Library News
CANCELLED: LED Pet Collar Coding Class
Wednesday's LED Pet Collar coding program has been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience.
EBPL Boycotting Macmillan Publishers
Effective November 1, 2019, East Brunswick Public Library joins libraries nationwide by no longer purchasing eBooks published by Macmillan and its many imprints. More Info
Why is this happening?
Macmillan Publishers is changing its eBook licensing terms with libraries, allowing them to only purchase one copy of each new title for the first eight weeks after a book’s release. This policy is regardless of library size; a small rural library serving a community of 2,000, a large metropolitan system like New York Public Library or even a statewide program like eLibraryNJ (which East Brunswick Public Library participates in) can only purchase one copy of an eBook. After eight weeks, libraries will be allowed to buy additional copies, but at a higher price.
Limiting access to new titles for libraries in any format means limiting readers’ access to the materials they want to read. Such an arbitrary embargo sets a dangerous precedent. Macmillan’s policy now applies only to new titles, but what might they embargo next?
Currently, this limits the availability to new books from popular Macmillan authors Liane Moriarty, Louise Penny, J.D. Robb, Nora Roberts, Lisa Scottoline, Steve Berry and Brad Meltzer. MacMillan’s policy is disconcerting because it could influence other publishers to institute similar restrictions.
The business of purchasing eBooks is complicated for public libraries, especially when compared to consumer eBooks. There are several factors, ranging from release dates, licensing renewals and higher purchase pricing, that make this a big issue for libraries. Somerset County Library System put together this guide that explains why it is much more complicated for a public library to make eBooks available to their customers than it is for an individual to buy a copy of an eBook. (https://sclsnj.org/library-ebooks-vs-consumer-ebooks/)
What does this mean for East Brunswick Public Library customers?
New titles by authors published by Macmillan will only be available in print, and they will not be available as eBooks. It also means that some titles in our eBook collection will disappear. As licensing for Macmillan titles expire, they may not be renewed.
What can you do?
There are several different ways that you can show your concern.
- Add your name to the public petition at ebooksforall.org
- Tweet @MacmillanUSA with the hashtag #eBooksForAll
- Send a letter to John Sargent, Chief Executive Officer Macmillan Publishing 120 Broadway New York, NY 10271.
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns about how the Macmillan boycott effects East Brunswick Public Library, please email Stephanie Filippone, Head of Adult Services.
How Money Works Lecture Tonight
Come join Eilene Beck for a fresh look at how money works and what it means to you in the game of life on Thursday, November 21st at 7:00pm.
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Today! Israeli Dance Workshop
Join us for an Israeli Dancing Workshop this Sunday, November 17 at 12:30pm at the Community Arts Center (721 Cranbury Road).
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Chocolate Friend-zy Fundraiser Today
Join the Friends of the Library this Sunday, November 17 for an afternoon of chocolate sampling from Birnn Chocolates of Highland Park, makers of award winning treats for over 87 years!
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The East Brunswick Friends of the Library are honored to invite you to the Chocolate Friend-zy, an afternoon of confections discussion and samplings. Our special guest is John Cunnell, one of the founders of Birnn Chocolates.
His wife, Andrea, is the great-grand-daughter of Charles Henry Birnn, who started Birnn Chocolates in 1932. Located at the corner of Cleveland Avenue and Madison Avenue in Highland Park, Birnn Chocolates is an award-winning confectioner, making traditional chocolate treats for over 87 years.
The New Jersey-based company specializes in making high-end confections out of natural ingredients. Their retail store is located in the same building as their factory. Information about the company's history can be found online at www.birnnchocolates.com
Cunnell is giving a presentation about the company's history and offering samples of their products. After the discussion, he will answer questions about chocolate, candy and desserts. Guests will be able to enjoy a reception of over 25 homemade desserts to sample provided by the Friends of the Library. Birnn Chocolates will also have confectionery treats available for purchase.
Admission to the event is $10, and all proceeds benefit the East Brunswick Public Library. Tickets are available at the library's circulation desk, online or at the event
Tonight: Historical Photos Lecture
On Thursday, november 14th at 7:30pm, New Jersey photojournalist Jim DelGiudice will look at photos that changed history by accident— why a snapshot of Abe Lincoln’s tousled hair, for example, helped gain him the presidency, but one of Gary Hart on a yacht lost it for him.
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Tonight: Veterans' Voices Presentation
Join Don Buzney for a presentation of recordings from veterans who served in World War II and the Korean War. Corresponding images will lend a glimpse into the particular theater of war each veteran served in.
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Hip-Hop Dance Workshop Today at Arts Center
Join us at the Community Arts Center (721 Cranbury Road) on Sunday, November 10 at 12:30 pm for a hip-hop dance workshop.
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Tonight: History of NJ Immigration Lecture
Join Dr. Carlos Ulises Decena on Thursday, November 7 at 7:00pm. Immigrant histories in Jersey have been and continue to be distinct by region and in comparison to the rest of the country. Considering and learning more about what this means can lead to more informed communities.
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Just Eat It: a Food Waste Documentary Tonight
Join us for a screening and discussion on Wednesday, November 6 at 7:00 pm. Filmmakers and food lovers, Jen and Grant dive into the issue of food waste from farm and retail, right to the back of their own fridge.
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