Library Features: What's New @ The Library
Visit EB Create
Have you checked out EB Create, our new makerspace yet?
Public libraries across the country are transforming--in a good way. The services that modern libraries offer are more than just books and reference help. East Brunswick Public Library is no exception.
To meet the needs of a community that wants more STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) education and programming, East Brunswick Public Library has opened its new EB Create makerspace.
"Libraries across the country have noticed that their customers are seeking more active learning and access to technology," said Jennifer Podolsky, East Brunswick Public Library Director. "Our town is no different."
A makerspace is a dedicated area that encourages members of the community to collaborate on hands-on projects. EB Create features a variety of art, crafting and technology equipment that library customers can use. The room also has several computers stations dedicated for graphic design and video editing, as well as a recording studio space.
"Our staff has been holding many different programs in EB Create, ranging from building robots out of LEGO Mindstorms kits to more advanced painting classes," Podolsky said. "Seeing how interested our customers are in attending these programs is extremely encouraging, especially since we are connecting with several different age groups."
The library is also launching a series of lendable kits, allowing customers to borrow items from the makerspace. These items will be available to the public at the end of February.
"Our customers will soon be able to check out items from the makerspace so that they can work on projects from home," she added. "Many of our customers borrow books before they go on vacation. Now we can offer them the opportunity to borrow a GoPro video camera or even a telescope. EB Create really opens up a whole world of possibilities to our customers."
?
EB Create will have open hours for the community to use the space and the equipment to work on projects at the library.
Information about EB Create can be found online at www.ebpl.org/ebcreate.
EBReads Returns
Check out our schedule of events for the second annual EB Reads event! We are reading Ready Player One by Ernest Cline!
Join us for the second annual EBReads, A Community Book Discussion for East Brunswick High School students and East Brunswick community members. This year’s selection is Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. The book is a science fiction thriller, exploring a virtual world of the future that is filled with tributes to the 1980s. To celebrate EB Reads, we have planned several fun events at the library throughout the month! Attendees to all events will be entered into a drawing at the end of the month for a chance to win tickets to the upcoming Ready Player One movie and other 80’s book-related prizes!
KEEP TALKING AND NOBODY EXPLODES
Monday, March 12, 7:00 pm
EBCreate Space
In honor of our 2018 EBReads selection Ready Player One, we're exploring virtual reality with the Oculus Rift! Come play the smash hit virtual reality game Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes!Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a virtual reality game where one player is trapped in a virtual room with a ticking time bomb they must defuse. The other players are the “Experts” who must give the instructions to defuse the bomb by deciphering the information found in the bomb defusal manual. But there’s a catch: the experts can’t see the bomb, so everyone will need to talk it out – fast!
EBREADS BOOK DISCUSSION: FUTURE WORLDS
Tuesday, March 20, 7:00 pm
YS Programming RoomWe’ll be discussing the book’s portrayal of the future and what we think the future might hold for us. Wherever you are in the book, come and talk about it with others who are reading along at the same time! Refreshments will be provided.
80’s PARTY
Wednesday, March 21, 7:00 pm
Meeting Rooms 1 &2Come and celebrate Halliday’s beloved 1980’s. We’re watching classic 80’s movies, getting in the mood with popular 80’s crafts and maybe even a Jane Fonda workout video or two! Prizes will be given out for the best 80’s themed outfit with a station to create your own costume.
80'S TRIVIA NIGHT
Wednesday, March 28, 7:00 pm
Meeting Rooms 1 &2Test your 80s trivia knowledge just like Wade Watts in Ready Player One. Prizes to the team that knows the most about 80s pop culture, history, and more!
Author Visit With Marc Brown
Meet Arthur Creator and Author Marc Brown!
The East Brunswick Public Library Foundation celebrates National Read Across America Day by hosting a special author visit with Marc Brown, the creator of the best-selling Arthur book series, at the East Brunswick Public Library (2 Jean Walling Civic Center) on Thursday, March 1 at 4:30 pm.
“We’re thrilled to have an author of this caliber visit the East Brunswick Public Library,” said Tracy L. Fink, East Brunswick Public Library Foundation President. “My kids grew up with Marc Brown’s books. He inspired them, and millions of other children, to connect with characters who they could relate to.”
Brown is one of the most prominent names in children’s literature. He has entertained generations of young readers with his relatable stories featuring Arthur the Aardvark, selling over 65 million copies of his Arthur books. Arthur is also a successful children’s television series on PBS, winning six Emmy Awards and receiving a total of 17 nominations).
In recent years, Brown has illustrated such award-winning and critically acclaimed picture books as Wild About Books, Born to Read, ZooZical!, and Wild About You! His latest book, In New York, introduces children to the city he calls home.
This free program is geared toward preschool and elementary school students but is open to readers and fans of all ages. Brown will be discussing his books and Arthur. Following the program, there will be a book signing. A bookseller will be on hand to sell a variety of books from the Arthur series.
To coincide with the program, East Brunswick Public Library is having a contest for children. Any child who completes the library’s Winter Reading Challenge will be entered into a drawing to win a signed book from Brown on the day of the event. To sign up for the reading challenge, visit the children’s services desk at the library.
This author visit is sponsored by the East Brunswick Public Library Foundation. The Foundation, a 501c3, was established in 2009 to ensure that the library will continue to connect people with ideas, information, technology, resources, and each other in ways that enrich their lives and help them to realize their dreams. The Foundation mobilizes private support to enhance innovative programs and services while helping the library remain vibrant and responsive in an ever-changing world. To learn more about the East Brunswick Public Library Foundation, visit their website. For more information about upcoming East Brunswick Public Library events, visit the online calendar.
Six Ways To Get More Involved With EBPL
Everyone loves East Brunswick Public Library! Find out how you can become more involved with your favorite library.
East Brunswick Public Library has amazing customers; the library served nearly 349,000 people who came through our doors last year! One of the things we always we always hear from of our customers is how can they be more active with the library. Here are six ways that you can become more involved with EBPL!
Volunteer At The Library
Volunteering at the library can be a rewarding experience, and there are several projects available. Individuals interested in volunteering may pick up an application at the Administration Office or the Information Services desk.
Be Our Friend
East Brunswick Public Library has one of the most active and vibrant--not to mention longest running--Friends of the Library groups in New Jersey! Whether it is working at their Annual Bargain Book and Media Sale or their other countless programs, they can always use your help. Whether you are looking to just lend a hand or to join the Friends, check out their website.
Show Your Art
East Brunswick has a strong art community, and the library showcases different local artists each month. The library has gallery spaces and display cases that we are always looking to fill. If you are interested in displaying your work at East Brunswick Public Library, click here to submit your proposal.
Use Amazon Smile
Do you shop on Amazon? The online retailer has a special program that lets you designate the East Brunswick Public Library Foundation as the recipient of a donation, based on 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases. Click here and select the East Brunswick Public Library Foundation to be the charitable organization you support.
Watch More EBTV
EBTV is our local municipal television station, based out of the library. Did you know that you can watch their programming, like This Week In East Brunswick, on your computer, smartphone or tablet? Check out their Video On Demand here.
Library Xchange
Are you a younger adult (between the ages of 20 and 39) and looking to make new friends? Our Library Xchange regularly hosts several fun programs that you can attend, designed for you to do after work that range from crafting, gaming and even meeting up at local restaurants for book discussions on the weekends! The group also helps make suggestions about library events and programs. Join the official MeetUp group here.
How To Keep Seeing East Brunswick Public Library on Facebook
With changes to Facebook's newsfeed, here is how to make sure you keep seeing East Brunswick Public Library on Facebook.
If you are using Facebook on a computer, click on the drop-down arrow in the upper right corner of the page. From there, select "News Feed Preferences." Then select "Prioritize who you see first." From there you can select the pages (like East Brunswick Public Library) that you would like to see in your news feed. The pages and profiles that you select will have a blue star in the upper right corner. When you are finished, you can click the "Done" button.