Library Features: What's New @ The Library
Friends Profile: Robin Rushfield
Robin Rushfield is a familiar face to anyone who has attended the annual Friends of the Library book and media sale. One of the longest-serving members of Friends, Robin has held a variety of positions over the years, including President. We asked Robin to share her memories about the group and to tell us what she has enjoyed most about her participation.
WHEN DID YOU MOVE TO EAST BRUNSWICK?
We moved to East Brunswick in 1979. During our first week in town, we took care of all the important stuff. We got our New Jersey drivers licenses, registered to vote, and got our library cards. I worked in New York City for the first 2 years but after my first child was born, since I was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom, I needed to make new friends and find more things to do here. I became a member of the Friends in 1982.
EVERYONE IN TOWN RECOGNIZES YOU THANKS TO THE ANNUAL BOOK SALE. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH THE BOOK SALE?
In 1983, the Book Sale Vice President asked whether I'd like to help out at that year's sale. I went to help out early in the sale and kept coming back night after night. When the sale ended, I was invited to a board meeting. At the first board meeting I attended, I was asked whether I'd like to join a committee that was just forming. That was for our first tricky tray. We had a lot to learn, so we had a lot of meetings got to know each other pretty well.
YOU'VE BEEN A VERY ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE FRIENDS. WHAT TITLES HAVE YOU HELD IN THE ORGANIZATION?
Since I became a member of the executive board, I've also spent time as Vice President of Membership, Financial Secretary, Vice President of Book Sale, and even a couple of terms as President. Currently I am the Treasurer, chair the Senior Award Committee and I'm also a member of the fundraising committee.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING A FRIEND OF THE LIBRARY?
Being a member of the Friends has connected me to other people in the community. While roaming around town, I always manage to bump into someone I know as a result of my connection with the Library. I also love that I get to be one of the first people in town to know what new things are about to happen there. I also happen to love working at the book sale. I get a chance to catch up with people I haven't spent much time with since my 30-something kids were in playgroups.
HOW HAS THE LIBRARY CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
Since I joined the board, I have known six different directors and seen a lot of changes. For instance, the card catalog is gone. We review the catalog on computer; we have self-checkout stations, and we can borrow e-books, movies, music, and more right from our couches at home. But one thing remains the same−parking is still as difficult as ever! It shows that everyone loves their library!
Get the Creativebug
Crafting is very popular at East Brunswick Public Library. To better serve DIYers, the library is now providing access to Creativebug, an online crafting class and video service.
"Our community is really into crafting," said Stephanie Filippone, Adult Services Manager. "Whether it be the Crafter Dark programs for adults or the crafting activities for children, many of our most popular library programs involve making something."
"Creativebug allows us to provide our customers with access to thousands of art and crafting classes online," she added. "We were amazed by the variety of patterns and instructions that the service offers."
Creativebug offers thousands of project guides, including sewing, quilting, cooking, party planning, jewelry and design. These projects are developed by leading crafters and bloggers. The service began in 2012.
To access Creativebug, click here. Library customers have to enter their full library card number and the PIN that they use to access EBPL.org
In addition to Creativebug, East Brunswick Public Library also has crafting equipment for customers to use in the EB Create makerspace.
For more information about Creativebug and related services at East Brunswick Public Library, visit www.ebpl.org or call 732-390-6767.