of my millions of notes and instructions.

One pivotal Sunday afternoon, I called in my husband, Brian, and one of our reference librarians, Jeanette, recruited her husband, Rob, and they were an amazing help as well.

A big thanks also goes out to Tom Falco and Derek Sobin from Aberdeen Township, Jim Colabelli from the Aberdeen Rec Department, volunteer Kristopher Costa, Mark from Computers for Kids of America, Julius Kish from the Matawan Historical Society, Mark from Future Sanitation, and Jules from the Manna House.  All of these fine folks helped out in one way or another by transporting materials, providing a helping hand, or finding a home for items we could no longer use.

Thanks, too, to the entire staff -- whose routine was interrupted for those couple of weeks...  They often had to track me down downstairs or outside or in the attic. 

I hope that I'm not forgetting anyone here -- please know that I appreciate everyone's efforts!!!

I think that's all the catching up time I have for now.  If you made it through this very long message, I thank you.  I look forward to seeing you sometime soon -- maybe at the Open House on 10/24!

Read! Build! Play!

LEGO^® DUPLO^® and the Association for Library Services To Children (ALSC) have joined hands to celebrate and support local libraries. The most nominated library in the "Read! Build! Play!" project receives $5,000 for books and supplies. The top 200 libraries receive a special LEGO DUPLO Read! Build! Play! toolkit chock full of cutting edge, early literacy programming that combines preschool books with a versatile collection of DUPLO bricks.

Please nominate our library by going to http://www.readbuildplay.com/index.cfm.  Select New Jersey, Matawan, and MAPL to complete your nomination.  You may nominate once a day through October 1, 2012.  Currently, we are #33 in the standings -- please help us stay in the top!

Thank you!

Congratulations, Dennis!

Dennis Kuhn, one of our amazing library assistants, has just been honored by the Monmouth Librarians' Association with a substantial grant to assist him with funding his studies.  Dennis is currently working on his MLIS through an online program while also working here at MAPL and at the Old Bridge Public Library.  The MAPL staff and I are so proud of Dennis' accomplishments and wish him the best in his studies -- we would just like him to go VERY slowly, so that he doesn't get his degree TOO soon (we don't want to lose him!).  : ) Congratulations, Dennis!

Museum Passes Are Here!

The Friends of the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library have provided us with the funds to purchase museum passes that can now be borrowed by our patrons!  Passes are available to Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ, the Guggenheim Museum, Children's Museum of Manhattan, and the Natural History Museum in New York City.  Information about the passes, how to reserve a pass, and details about museum hours, etc. can be found at http://www.lmxac.org/mata/museumpass.html or by clicking on the link on our website (NEW!  MUSEUM PASS PROGRAM).  Staff members would be happy to assist, as well.  Our thanks to the Friends of the Library for making this wonderful program possible!  Please take advantage of these passes and tell your friends and family -- all you need is a Matawan Aberdeen Public Library card. 

MAPL Survey Results

Thanks once again to all of you who took the time to complete our survey, either online or on paper.  It is through your input that we can continue to improve our programs, materials and services.  Here are some of the results:

• 520 people completed the survey -- 81 online and 439 on paper
• In the last 12 months, 88.8% of respondents borrowed books or other materials, 40.5% attended a program,  52.3% requested a book from another library, and 47.7% visited the library's website or used our databases.
• 87.9% of respondents reported that they are "very satisfied" with library service, 4.9% are "somewhat satisfied," 7.0% are "satisfied," and 0.2% are "somewhat dissatisfied."
• 73.5% of respondents are female, 26.5% are male.
• 40.6% of respondents are in the 40-59 age bracket, 26.2% are in the 60+ group, 24.3% are in the 20-39 range, 4.6% are 13-19, and 4.4% are under 12.
• 249 respondents signed up to receive our e-newsletter.

As you can imagine, we received numerous suggestions for programs, materials/resources, and various other areas.  We are still sifting through these responses and hope to implement as many of the suggestions as are feasible.  Many of the items are things that we have already implemented or are working on now -- some examples include:

• PSAT practice test (coming up on May 12 -- it's full, but there is a waiting list)
• Better communication about upcoming events (through our e-newsletter)
• More eBooks (ask us about Freegal!)
• MS Office classes (more coming this summer)
• Remote downloads for Kindles (available through our website)
• Borrow magazines (now available -- all but the most current issue circulate)
• No fee book requests (this fee was abolished some time ago)
• Discount theatre tickets (available in our Adult Services room)
• Exhibits of paintings or crafts (MAMS Student Art Show: Tuesday, May 22)
• More magic programs (coming up at the Summer Reading Kickoff on June 16)
• Drop box in parking lot (coming soon!)
• Classes on Facebook and Twitter (ongoing)
• Classes on downloading eBooks (eReader Hour is on Saturdays from 2-3pm or you can sign up for a one-on-one computer class for individual help)
• Newspapers (available at the Circulation desk)
• Dance for babies/toddlers (Music, Movement and More on Tuesdays at 11am this May -- open to all ages, no registration required) 
• Drawing lessons (charcoal drawing classes for teens and adults coming this summer)
• Jewelry making (more classes coming soon)
• Pre-teen programs (check out our offerings for 'tweens!)

We received so many compliments and words of encouragement -- we are very thankful.  A few of my favories include:

"Love your library and all who work there.  Always helpful and very informed."

"I wish I had more time to spend at the library!  I enjoy all the resources."

"Continue to make this library the best there is!  Kudos to the staff."

"This is my favorite library."

To those of you with concerns, please know that we are seriously considering your comments and will do what we can to remedy the problems presented. 

If at any time you have a question, concern, complaint or compliment, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at KPaone@lmxac.org, by phone at 732-583-9100, or in person.  I welcome your feedback.

Congratulations, Katie!

Our very happy Nook winner!



WE HAVE A WINNER!

Our sincerest thanks to all of you who took the time to complete our survey in April -- we had a wonderful response: about 500 in all!  I will soon post the results of the survey, but I wanted to make the big announcement of the winner of the Nook eReader now.....   Congratulations to Katie Todaro!!!  I'm sure she'll enjoy her new gadget -- and downloading free books from eLibraryNJ and Freading!  (Don't know what I'm talking about?  Stop by the library so we can tell you all about it!)

Have you completed our survey yet???

If you have not already done so, we'd appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to fill out a brief survey regarding our library's materials, programs and services.  Your input will help us to make your library visits more productive and enjoyable.  The survey is available at our website (http://www.matawanaberdeenlibrary.com/) or in paper form at the library.  Each survey participant can enter to win a Nook eReader!  All surveys and Nook entries must be submitted by 9pm on Monday, April 30. 

Get Caught Reading! and Tell Us What You Think

National Library Week is April 8-14 this year, so MAPL is going to be celebrating all month with two new initiatives.

The first is called GET CAUGHT READING and is just that...  You may be reading while sipping coffee at Starbuck's or eating lunch at a local restaurant, you may be passing time with a book or eReader while your friend or family member is trying on clothes at a store, or you may just be enjoying the weather, relaxing on a bench or in a park while getting into a good read.  Then, out of the blue -- you might GET CAUGHT READING!  A MAPL staff member will let you know you've been caught and will give you a prize (!) -- then, if you're willing, we'll take a quick photo and ask what you're reading so we can post our catches on this blog.  Readers of all ages beware!  You could get caught at any time and at any place in Matawan or Aberdeen!!

Then, starting on April 9th, we will be asking library patrons to complete a brief survey about our library's services, materials and programs.  The survey will be available both in paper copies at the library and on our website and anyone who completes a survey will have the chance to enter a drawing for a new eReader!  The survey is open to kids through seniors and we're really trying to get a large sampling from our library users.  The information you provide will help us to tailor library services to the needs and wants of our community.  Please take a few minutes to tell us what you think.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me -- (732) 583-9100 or kpaone@lmxac.org.

Happy April to all of you!

MAPL is closed this Friday, March 30th

The library will be closed for the day on Friday, March 30, to allow time for a Staff Development Day.  This day will be an opportunity for the whole staff to gather together to share ideas, raise concerns, ask questions and troubleshoot problems.  We will also have a guest from the Matawan Police Department, Officer Hourihan, who will present a safety and self-defense workshop for staff.

The library will reopen on Saturday, March 31, at 9am.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

Friends Book Sale this Saturday!

I wanted to help get the word out about the Friends of the Library's Book Sale this Saturday, March 10th, from 10am-2pm.  The book sale will take place inside the library so there are no worries about the fickle weather reports -- there will be different kinds of books set up in different locations throughout the building: in the meeting room, in the Children's department, and behind the DVDs in the main room. 

Books are $5 per bag, and there are many wonderful items to choose from -- including lots of children's materials.  Stop by on Saturday and show your support!  We'd really appreciate it.  The funds collected from the Friends of the Library directly benefit our library -- the Friends support programs, purchase items, and assist us in large-scale efforts like the creation of the Teen Place.  We so appreciate all that they do!

For more information about the Friends, or to join the group, visit their blog at: http://friendsofmapl.wordpress.com/. 

Congrats to Two MAPL Staff Members!

A member of our Circulation Department, library assistant Lee Rothberg, has penned a wonderful short story called "Well Manicured" that can be found in the recently published Chicken Soup for the Soul: Messages from Heaven.  The book can be found in our collection, and the story can be found on page 95.  This is Lee's second published story in the Chicken Soup series! 

Chrissie McGovern, our Youth Services Department Head, has been invited by the New Jersey State Library to attend the Collaborative Library Summer Program Annual Conference in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  As one of only a few New Jersey representatives, Chrissie will work with representatives from all over the nation to choose themes, prepare materials, and brainstorm ideas for upcoming summer reading programs.  Chrissie will travel to Hershey for the conference in April, and all expenses will be paid by the State Library.

Congratulations to both Lee and Chrissie for their fabulous achievements!

Seeking Friends and Followers!

In an effort to get the word out about all of the amazing resources/services/materials MAPL provides, we have been hard at work marketing our library, getting our name and logo out there, etc.  We will be trying some new things (both high-tech and old-school), but we'd really like to see our numbers increase on Facebook and Twitter, especially.  Have you already "liked" us on Facebook?  Do you follow us on Twitter?  Now is the time!  It takes 30 seconds or less!

Like us on Facebook @ http://on.fb.me/np9XI3, and follow us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/#!/m_apublibhttp://on.fb.me/np9XI3.

If you REALLY would like to support your library and help us in our efforts, tell all of your friends to like and follow us!  We'd really appreciate it.  You might be surprised at the new things that you see us posting there in the near future. 

Lastly, if you've had a good experience in the library, enjoyed a program, had one of our incredible staff members help with a question or problem, or if you'd just like to talk about a good book you've read, recommend an eReader, or brag about all the cool music you've been downloading from Freegal on our website...  PLEASE DO SO on Facebook and Twitter!  Let's get the conversation going about MAPL! 

Happy New Year!

I do realize it is mid-way through the month, but I don't think it's too late to wish you all a Happy New Year!  I have high hopes that 2012 is going to be another very busy and very productive year for MAPL. 

I am working on an annual report that will be made available on our website (http://www.matawanaberdeenlibrary.com/), but in the meantime, I wanted to share just a few statistics with you...

In 2011,

-- there were 106,229 visitors to MAPL (plus 56,931 virtual visits on our website)
-- 142,561 items were checked out (this includes books, DVDs, audiobooks, CDs, magazines, and eBooks)
-- our computers logged 14,988 hours of Internet use
-- 9,215 reference and computer questions were answered
-- 2,636 adults attended programs
-- 7,928 children and teens attended programs

These kinds of numbers cannot be achieved without the hard work and dedication of our incredible MAPL staff -- the people who check out the books, answer the questions, order/process/shelve materials, plan and execute programs, send/receive books to/from other libraries, etc.   My thanks to them for all that they do!

The staff at MAPL is continuously striving to improve and enhance our programs, services, and collection and we look to our patrons for feedback and suggestions.  Please do not hesitate to contact me at kpaone@lmxac.org or 732-583-9100, or stop by my office to offer your opinions.