On Thursday, April 29 at 11:00 a.m. the Library Board of Trustees officially broke ground for the new Cranbury Public Library. The event was hosted by the Cranbury Library Foundation and was attended by Senator Linda Greenstein, Assemblyman Daniel Benson and NJ State Librarian Jennifer Nelson as well as local officials and guests. Senator Greenstein presented the library with an official Resolution from the State Senate and General Assembly commemorating the occasion. The press release and video can be found on our website. Below is a copy of my remarks on this special occasion.
Well the day we’ve been working towards and waiting for has finally arrived. We are breaking ground for a beautiful new library! It is the end result of a long fundraising campaign. But as we celebrate, I realize it is not the end - it is just the beginning. In building this new library we are working toward a better and brighter future for our town.
The new facility will give our community a first-class library, an archive for our history, community spaces – both indoor and out - and most importantly, a town living room. A place for children to learn and grow ideas, an area for teens to gather, study and socialize, comfortable spaces where new residents can meet one another and learn about Cranbury, a second place for seniors to visit and congregate, and a large meeting room for everyone to enjoy various cultural events. After the last year, I think we can all agree on how important this will be. We want to move away from social media and only virtual interactions. More than ever, we see the need for people to gather together. The new Cranbury Public Library will be such a place; bringing people, information, and ideas together.
I want to thank the wonderful library board members and foundation directors I’ve worked with through the years. Their planning and dedication have made this day possible. And Kirstie, you have been a great leader in this endeavor.
I thank our library members who supported our project with their time and money making this day possible. I want to thank those who voted to support all libraries through the NJLCBA in 2017. For our state legislators who put this bond act on the ballot and continue to support libraries at the state level every day. And for the NJ State Library whose work and management of the bond act made the grant and the new library possible.
Lastly, I want to thank my dedicated and loyal staff who make each workday a pleasure. They deserve to work in a beautiful new building where they can provide the members of our community the personal and friendly service of a small-town library. It is the staff that will be instrumental in bringing new ideas, the latest technology and innovative programs to the library. They will do the new building justice. As Timothy Healy, Former President of the New York Public Library said, “the most important asset of any library goes home at night – the library staff”.
On April 22 the library officially joined the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium or LMxAC. My last newsletter introduced LMxAC and highlighted it's benefits. You can read that information here. If you would like to attend a virtual class on Using LMxAC or the digital service Hooplaregister here. The staff is learning the new system too so please be patient with us as we expand our services.
Online Classes for Adults
Saturday, May 8 at 1:00 PM
From the IRS phone scam to lottery and sweepstakes scams, to the so-called grandparent scam, it appears that imposter frauds and other criminal scams are more active than ever — and are preying on potential victims in New Jersey through phone calls, emails, and other means. Don’t get scammed!! Register to join us as a representative from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs tells us how to AVOID GETTING SCAMMED.
Online Meditation Live!
Thursday, May 20 at 6:00 - 6:45 PM
This mediation class is a live program presented by the meditation leader, Anjali Joshi. This meditation session is for everyone – beginner or pro. Register here.
7 Ways to Sell Your Antiques
Tuesday, May 25 at 6:30 PM
In this presentation, antiques expert John Thompson looks at antiques in the light of COVID-19 and explains how to value your treasured items in today’s market. John will then discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the seven ways that you can sell your antiques as well as how to get the best value for them. Register here.
Online Classes for Youth
Wednesday Storytime
Outside and in person!
Join us every Wednesday morning at 11:00 for a live, outdoor Storytime (weather permitting) on the library steps. There will be stories, songs, finger-plays, and fun for everyone! Please wear a mask and stay at least three feet apart. Register here.
Chess Club 2.0 For Kids and Teens!
Mondays at at 3:30 p.m.
Learn to play chess, or improve your chess game! Some meetings will include a guest instructor. Check out ourEvents Calendarto see club meeting dates, further information and to register. Online registration including an email address is required. Ages 8 - 19.
We are reading Jar City byAmaldur Indridason. Send and email to mullen@cranburypubliclibrary.org to join the discussion group via Zoom.
Afternoon Book Discussion
Wednesday, May 19 at 1:30 p.m.
We are reading The Indigo Girl by Nastasha Boyd.Send an email tomullen@cranburypubliclibrary.orgto join the discussion group via Zoom.
Spinning Yarns
Tuesdays, May 4 and 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Join us online for an hour of knitting, crocheting, crafts and conversation. All levels welcome. Email Heidi at bloomleeds@cranburypubliclibrary.org to request to join the group.
Literary Conversation Cafe
Thursday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m.
Join us for an informal discussion about literature. This month we will talk about May Day and Memorial Day literature.