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LookingAhead  

Winter International Film Festival

The Grand Seduction
Canada-2014-113 minutes-Rated PG-13

When a small fishing village must hire a doctor in order to secure a lucrative business contract, the residents pull out all the stops to seduce big city doctor Paul Lewis. This heartfelt comedy is directed by Don McKellar and stars Brendan Gleeson and Taylor Kitsch.
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Popular Film Festival

The Hundred Foot Journey 

USA-2014-122 minutes-Rated PG-13
When the Kadam family opens an Indian restaurant in a quaint French village, they have difficulty winning the approval of the proper French chef who owns the restaurant across the street. Directed by Lasse Hallstrom, this drama stars Helen Mirren and Om Puri.
Tuesday, Jan. 27, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.  

LookingAhead  

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP    

Brain on Fire
By Susannah Cahalan

The story of 24 -year-old Susannah Cahalan and the life-saving discovery of the autoimmune disorder that nearly killed her -- and that could perhaps be the root of "demonic possessions" throughout history. 

Thursday, Jan. 15, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.

LookingAhead 

ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUP 

Tuesdays, Jan. 20, and 27, and Feb. 3, at 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays,  Jan. 15, 22 and 29 at 10 a.m.

The program is sponsored by Literacy New Jersey, a statewide organization whose mission is to improve adult literacy rates. Classes are run by dedicated volunteers who undergo a rigorous training program. Registration is required!

Questions? Please contact Jill D'Amico at 732-390-6772 or email [email protected]
.

 

 

LookingAhead  

MATCH+BOOKS
It's wonderful to have a special treat chosen just for you. Let the East Brunswick Public Library staff use their expertise to select your next great read with our new match+book service. Just fill out a simple form telling us about what you like to read and what you're looking for, and librarians will give you three custom book suggestions. The service is available for books, ebooks and audiobooks - just let us know how you want to read, and we'll do the rest. There is even an option for the books to be placed on reserve for you!

The library's Reader's Advisory committee worked on developing the form, and it was piloted over the summer. We're very excited about being able to offer this to our community, and encourage you to give it a try!

EBPL's
match+book form is available online by clinking here or by visiting www.ebpl.org  and clicking on Great Books and Films. A paper form can be obtained by asking at the Information Desk.  So let us pamper you today!

BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER    

 

One-on-One Job Help

The Business Resource Center@East Brunswick Public Library is offering one-on-one job help provided by the Professional Services Group - New Brunswick. An experienced counselor will help you to:
  • Fill out online job applications
  •  Create an email account
  • Explore career options
  • Identify the best job websites and databases

This service is BY APPOINTMENT only. All sessions are held in the library's Business Resource Center. Please call 732-390-6782 or email [email protected] and schedule a session .

Get Your Resume Reviewed
Are you confident with your current resume?
Are you getting the results you desire with your current resume?If you don't have a resume, could you write an effective one quickly and easily? Is your resume appropriate for your career phase and level of expertise?

 
If you answered "no" to any of these questions or you're not sure, then you are a perfect candidate for our resume review/writing services. You will meet individually with a Business Resource Center Team Member to review your job goals and how to attain them through your resume.
   
The $75 fee covers meeting with your coach 2 or 3 times to develop the resume that is best suited to you and your goals. Call 1-732-390-6782 or email [email protected]  to make an appointment.

Room Rentals

Meeting rooms for events up to 200 persons are available for use for a fee. There is no minimum attendee requirement, no limit to the number of group meetings, and groups are permitted to charge and/or conduct fundraising activities. Click here for rates, insurance requirements, and the policy. We are centrally located in Middlesex County, with easy access to all major highways.

Our rooms are...State-of-the art, handicap accessible, equipped with TV/DVD players, WiFi, a podium and a flip pad. 


Two of our rooms can be set-up in four possible configurations: U-shape, classroom, Seminar, Work Group

 
A third room can accommodate smaller meetings/trainings The Business Resource Center at the East Brunswick Public Library proctors exams for anyone who is pursuing traditional college degrees, distance learning or certification in a trade or specialty. All exams are proctored by professional librarians in accordance with the guidelines of each institution.
   
There is a $25 fee for each exam. Payment is required at the time the exam is administered.  The library will accept cash or checks. Checks must be made payable to the East Brunswick Public Library. Contact Rumeli Mukherjee at [email protected] or call 732-390-6782.

 

ESL Programming

Did you know the Library has a wide range of services for those who are learning English as a second language? Visit our website  and find out more about the ESL programs we have for  everyone, including kindergarten students all the way up to adults. Games, web resources,  quizzes, puzzles and more. It's all here at the Library. For a schedule of in-person  ELS sessions, click HERE.
  

 lookingaheadLOOKING AHEAD


OperaTalk: Lakme with Joanna Barouch

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m.
Set during the British Raj in India, Delibes' Lake is a rarely performed work of French exoticism, enhanced with rich melody and detailed choral and orchestral writing. East Brunswick Arts Commission member Joanna Barouch will take us through the story, providing background and insight.

The Arts Commission is offering tickets for the Feb. 8 matinee of Lake at the Nicholas Music Center at Rutgers University. For tickets and information, call Bunny Gittleman at 732-257-5583 or email [email protected].

Puppetry Festival
Paper Moon Puppet Theatre 
Sunday, Feb. 8, 2 to 3 p.m.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Sunday, Jan. 22, 2 to 3 p.m.
Jack and the Beanstalk presented


East Brunswick Public Library
2 Jean Walling Civic Center Dr.
East Brunswick, N.J. 08816
[email protected]
  
 Director's Corner January 2015
Happy New Year!
Library Adds Wednesday Evening Hours

 

The Library Board of Trustees, Library Staff and Library Administration wish all our residents a happy, healthy, productive 2015.

 

January is such a good time for new beginnings, fresh starts and a renewed sense of possibility. The library is particularly pleased to start the New Year off by

reopening Wednesday evenings from 5-9 pm.

 

The addition of these four service hours means that every resident has another evening to sample the many activities offered by the library in our digital media lab, our computer lab, the Youth Services and teen departments and our meeting rooms. Be sure to stop by and sample the rich array of books and magazines offered in many different formats to fit your lifestyle.  

 

Remember too that January is the month of the annual Friends membership drive so be sure to become a Friends member to keep our library programs vibrant and cutting edge.  

 

Thank you for continuing to make your library the best municipal library in the state!

 

MaryEllen Firestone, Library Director
What's New at the Library

Friends Membership Drive
The East Brunswick Friends of The Library kick off their month-long membership drive beginning Jan 1.  The Friends have been enthusiastic and generous supporters of the Library for more than thirty years, providing funds for a wide range of terrific programming.

This year, the friends donated money for the construction of three small group study rooms to be used by community groups, businessmen and students. The Friends also supported the refurbishing of all the chairs in the library.  The Friends fund most children's programs, prizes for Youth and Teen Services programs,  and activities and prizes for the Summer Reading Program. The Friends sponsor adult programs including the Meet the Author series, Saturday Stich, the Annual Phyllis Noar Puppetry Festival, and the International and Popular Film Festivals.

 

The best way to thank the Friends for all they do for our library is to become a member.   For as little as $15. you can contribute to the success of all children and adult programs. Higher level memberships are also available and you may rest assured that every dollar donated goes right back to the library.

Rosen Teen Health & Wellness Database
The library has subscribed to the Rosen Teen Health & Wellness Database, a wonderful database created just for teens to learn about topics that matter most to them.  Teens will find articles about dating, sexual health, drug and alcohol abuse, academic pressure, bullying, depression, eating disorders, and so much more.  Articles are written in a language and style that appeals to teens.  The database can also be used for research papers about the human body and social issues.  There's even a "Share Your Story" section written by teens, and an advice column called "Ask Dr. Jan."

The Rosen database can be found by clicking HERE,  on the library's main website  www.ebpl.org under research tools, and also the health portal at www.wellinks.org 

 
featured

 Frozen Party and Coat Drive

Sunday, Jan. 4, at 1:30 p.m.

Come to the library for fun activities, crafts, games, face painting, photo booth and more! The library will also be screening the sing-along version of the movie at 3:15 p.m. as well as a costume parade and prize raffle for participants at the party.

 

In addition to the party, the library's Harry Potter Alliance Chapter will be running a winter clothing drive in partnership with One Warm Coat. We will be collecting coats and other warm winter clothing item to donate to charity.  Bring your winter clothing item and be entered to win a Frozen themed prize before the movie starts!

 

Families and kids of all ages are invited to attend.  Tweens are invited to the library for fun Frozen themed scavenger hunts, cooking activities and discussions about the movie as well and will be entered into their own prize drawing for every activity they participate in. 

 

There will also be a special pre-school age story time and craft for the younger kids at 2 p.m. in the Youth Services department.

 

3-D Printing & Modeling Tech Session

Sunday, Jan. 18, 1 p.m.

Interested in learning what 3-D printing is all about?  

Jeffrey Keiffer of 3D Artefice and Trent Welcome, Brookdale Community College Professor of Architecture, will be hosting a lecture, exhibit, question and answer session and 3-D modeling workshop.   

 

This afternoon tech session will be a fun and interactive way to stay current.  Adults, teens and families are welcome to participate.   

     

Trent Welcome began studying architecture at Spring Garden College, and continued his career working at SOME Architects in Red Bank. He then received his Master of Architecture from SCIARC, where he studied architectural design and advanced 3D modeling. As a professor of architecture at Brookdale Community College, he has influenced students and professors alike with his knowledge of contemporary digital design processes and how they can translate into contemporary manufacturing methods.  

  

Maker Fest

Saturday, March 21

*Deadline Friday, Jan. 16

The Library will be hosting its first Maker Fest in celebration of NJ Makers Day, and the deadline to participate is approaching fast!

 

The Maker Fest is a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness-and a celebration of the maker movement: people not just happy to talk about it, but to make it! 

 

 The Maker Fest offers tech enthusiasts, crafters, scientists, garage tinkerers of all ages and backgrounds a platform to share their passion projects with the public. 

Interested in sharing your passion project?  Go to http://www.ebpl.org/main/ebpl-maker-faire.cfm and submit your Maker Fest proposal form.

 Deadline is January 16th

 

Read This Book on EBTV!

Read This Book
Get book recommendations from our enthusiastic readers! Check out our online book reviews by some of East Brunswick's most voracious readers.




East Brunswick residents, Aanika and Eliza, talk about the "Elephant & Piggie Series" by Mo Willems.
Computer Training
computertraining
computertraining
Photoshop CS6
Thursday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m.  

Learn how to use the most recent version of the most popular image-editing software on the market. We will cover some basic photo editing techniques, and look at how to work with layers. This class is conducted using Macs and will require you to have basic computer skills including using a mouse and keyboard. This program is free. Call 732-390-6767 or visit our website at www.ebpl.org.
 

Computer Training Courses

Courses in January include offerings for beginners to experts. Classes are two hours long and limited to 12 students each.    

 All Intro and Level 1 Courses are Free. There is a $10 fee for all others. Fees will be added to a cardholder's account and paid for at the Circulation desk. Non-cardholders will be charged $15 and must pay at the time of registration.

adultprograms

Saturday Stitch: Drop-In Session
Saturday, Jan. 10 from 10 a.m.-noon
Bring your favorite needlecraft project and tap into Sandy's expertise to get past those problem spots! Whether you knit, crochet, needlepoint, counted cross stitch, embroider or other needlework, come drop in at your convenience for tips and enjoy Sandy's expert advice and the camaraderie of fellow crafters. There will be a sign-in sheet, and Sandy will give one-on-one advice in order of the sign-ins. All levels welcome. This is a regular monthly program on second Saturdays.
Sponsored by The Friends of The Library     

A Clutter-Free New Year!
Sunday, Jan. 11, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Start the New Year off right with a helpful workshop led by author and expert organizer Jamie Novak as she reveals the secrets to clearing the clutter for good.

Magazine Sale at East Brunswick Public Library
Thursday, Jan. 15 to Sunday, Jan. 18If you missed an issue of your favorite magazine then head to the library and see if you can buy it there. The Friends of the Library's Annual Magazine Sale starts Thursday, Jan. 15, and ends Sunday, Jan. 18. We'll have magazines that cover science, entertainment, teens, adults, cooking and a lot more, so if you're looking for a good read and an even better bargain, then pick up a bundle of six to 12 magazines for $3.

World Party! Short Story Discussion Group

Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.

Short stories are popular the world over - so join us for a new discussion group with a focus on multicultural authors and stories. Every other month we'll be meeting to discuss an individual story. Pick up a copy of the selection at the Information Desk. All are welcome!  

 

This month we will be discussing "The Embassy of Cambodia," by Zadie Smith. For more information, contact Jill D'Amico at [email protected] or 732-390-6772.


Reiki with Heidi Scanlon
Thursday, Jan. 22, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Heidi Scanlon, Certified Reiki Master/Teacher will lead this terrific program.

Health Literacy: Your Journey to Good Health Begins @ The Library
Monday, Jan. 26, 6 to 7 p.m.
Do you know where to find the best health information on any topic? Are you able to speak comfortably with your doctor about your condition? Perhaps you want to learn about the side effects of a high blood pressure medication; the latest treatments for migraines; or understand routine blood tests or specialized tests like CAT scans? Join us and learn about Health Literacy from one of the library's team of Consumer Health librarians. Librarians will demonstrate how to find trustworthy information using the library's health portal www.wellinks.org. Learn why Health literacy=Good Health for you and your family.

Immigration Law: Questions and Answers
Thursday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m.
Join us as we discuss the latest developments in immigration law. Paris Lee, Esq. and Paul Szeto, Esq. of Lee & Garasia, a preeminent law firm in Edison, will be here to answer all you questions. Mr. Lee is a frequent lecturer and contributor on immigration law. With 16 years of legal experience, he is admitted to practice in New Jersey and Washington D.C. For more information, visit www.leeandgarasia.com.


Teen Harry Potter Alliance Chapter Meeting
Wednesday, Jan. 7 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Join the new Harry Potter Alliance Chapter at the library!
We are an army of teen fans, activists, nerdfighters, teenagers, wizards and muggles dedicated to fighting for social justice with the greatest weapon we have-love. Join our army to make the world a safer, more magical place, and let your voice be heard. Community service hours are given for this club.

SAT Practice Test
Saturday, Jan. 10, noon to 5 p.m.

Ready to take the SAT's? Come to a free practice test session provided by Kaplan. Test begins promptly at 12 p.m. Bring your No. 2 pencil and a calculator. Registration is required. Contact Jessica Schneider with questions [email protected]

 

Teen Movies n Books Club

Monday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m.
This month we are reading/watching "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman! Contact Jessica for a copy of the book! [email protected]

Noteworthy
Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m.
Music lovers unite! If you have a burning desire to spread the word about your favorite band, learn about new artists, and share your love of music, come to this new program for teens! In January we'll be sharing our favorite music from 2014. Bring you music to share or email Jessica at [email protected] and she'll add it to the playlist. Song lyrics will be discussed and music videos will be watched!  

 

Table Top Game Night
Thursday, Jan. 15 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Top Game Night is a night of fantastic table top gaming exclusively for 20 and 30 somethings! Bring your own game or play one provided by the library. Snacks will be provided!  

   

Girls-Only Book Club!
Sunday, Jan. 18 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Girls-Only Book Club! For Teen Girls ages 13-19. This month we are reading "Its Kind of a Funny Story," by Ned Vizzini.  

 

Teen Songwriting Workshop
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 7 to 9 p.m. 

Skype with Mary Amato, award-winning author most recently of "Get Happy" a novel about music, love, friends, and the search for identity. Mary will share a rough draft of a song and then the final song and discuss the process, from brainstorming to revision.


Mary Amato is an award-winning children's book author, poet, playwright and songwriter.  She thinks it is hilarious when principals introduce her to students by saying, "Today, we get to meet a real, live author!" She is very happy not to be a fake, dead author. That would not be as fun.  Her most recent novel Get Happy includes six original songs which readers can listen to on the website.

 

Teen Crafternoon

Thursday, Jan. 22, at 3 p.m.

Join us for a new and awesomely cool craft program! We'll be making something new each month.

 

Gamers Guild
Monday, Jan. 26 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. 
Table top gaming at its best. This club is for teens who love to game without electricity! Currently we play an elaborate game called HeroScape but you are welcome to bring your own game or play one of the others we have at the library!