Construction Update!

I have been fielding quite a few inquiries regarding our downstairs project. Let me start by saying that no one is more anxious than I am to see our basement renovations get underway.  We have seen some significant delays due to Hurricane Sandy, but I am pleased to announce that the dumpster for the demolition is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow, and, barring any weather complications, work should begin in the next few days.

We are hopeful that the project will be completed in early spring so that we can move all of our clubs back onsite and resume normal programs and activities in our new meeting room space.  We appreciate your patience, and look forward to serving you better once our basement facility is complete.

As always, if you have questions, concerns, or comments, please feel free to contact me: kpaone@lmxac.org or 732-583-9100.

New MAPL website!

I suppose if you are reading this blog post, you are already aware that we have updated our website.  Preparations for this new and improved site have been going on for some time, and while we will be continually adding information and tweaking what is there as we move forward, we hope that you will find  it to be easier to navigate, and just simply a better web experience.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have a comment, question or concern.  We are happy to give you a tour of the site!

Food for Fines Program a Big Success!

As we have done for the past several years, MAPL set aside the month of December for our Food for Fines program.  During the month, we waived patrons' overdue fines and library card replacement fees in exchange for a donation to the Matawan Food Pantry.  We collected more than 30 crates of non-perishable food and household items, and our Youth Services staff and teen volunteers put together soup and cookie mix packages that filled another 9 boxes.  For those of you interested in statistics, we had 508 Food for Fines transactions, and we waived $467.25 in fines.  Of course, the bottom line of this program is that we were able to help many fellow community members, especially during post-Sandy times and the holidays. 

I received the following note today:

Dear Kimberly,
Thank you so much for the support the Library has given to the Matawan Community Food Pantry this holiday season.  The tremendous amount of food collected during your "Food for Fines" program is truly amazing and really appreciated.  And Chrissie McGovern and her enthusiastic youth cheered our clients with soup and cookie mixes for Christmas.  Please know how grateful we are and that you are making a difference in the lives of our neighbors (70+ households) in need.
Sis DeMarco - Coordinator
Matawan Community Food Pantry

I want to thank my staff and all of the patrons who contributed to the donations this year.  Please also note that we have a crate available for donations throughout the year -- it is located in the Friends' Book Sale area across from the circulation desk.  While fines are only forgiven in December, we know that folks are hungry all year 'round.  Please think about bringing in some non-perishable food items the next time you stop by!

Happy New Year to all!
Kimberly