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.

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.

Jewish American Heritage Month

May is Jewish American Heritage Month.

• Presidential Proclamation
  
• Jewish American Heritage resources from the Library of Congress

Theresa A.

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.

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.

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.

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