Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Workshop planned for January 8 at 1 pm

It’s a new year and a new you! Space is still available for the upcoming workshop at the Monroe Library addressing “Fear of Failure.” Do you find yourself procrastinating when it comes to getting a project done? Learn how to look at fear with a new perspective, explore different pathways for accomplishing your project, and learn skills to defeat negative self-talk.

Terry Antoniewicz has been on the "go" her entire adult life. Her 40 plus years of experience comes from adapting to all the moves she made, looking for professional opportunities in every new location. Some of the times were most challenging, especially when the economy headed south or when living in another country, but with each new challenge, she custom created new solutions for herself. The result is solid experience in the business realm as well as the art world, which would provide much of the material for assisting others in overcoming the challenges they face.

Throughout this time of travel throughout north America, Ms. Antoniewicz has been a speaker for many organizations including museums, businesses, art associations, small groups and individuals. The information she offers is reality based and most practical, sprinkled with a liberal dose of light humor. Her ability to easily communicate ideas, discuss issues and provide insightful solutions provides her with a following that keeps her motivated to continue her passion of exploring and presenting a variety of programs.

Register for her workshop, “Fear of Failure,” at the Library’s Welcome Desk.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Mid-Term Election Results

Learn more about Mid-Term Election results from the following sources:






Google News

Yahoo! News

CNN

MSNBC

Theresa A.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

5 Best Coupon-Clipping Websites

Who doesn't like to save money? SmartMoney.com has selected their five favorite coupon-clipping sites here.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Apple and Pumpkin Picking

This is a great time for pumpkin and apple picking. This site from the NJ Department of Agriculture lets you search for locations and also lists locations for roadside markets, community farmers markets, and apple orchards.

Pumpkin Patches and More lists locations for pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hay rides, and more.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Fireplace Art Dedication

Join us on Monday, October 18 for the dedication of our newly installed art surrounding the fireplace.

Katherine Hackl's tile work, entitled "Egrets" will be dedicated at 7:30 pm at the fireplace.


(Dedication is Monday, October 18 at 7:30 pm)

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

PCWorld's Fantastic Freebies 2010: All Time Greats


PC World Magazine has chosen their favorite free Internet Resources here.
Here are a few favorites from the list:
  • Audacity All-purpose audio editor lets you record, play, and edit digital files.
  • OpenOffice.org This free office suite includes a word processor, a spreadsheet, a database, and drawing and presentation programs.
  • GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) Retouch photos and create images with this freebie.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Job Resources

The Internet is a great resource for job searching. Here is a selection of site to get you started.

Get Help from the NJ State Library
gethelp.njlibraries.org
Information on unemployment, job openings, and help for veterans and disabled workers.

The Riley Guide
http://www.rileyguide.com/
This is a great starting point in your job search for resources on job openings, resumes, cover letters, occupations, and more.

WorkForce New Jersey Job Information
http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/wnjpin/wnjpin_index.html

Learning Express Library
Choose Learning Express Library under the From Home menu. Click the Go button. Choose Workplace Skills courses on business writing, job searching, resume writing, and interviewing. Choose Computer Skills for online courses on popular computer programs including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe Photoshop.

Tutor.com
http://www.monroetwplibrary.org/research.htm#res
Live resume assistance every day from 2pm-9pm. Select Tutor.com from the drop-down menu and click GO.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Health Resources on the Internet

There are several sites on the Internet that offer reliable health information. Here is a selection:

Mayo Clinic- Locate info on diseases & conditions, symptoms, drugs & supplements, tests & procedures.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/

AMA Doctor Finder- View physician backgrounds on the American Medical Association website.
webapps.ama-assn.org/doctorfinder/htmtl/patient.jsp

Drugs.com- Info on prescription drugs, over the counter medication, and medicinal herbs.
http://www.drugs.com/

Cooking Light- healthy and appealing recipes from this popular food magazine.
http://www.cookinglight.com/


Remember to check the source of your website because there is plenty of unreliable information online. A larger selection of health links can be found here on your library webpage.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Best Blogs of 2010

Time Magazine has come out with their list of the Best Blogs of 2010. Here is a selection from the list.


Guides for living a more productive and relaxing life.






Cool photos from around the world.




This blog features baking disasters along with the occasional decorating masterpiece.



Theresa A.






Friday, July 9, 2010

World Language Collection

Please visit our recently expanded world language collection. We now have new books in Telegu, Punjabi, Urdi, Gujarati, Hinda, and Chinese. Additional volumes have also been added to our Russian, Polish, and Italian collections. These books can be found on bookshelves to the right of our public computers.

Latinos Unidos, a Spanish language newspaper, and a Chinese language newspaper can be found next to the world language book collection.

We also maintain a growing collection of world language films in Hindi, French, Italian, and more. Please speak to a reference librarian at the Reference Desk for assistance accessing this collection.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Gulf Oil Spill

Learn more about the Gulf Oil Spill and the tremendout
impact it will have on our environment.

National Geographic Channel covers the spill here with photos, video, articles, and information on how you can help.
Visit The Monterey Bay Aquarium to see the impact that the spill will have on sealife and learn what you can do to help.
The New York Times has put together a special section on the Gulf Oil Spill here.
Theresa A.


Wednesday, June 16, 2010

World Cup

It's not too late to catch the excitement of the World Cup Games. Keep track of current standings and find photos, videos, interviews, games schedules and more at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa website.

Theresa A.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Flag Day


Today is Flag Day, the day that Congress adopted the stars and stripes back in 1777. Learn more at History.com.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

MTV Movie Awards


View the winners of the MTV Video Music Awards through video, photos, and blog updates at their official blog.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Harry Potter vs. Twilight Party!

We'll be hosting a Harry Potter vs. Twilight Party for teens (grades 7 -12) on Friday, June 11 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Join us for TRIVIA . . . PRIZES . . . FOOD . . . and FUN!
We'll also be having a costume contest that night (but costumes are not required for the party).

Fans!! Come out and show YOUR support in this battle!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Coming soon to the Library's fireplace!

Later this summer the fireplace in the Library will get a makeover. Artist Katherine Hackl will be installing a decorative tile work surrounding the fireplace. Ms. Hackl is not new to public installations of her artwork. You can find her art at the Princeton Public Library, the NJ State House Annex and numerous rail stations around the state. She also has ongoing exhibits at galleries in Philadelphia and Surf City, NJ

Recently, we made a visit to Ms. Hackl's Lambertville studio to see how the project was progressing. We were impressed with her studio and the tiles that will soon reside in our Library. Not only was it a fun field trip, we learned a lot about her artistic process and how the final tiles are created.

First, the design is carved into a linoleum sheet. Next she makes the tiles -- usually a few of each one. Then she starts playing with the glazes to get the color just right. Often she will go through 2 or 3 tiles to get it to look the way she envisions.
Want a preview of the tiles? In June and July, we will have tiles in the display case in the lobby of the Library.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Pick Your Own Farms

What could be more delicious and nutritious than Jersey Fresh produce that you have picked? Now is the time to pick strawberries, asparagus, and more. Visit this site from the NJ Department of Agriculture to locate farms that allow you to pick seasonal fruits and vegetables. This site also includes links to roadside markets and community farmer's markets.

Theresa A.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Thursday, May 13, 2010

An original poem

In celebration of National Poetry Month, we asked people to help us write a poem held on an easel in the center of the library. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped us to create this poem:

A Salt Water Pond
At the end of a journey
Teeming with life
Makes for a wonderful day
But behold! There’s a fork in the road
Which way is the right way to go
A light in the distance
Guides me to my destination.
I try to reach the light, but it seems
Like an eternity to get there.
With age comes wisdom,
But, when you are old
No one wants to hear it!
So I am told.
But this pond will save me
It won’t let me die,
When I reach the age and when I say goodbye,
I’ll thank the pond for its water and kindness.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Resources for Protecting Your Computer, wifi, and smart phones

"Sarah's Security recommendations for computers, wifi, & smart phones" is a great blog post from Sarah, AKA The Librarian in Black. This post includes free and low-cost options you can use to protect your computers and portable devices from viruses, spyware, and more.

Theresa A.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Extension for Filing Taxes

New Jersey Severe Storm and Flooding Victims Have Until May 11 to File Their Tax Returns http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=220998,00.html

Victims of severe storms, flooding, mudslides and landslides beginning March 12 in New Jersey may qualify for tax relief from the Internal Revenue Service.

The President has declared Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, and Union counties federal disaster areas qualifying for individual assistance.

As a result, the IRS is postponing until May 11 certain deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area. This includes the April 15 deadline for filing 2009 individual income tax returns, making income tax payments and making 2009 contributions to an individual retirement account (IRA).


Theresa A.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Monroe Twp Library mentioned on American Libraries!

Every year, American Libraries magazine puts out an issue on Library Buildings: Design and Renovation. While Monroe Twp Library wasn't featured in the print magazine, it was mentioned on the American Libraries magazine website. Our library is included in the Library Design Showcase 2010: Building Community. Click on the link below. Monroe Twp Library is the 8th of 12 listed in that category.

http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/librarydesign10/buildingcommunity

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Free Photo Editing Software

Do you still have pictures from July 4th in your digital camera? This list of the 20 Best And Free Online Photo Editing Websites may inspire you to edit those photos so you can get them printed or view them online and enjoy them. Photo editing software like Photoshop can be very expensive but you may not need all the extra features. Check out these free options.

Here are a few from the list:

Theresa A.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Become a Library Champion

Why Become a Library Champion?

Library Champions are people who love their libraries and want to be in the know about issues that may affect them. Being a Library Champion means:
Giving us your email address so that we can contact you when needed.
Taking appropriate action such as phone calls, emails to legislators or simply talking to your neighbors about the value of library services.
Theresa A.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Why Celebrate the Irish? They Saved Books!

In this op-ed piece in the New York Times, Thomas Cahill, author of "How the Irish Saved Civilization, details how the Irish saved the books of the Western world.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/17/opinion/17cahill.html

Theresa A.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Weather


It sounds like we are going to have a very wet weekend. An easy way to find weather reports online is to use Google's built-in weather feature. Such go to www.google.com and search for "weather" and then a zip code or the "town name, state" to retrieve a current weather report for that location.

Example: weather 08831
weather Spotswood, NJ

This is an example of how your results will look:





Theresa A.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Oscar Winners

Did you favorite film win any awards? Check out Oscars.com to see an official list of winners along with movie trailers, photos from the red carpet, and full coverage of the event.

The Library owns a few of the winning and nominated titles including:

The Hurt Locker (DVD)
Julie and Julia (DVD)
Up (DVD)
Inglourious Basterds (DVD)

To see if a title is available, check the Library catalog or contact a reference librarian at 732-521-5000 or mtplref@monroetwplibrary.org.

Theresa A.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Create Your Own Recipes

Fine Cooking's website has a page where you can create custom recipes from a selection of ingredients. Just drag the ingredients that you want to use across the screen and the site creates the unique recipe for you on the spot. The page includes recipes for:

  • Chocolate Truffles
  • Ice Cream
  • Vegetable Soups
  • Potato Gratin
  • Stir Frys
  • Rustic Fruit Tarts
  • Summer Pasta Salads
  • And more!
Theresa A.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Twitter


Twitter is a popular social networking service that lets users send brief messages of up to 140 characters in length to a list of subscribers.
Here is a great page from Techweb.com that describes what Twitter is all about. This is a great way to communicate with friends and stay current on just about any topic you can think of.


Here are some great videos that explain how Twitter works:

100 Best Twitter Feeds for All Your News and Know How provides links to 100 informative twitter feeds to get you started.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

2010 Winter Olympics



Stay updated with the latest results and schedules for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics here:





Free videos from this year's games are available here at http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/

Photos of Olympic highlights: http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/Olympics/slideshow?id=9863322

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Grammy Award Winners

Check out a list of Nominees and winners from the 52nd annual Grammy awards at Grammy.com.

Missed the performances? That's OK, many of them can be found on YouTube here.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Tax Forms

New Jersey will not be sending us copies of tax forms this year but forms can be printed from the New Jersey Division of Taxation.
Phone: 609-826-4400 or 1-800-323-4400 (within NJ, NY, PA, DE, MD

Federal forms are available at the Library and can also be printed out here at the IRS website.
Telephone Assistance for Individuals:
Toll-Free, 1-800-829-1040
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.