Library News
Expanded Library Services & Updates
The East Brunswick Public Library is to the public with modified services, which will expand July 1.
Click here for more information.
The library's hours are as follows:
- Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. From 10:00 am to 11:00 am, seniors and vulnerable populations have exclusive access.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
- Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
- Sundays Closed in August.
OTHER LIBRARY NOTES:
BOOK DROPS WILL REMAIN OPEN
Customers may return their library materials at any time to the book drops outside of the library. Please do not leave any items outside of the building. Materials are no longer held in quarantine.
CURBSIDE PICKUP
Customers will be able to continue to get library materials through Curbside Pickup. Library cardholders with a valid LMxAC member library card can use curbside pickup at East Brunswick Public Library. Click here to learn about this service. If you are looking for book recommendations, our Match+Book program puts together a literal bag of books based on your reading interests.
PASSPORTS
Passport services at East Brunswick Public Library are available by appointment only. If you would like to schedule an appointment to submit a passport application, call 732-390-6761. Additional information about passports can be found here.
VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON REFERENCE
East Brunswick Public Library can still answer your reference questions virtually, by telephone, e-mail or through the chatbox on our website, as well as in-person during library hours. Learn more about virtual reference here. Also, many of the library’s online resources, ranging from Ancestry to Rosetta Stone to Universal Class, and our technology classes are available from home. Check out the full list here.
VIRTUAL & OUTDOOR PROGRAMS
All virtual and outdoor programs at East Brunswick Public Library will continue. We have activities, workshops and lectures planned for all ages. For a complete list, click here.
COMPUTER USE
If you need to use the library's computers, photocopier, scanner or fax machine, no appointment is required.
GROUP STUDY ROOM USE (2 OR MORE PEOPLE)
To learn more about group study room policies, click here.
eBOOKS AND MORE
The library offers eBooks, magazines, movies, graphic novels, television shows and even crafting instructions for free with your library card. If anyone in your family or friends need an East Brunswick Public Library card. We have made it easier than ever; you can apply online.
OTHER NOTES
- The Friends of the Library will accept a maximum of 2 grocery-size bags/medium-size boxes of items per day, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm. Donations must go to the side door of the library (in between the library and the senior center).
- Additional information will be provided as more details become available. You can find the latest news about your library on our website, Facebook and Twitter.
Exploring the EB Create Telescope Kits & What's in the Sky in August!
Join Isaac Osores on Wednesday, August 4th at 7:00pm on Zoom for an overview of the most common types of telescopes and discuss some celestial events to look out for in the month of August. This program is for adults, children, and teens.
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Meet Our New Library Director
The East Brunswick Public Library Board of Trustees announced that John Arthur has been named as its new Library Director effective July 8. As the director, Arthur will guide the library as it continues its deep engagement with the community it serves.
“We are thrilled to welcome John in his position as Library Director,” said East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen. “We are proud of the Library and the reputation it has established over the decades. I am certain that John will help lead our organization and redefine the role and function of libraries in the 21st century.”
Arthur is excited to begin working at East Brunswick Public Library. “It’s is a leader among libraries throughout the state, and one I have frequently looked to for inspiration in the past. The services offered are innovative and constantly evolving.“
He graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Philosophy and History. He earned a Master of Library and Information Sciences at Rutgers University and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
“I’ve always been interested in providing access—whether it be to high-quality information, to cultural events, or to a chance for someone to learn and grow,” he said. “Bringing people together to experience something new is one of the best parts of the job. I see libraries as places that can be whatever one needs them to be—whether it’s simply checking out a good book or attending a weekly children’s program that allows for children and parents to connect with others in the community.”
Arthur had several positions in public libraries as the Youth Services Librarian at West Orange Public Library, the Head of Youth Services at the Library of the Chathams, and the Director of Metuchen Public Library. Most recently, he was the director of the Englewood Public Library.
“Leading their response to COVID-19 was my most significant accomplishment,” he added. “Together with a wonderful staff, we offered more than 850 online programs, launched socially distanced outdoor events, and in many ways kept people connected to their community throughout the pandemic.”
Arthur also performed guitar and vocal music on Facebook Live for the first 100 days of the pandemic. The library also offered three-hour English Language Learning classes that ran five days a week using Zoom.
As Library Director, his goal is to work with other community organizations, township departments and schools to make sure that the library can respond to the needs of all East Brunswick residents.
“Having the opportunity to work as the East Brunswick Public Library Director is exciting,” he added. “I look forward to working together with everyone—residents, library staff, elected officials, community leaders, students, or anyone else who works in, lives in, or visits East Brunswick—to ensure that the library is the best resource for everyone in the community.”
Like any library employee, Arthur is an avid reader, most recently finishing Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee, and Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century by Jessica Bruder.
Summer Reading is Here!
Kids, teens, adults, and entire families can participate in Summer Reading this year!
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Friends of the Library Doughnut Pickup
The Friends of the Library's Krispy Kreme Doughnut Fundraiser pickup is this Saturday, July 3 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm inside the library.
Golden Age of Radio Program Wednesday
Join us for a virtual and call-in program on, "A Beginner's Guide to the Golden Age of Radio " with host Steve Darnall on Wednesday, June 23rd at 12:00pm.
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Acoustic Mondays Weekly Through August 30
Join the library and Rec for the Acoustic Monday series in the Courtyard! Concerts start at 7:00pm.
View the Lineup
mR. Ray Concert Postponed
The mR. Ray kids concert scheduled for tonight has been POSTPONED until TOMORROW, June 15th due to the weather forecast.
Limited Seed Potatoes Remain!
Have you ever wanted to grow your own potatoes? The EB Grow Seed Library has some spuds just for you!
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Library users can check out a blend of fingerling seed potatoes. Each bag weighs roughly eight ounces. The potato bag does not count to library user’s garden seed pack limit; however, users are limited to one bag per household. To place your request, fill out our online form at www.ebpl.org/ebgrow.
The EB Grow seed library is an initiative of the East Brunswick Public Library and the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission.
World Wide Stitch in Public Day Today
Come bring your knitting or crochet project and work outside as part of World Wide Stitch in Public Day on Saturday, June 12th in the courtyard!
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