VIRTUAL LIBRARY PROGRAMS JUNE 2020

H ave you been documenting your experiences as you navigate the COVID-19

pandemic through photography videos artwork or other mediums SCLSNJ encourages Somerset County residents to share their memories with the community through the digital community memories archive Our Lives Today With support from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) SCLSNJ has created a historical and community memories archive that preserves and showcases Somerset County residentsrsquo lives and memories These collections include items that residents contributed at the Libraryrsquos digitization events art projects from the Somerset County 4-H fair and moreldquoOur Lives Today is meant to represent

the lives of our community members in Somerset County as they are currentlyrdquo said Rebecca Sandoval technical services manager ldquoMany of us have had huge shifts in our lives as we shelter at home teach our children and discover the pros and cons of working from homerdquo

Somerset County residents and Library staff have begun sharing images of their workstations at home photographs of community members moving through daily life while adhering to social distancing standards and other events capturing todayrsquos new normal

ldquoThe picture I shared for Our Lives Today is representative of the biggest change in my life homeschooling my 6-year-old son while working remotelyrdquo said Sandoval ldquoOur kitchen table is now a workspace for work and school I have found some peace in doing puzzles to pass the time I miss seeing the people in my community but I am learning to enjoy the changes to be home with my children and to connect with video

calls I hope others will share their experiences so we can look back on what this time in our collective lives meant to us individually and as a communityrdquo

Share your memories with your Library and your community because todayrsquos events will be tomorrowrsquos amazing snapshots in time sclsnjlibrariessharecomsclsnjmemories

SCLSNJ Encourages Somerset County Residents to Contribute Pandemic Memories to Digital Collection

H ave you been documenting your experiences as you navigate the COVID-19

pandemic through photography videos artwork or other mediums SCLSNJ encourages Somerset County residents to share their memories with the community through the digital community memories archive Our Lives Today With support from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) SCLSNJ has created a historical and community memories archive that preserves and showcases Somerset County residentsrsquo lives and memories These collections include items that residents contributed at the Libraryrsquos digitization events art projects from the Somerset County 4-H fair and moreldquoOur Lives Today is meant to represent

the lives of our community members in Somerset County as they are currentlyrdquo said Rebecca Sandoval technical services manager ldquoMany of us have had huge shifts in our lives as we shelter at home teach our children and discover the pros and cons of working from homerdquo

Somerset County residents and Library staff have begun sharing images of their workstations at home photographs of community members moving through daily life while adhering to social distancing standards and other events capturing todayrsquos new normal

ldquoThe picture I shared for Our Lives Today is representative of the biggest change in my life homeschooling my 6-year-old son while working remotelyrdquo said Sandoval ldquoOur kitchen table is now a workspace for work and school I have found some peace in doing puzzles to pass the time I miss seeing the people in my community but I am learning to enjoy the changes to be home with my children and to connect with video

calls I hope others will share their experiences so we can look back on what this time in our collective lives meant to us individually and as a communityrdquo

Share your memories with your Library and your community because todayrsquos events will be tomorrowrsquos amazing snapshots in time sclsnjlibrariessharecomsclsnjmemories

SCLSNJ Encourages Somerset County Residents to Contribute Pandemic Memories to Digital Collection

Look Who Else is 90SCLSNJ continues to celebrate 90 years of service excellence throughout 2020

But the Library System isnrsquot the only one turning 90 this year A number of media from SCLSNJrsquos large collection are also celebrating nine decades

ADULT TITLESbull ldquoAs I Lay Dyingrdquo

by William Faulknerbull ldquoThe 42nd Parallelrdquo

by John Dos Passosbull ldquoThe Maltese Falconrdquo

by Dashiell Hammettbull ldquoMurder at the Vicaragerdquo

by Agatha Christiebull ldquoNot Without Laughterrdquo

by Langston Hughes

CHILDRENrsquoS BOOKSbull ldquoThe Cat Who Went to Heavenrdquo

by Elizabeth Coatsworthbull ldquoFreddy Goes to the North Polerdquo

by Walter R Brooksbull ldquoThe Little Engine That Couldrdquo

by Watty Piperbull ldquoThe Secret of the Old Clockrdquo

by Carolyn Keene

FILMSbull ldquoAll Quiet on the Western Frontrdquobull ldquoAnimal Crackersrdquo bull ldquoThe Big Trailrdquo

ldquoOur collection includes a number of titles celebrating the same milestone American poet Langston Hughesrsquo first novel lsquoNot Without Laughterrsquo was published in 1930 along with a selection of other classic novels and films that are available for you to discover at your Libraryrdquo

ldquoI read lsquoMurder

at the Vicaragersquo when I was in my 20s and it started

my long admiration of Agatha Christie who could turn out a tight well-crafted mystery like nobodyrsquos business Irsquom actually in the midst of rereading all of

her lsquoHercule Poirotrsquo books right nowrdquo

ldquoEven 90 years later

the humor of the Marx Brothers remains riotous and

ridiculous lsquoAnimal Crackersrsquo is among their best with Groucho Marxrsquos Captain Spalding the African explorer running off one-liners and comebacks at

a mile a minuterdquo

ldquoWhen I was 9 years old I received a box set of the first 10 books in the Nancy Drew series for Christmas I was completely drawn into the story that Carolyn Keene created in that first book lsquoThe Secret of the Old Clockrsquo I tore through the rest of the series and became a lifelong fan of mysteriesrdquo

ldquoFor most people it is difficult to think of lsquoThe Maltese Falconrsquo without remembering Humphrey Bogartrsquos iconic performance in the film adaptation My first memory of Dashiell Hammettrsquos hard boiled detective is straight from the well worn second hand paperbacks that my mom stocked our shelves withrdquo

ldquoI blame lsquoThe Secret of the Old Clockrsquo for getting me hooked on mysteries still one of my favorite genres today After bingeing all the Nancy Drew mysteries that belonged to my much older sister it was off to my local library for the rest of the series plus the Hardy Boys Encyclopedia Brown and anything else I could get my hands onrdquo

ldquoI remember my grandfather who is turning 90 this year reading the story of Little Blue Engine to me as a child I am excited for my grandfather to share lsquoThe Little Engine that Couldrsquo with my child at my grandfatherrsquos 90th birthday partyrdquo

ldquoI remember reading lsquoAs I Lay Dyingrsquo for the first time for a college American literature class It has everything a great novel should have hellip comic relief family drama adventure tragedy the circle of life And as sad as the novel is I remember feeling a sense of relief as a young adult full of angst living on my own for the first time when I finished the novel that we are all dysfunctional in some way itrsquos just that some hide it better than othersrdquo

- Lynn Hoffman

-Lynn Mazur

-Chris Murray-Cathy DeBerry

-Cassie Collucci

-Meredith Hoyer

-Linda Tripp

- Bob Helmbrecht

Explore these titles and more catalogSCLSNJorg

According to a 2020 study from Gallup ldquoVisiting the library remains the most common cultural

activity Americans engage inrdquo The study states that the average US adult makes 105 trips to the library a year while making just 53 trips to the movie theater In 2019 SCLSNJ totaled over 11 million visitors while SCLSNJorg totaled over 7 million pageviews Although we cannot be together physically SCLSNJ wants to challenge you to read more learn more connect more and experience more with your Library virtually From June 15 to August 15 explore SCLSNJrsquos Summer Reading Challenge from home

ldquoSummer Reading is a mainstay program in library culture for so many valuable literacy-based reasonsrdquo said Carolann DeMatos director of marketing and public relations ldquoHowever our Libraries have become even more important over the years as society adapts to changing times especially now as we collectively navigate through the COVID-19 pandemicrdquo

ldquoOur Libraries have historically been the village center in so many of our towns and communitiesrdquo continued DeMatos ldquoOur Libraries offer a safe and convenient place for conversation exploration learning literacy and real connection And we have been working tirelessly to assure that the Library is still there for our customers - albeit in a more virtual fashion Our branches are staffed with intelligent well-trained professionals who want to assist customers in their information journey - which we have continued to do virtually over the computer and using that age-old and almost forgotten technology the telephone Our collections are

growing and adapting consistently responsive to the changing needs of our community members Over the last few weeks and months our dedicated collections team has been integrating many new e-reads because that is what our customers need now When that need changes we will adapt again So even while you work to BeSafeAtHome remember to read more learn more connect more and experience more with us this summer (and always) because the final ingredient in our successful library mixture is yourdquo

READ MOREDid you know that reading can help you become more empathetic reduce stress and even improve your overall mood and brain function According to research from Cornerstone University reading can do all of that and more

In addition to housing a collection of over 702000 books SCLSNJ offers the ability to read with your community in a variety of ways The Library System offers storytimes for children and families starting right at birth book discussion groups for all ages that focus on a plethora of topics and more

Explore a librarian curated list of books that you can read with your child about community virtually through SCLSNJrsquos e-book resource Overdrive

bull ldquoThe Cool Beanrdquo by Jory John and Pete Oswald

bull ldquoDanielrsquos Good Dayrdquo by Micha Archer

bull ldquoThe Earth Gives Morerdquo by Sue Fliess

bull ldquoGet Up Stand Uprdquo by Bob Marley and Cedella Marley

bull ldquoHave You Filled a Bucket Today A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kidsrdquo by Carol McCloud

bull ldquoI Walk With Vanessa A Story About a Simple Act of Kindnessrdquo by Kerascoeumlt

bull ldquoLittle Libraries Big Heroesrdquo by Miranda Paul

bull ldquoMaybe Something Beautiful How Art Transformed a Neighborhoodrdquo by F Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell

bull ldquoOrdinary Maryrsquos Extraordinary Deedrdquo by Emily Pearson

bull ldquoStick and Stonerdquo by Beth Ferry

LEARN MORE One of the core services at SCLSNJ is to promote and support lifelong learning This summer your Library is the perfect place to expand knowledge not only through the collections and resources but also through interactions with industry experts Experienced authors historians artists and others will share their master knowledge in their fields

The literature lover the history enthusiast and the pandemic-news buff can all rejoice through one-on-one interactions with these presenters virtually through online programs

The Rise of Women in US Politics Barriers Progress and Looking AheadJune 8 7-8 pm Presented by Jean Sinzdak Associate Director Center for American Women and Politics Eagleton Institute of Politics Rutgers The State University of New Jersey For more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4305193

JRR Tolkien An Introduction to His LifeJune 12 2-3 pm Presented by Janet Croft Rutgers University Librarian and renowned Tolkien scholar Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4285636

Public Higher Education and the COVID-19 CrisisJune 15 7-8 pm Presented by Dr Connolly of the University of South Florida Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4327139

Explore From Home Challenge Yourself With SCLSNJ This Summer

CONNECT MORELooking for book recommendations information about resources programs or other services Your SCLSNJ staff is here for you virtually through online remote reference via email online chat and even text services

ldquoSCLSNJ staff miss their customers and are thrilled to be able to address their information technology reference and readersrsquo advisory needs while our Library branches are closedrdquo said Cathy DeBerry adult services supervisor ldquoThese virtual offerings are particularly important during these challenging times because it provides us the ability to connect with our customers remotelyrdquo

Virtual services are available Monday- Thursday from 9 am ndash 9 pmFridays and Saturdays from 9 am ndash 5 pmSundays from 9 am - 1 pmExplore these virtual services sclsnjorgresearch-learnask-a-librarian

TAKE THE CHALLENGEIn 2019 over 4500 youth patrons participated in the Summer Reading Challenge As a cornerstone for literacy SCLSNJ strives to increase the Countyrsquos reading proficiency even more in 2020 through the Summer Reading Challenge

ldquoThis summer SCLSNJrsquos Summer Reading Challenge has gone virtualrdquo said Christine Jansen manager of youth services programs and collaborations public services ldquoJust like in past years you can still earn rewards for reading whatever you want throughout the summer Earn virtual drawing tickets for a chance to win real prizes for every 10 days of reading submitting virtual book reviews and attending virtual SCLSNJ programs (we have over 200 to choose from)rdquo

Drawing tickets and prizes will be awarded at different reading milestones throughout the summer

bull At 10 days participants will receive a virtual drawing ticket

bull At 20 days participants will receive a virtual drawing ticket

bull At 30 days participants will receive Somerset Patriots prize pack of four tickets and a virtual drawing ticket

bull At 40 days participants will receive reading recognition reward and a virtual drawing ticket

bull At 50 days participants will receive a virtual drawing ticket

bull At 60 days participants will receive a free book and a virtual drawing ticket plus automatic entry to the Golden Ticket Prize

while supplies last

ADULT CHALLENGESCLSNJrsquos Summer Reading Challenge isnrsquot just for children tweens and teens Readers of all ages are able to record their reading minutes Whether itrsquos for fun continuing education or career oriented your Library is here to help you achieve your goals

rdquoSCLSNJrsquos virtual branch Explore From Home will be bustling with activities to engage our adult reading communities throughout the summerrdquo said Darryl Voorhees manager of adult services programs and collaborations public services ldquoTwo recurring programs highlight this in particular - Selected Readings SCLSNJ Unites the Community Through Verse in which library staff read from a chosen tile and Virtual Readersrsquo Roundtable A Moderated Book Talk during which our virtual branch serves a gathering place to talk about what you have been readingrdquo

Selected Readings - SCLSNJ Unites the Community Through Verse 11-1145 am Learn more

bull June 9 sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4326977

bull June 16 sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4329532

bull June 23 sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4332023

bull June 30 sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4332026

Virtual Readersrsquo Roundtable A Moderated Book TalkJune 29 1-2 pm For more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4312971

SCLSNJrsquos Summer Reading Challenge is sponsored in partnership with the Somerset Patriots and the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board Take the summer reading challenge SCLSNJorgSummerReading

ldquoMY SISTER THE SERIAL KILLERrdquo BY OYINKAN BRAITHWAITE

Reviewed by Alicia Bloch-Chen

In ldquoMy Sister the Serial Killerrdquo by Oyinkan Braithwaite Korede is the responsible older sister an extremely competent registered nurse and the designated

caretaker of her mother and younger sister Ayoola Their mother dotes incessantly on the beautiful and carefree Ayoola who is additionally pampered by everyone around her Ayoola is the woman all men want to possess evident by her many boyfriends The only catchhellipshe murders them As a result Korede has gotten very good at cleaning up after those murders

ldquoMy Sister the Serial Killerrdquo Braithwaitersquos readworthy debut novel is set in Nigeria The story is filled with dark humor and just a little gore The majority of the narrative however focuses on the relationship between these two sisters viewed through a Nigerian cultural lens It is an especially gratifying read with robust characters who detail the everyday world of women in Nigeria and the men with whom they connect This is not your typical ldquoslasher storyrdquo It is actually a book for readers who like an intense if frustrating family dynamic with a bit of humor and maybe a side of murder

Find Your Next Great Read

ALL AGESCreatures Beyond Imagining (families) June 13 10-1045 am Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4129927

A Staged Radio Play - ldquoThe Hobbitrdquo June 19 2-3 pm

Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4329545Beyond Imagination (families) June 27 1-2 pm Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent3985029

STORYTIMESFamily Storytime (families with children)

bull Pajamarama June 16 630-7 pm Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4315560

bull Twilight Tales June 18 7-730 pm Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4315670

bull Imagination June 19 1-130 pm Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4315679

ToddlerPreschool Storytime (ages 18 months - 5 years and parentscaregivers)

bull Rhyme and Play June 17 10-1030 am Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4315710

bull Hedgehogs June 18 10-1030 am Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4315726

Baby Storytime - Sensory Play (ages birth - 18 months and

parentscaregivers) June 25 10-1030 am Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4315906Imagine If - Story and Craft (entering grades 1-4) June 26 11-1130 am Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4318189

Preschool Storytime - Rainforests (ages 3-5 years and parentscaregivers) June 30 1030-11 am Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4318377

CHILDRENToddler Sing With Pat (ages 1-3 years) Register now June 9 1030-11 am sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4110051Explore Art (entering grades 1-5) June 16 1-2 pm Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4315005

Shields and Family Crests (entering grades K-6) June 17 1-2 pm

Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4315590 LEGOreg Club

bull Tips and Tricks (entering grades K-5) June 18 1-145 pm Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4315625

bull Three Billy Goats Gruff Challenge (entering grades K-5) June 24 1-2 pm Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4315868

bull Extreme Shelters Challenge (entering grades K-5) June 29 4-5 pm Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4318296

Choose Your Own Adventure - Journey Through the Magical Forest (entering

grades 1-4) June 18 3-4 pm Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4325305

STEAM - Salty Science (entering grades K-5) June 18 430-530 pm Register now

sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4315652 Get Movinrsquo (ages birth - 5 years and parentscaregivers) June 22 10-1030 am Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4288388Fairy Tale Fun (entering grades K-4) June 22 4-5 pm Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4315758

JUNE2020

Graphic Novel Book Club - ldquoSuee and the Shadowrdquo by Ginger Ly (entering grades 3-5) June 23 4-5 pm Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4315785DIY Kitchen Science - Making Oobleck (entering grades K-8 and parentscaregivers) June 25 11-1145 am Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4326612

Family Night - Firework Salt Painting (families with children) June 25 630-730 pm

Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4318175Once Upon a Building (entering grades 2-4) June 26 2-230 pm Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4318214Camping 101 (entering grades 1-4 and parentscaregivers) June 27 10-11 am Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4318228Music and Movement (ages 2-4 and parentscaregivers) June 27 11-1145 am Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4318236Music With Ms Jenni (ages birth - 3 years) June 29 10-1045 am Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4077149

Creatures From Around the World (entering grades K-5) June 30 2-230 pm

Register now sclsnjlibnetinfo event4099057Letrsquos Cook - Summer Fruit Smoothie (entering grades 3-5) June 30 430-515 pm Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4318500

TWEENS AND TEENSToastmasters Youth Leadership Program (grades 6-8) 6-730 pm Register now June 9 sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4298231

Junior Detectives - Fairy Tale Edition (entering grades 4-8) June 15 4-5 pm

Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4323819

Advanced Strategies for Chess (entering grades 4-12) June 22 2-230 pm Register now

sclsnjlibnet infoevent4325456Urban Oddities App Workshop - Part One (ages 13-18 years) June 25 4-5 pm Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4315944Teen Trivia (entering grades 9-12) June 29 1-2 pm Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4318290

ADULTSDe-Stress and Unwind With Yoga 1030-1130 am Learn more

bull June 3 sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4314489

bull June 10 sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4314490

bull June 17 sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4314491

bull June 24 sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4314492

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety Using Meditation June 3 7-830 pm Register now sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4306160Cooking With Kir - Seasonal Crecircpes June 4 7-8 pm Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4305176Living in Harmony With Nature - General Green Practices June 5 11 am - 1230 pm Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4320313

The Rise of Women in US Politics - Barriers Progress and Looking Ahead

June 8 7-8 pm Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4305193

Selected Readings - SCLSNJ Unites the Community Through Verse 11-1145 am

Learn more bull June 9 sclsnjlibnetinfo

event4326977bull June 16 sclsnjlibnetinfo

event4329532 bull June 23 sclsnjlibnetinfo

event4332023bull June 30 sclsnjlibnetinfo

event4332026

Author Talk With Ryan North (ages 16 and up) June 9 4-5 pm Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4305199Job Seekers

bull Creating a Dynamic Job Portfolio June 10 7-830 pm Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4332957

bull Explore LinkedIn With a Librarian June 25 2-3 pm Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4332232

Nineteenth-Century New Jersey Photographers of Somerset County

June 11 11 am - noon Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4307578Grand Central Terminalrsquos Railroads Presented by Michael J Czuchnicki June 11 7-8 pm Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4305221

JRR Tolkien - An Introduction to His Life June 12 2-3 pm Learn more

sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4285636An Evening With the

Roadside Graves - Playing Songs From the Album ldquoWe Can Take Care of

Ourselvesrdquo (teens and adults) June 13 8-930 pm Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4319352Public Higher Education and the COVID-19 Crisis - Presented by Dr Connolly of the University of South Florida June 15 7-8 pm Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4327139Living in Harmony With Nature - Managing Your Environmental Footprint June 16 7-8 pm Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4320319Writers Group - With Author Charles Levin June 17 7-830 pm Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4305233

Georgia OrsquoKeeffe Speaking With Color and Shapes - Part Three June 18

11 am - noon Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4305241Fantasy Readersrsquo Round Table June 18 7-8 pm Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4323483Science Fiction Book Discussion - ldquoThe Hanging Strangerrdquo by Philip K Dick June 22 6-7 pm Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4331940Discover the Arts at SCLSNJ

bull Nature Photography in the Florida Everglades and Beyond June 23 7-8 pm Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4318515

bull Photography and Visualization - Discover the Arts at SCLSNJ June 30 7-8 pm Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4305253

Fairies in the Garden - The Folklore of Herbs June 25 7-8 pm Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4305249

Virtual Readersrsquo Roundtable - A Moderated Book Talk June 29 1-2 pm

Learn more sclsnjlibnetinfoevent4312971

This icon is used to highlight a unique branch or system program

This icon is used to highlight a musical program

Bound Brook branchTel 908-458-8410

Email boundbrooksclibnjorg

Bridgewater branchTel 908-458-8415

Email bridgewatersclibnjorg

Hillsborough branchTel 908-458-8420

Email hillsboroughsclibnjorg

Manville branchTel 908-458-8425

Email manvillesclibnjorg

Mary Jacobs branchTel 908-458-8430

Email maryjacobssclibnjorg

North Plainfield branchTel 908-458-8435

Email northplainfieldsclibnjorg

Peapack amp Gladstone branchTel 908-458-8440

Email peapackgladstonesclibnjorg

Somerville branchTel 908-458-8445

Email somervillesclibnjorg

Warren Township branchTel 908-458-8450

Email warrentownshipsclibnjorg

Watchung branchTel 908-458-8455

Email watchungsclibnjorg

BRANCH INFORMATION

Lose yourself in a romance book

by visiting sclsnjorgromancebc