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Artists Group
The Plainsboro Artists' Group hosts a monthly meeting for sharing ideas
and works in progress. Join in friendly critiques or just listen.
Exchange information about our art community and connect with other
artists. Join us the first Monday of each month at 6:30 pm, for
critique followed by art chat. All artists, levels, and mediums welcome!
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Audio Books
The Library has audio books in both CD, tape cassette, and Playaway
formats. They circulate for 3 weeks. Renewals are welcomed (3-time limit).
There is a limit of 25 CD’s per person. Overdue charge: 5 cents,
per day.
If you like I-Pods you’ll love our Playaway
book collection! Fabulous titles on a Pod-sized
device. Take it biking, take it baking, take it ANYWHERE! Check them out.
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Blog
Get the latest info on
programs, blood drives, emergency closings, and more
on our blog. Click the link on our homepage, or bookmark www.PlainsboroLibraryNews.blogspot.com
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Blood Drives
In conjunction with New Jersey
Blood Services, bmonthly blood drives are conducted on site. Dates for
2013 are:
Sun, Mar 10, 10-3pm
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Wed, Apr 24, 3-8pm
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Sun, May 19, 10-3pm
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Wed, June 26, 3-8pm
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Sun, July 14, 10-3pm
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Wed, Aug 28, 3-8pm
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Sun, Sept 8, 10-3pm
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Wed, Oct 23, 3-8pm
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Sun, Nov 10, 10-3pm
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| Wed, Dec 18, 3-8pm |
This is a drop-in service. No advanced appointment is
necessary.
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Book Sales
With
the exception of April and December, benefit book sales operate from
10-4 on the last weekend of every month. All proceeds go to keeping the
library open on Sundays! (and we’re proud to boast that Plainsboro is
the ONLY library in New Jersey open on Sunday mornings!). Saturday
prices: Hardbacks, $1. Paperbacks, $.50. Miscellaneous media and art at
bargain prices. Sunday is “Stuff-a Bag” day for the fabulous price of
$3.00. Come early. Dates for 2013 sales are: January 26 - 27,
February 23 - 24, March 23 - 24, April 27 - 28, May 25 - 26, June
29 - 30, July 27 - 28, August 24 - 25, September 28 - 29, October
26 - 27, November 23 - 24, and December 26 – 30 (A 3 day sale: come
early for thebest selection!)
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CDs
The Library has an active collection of over 1,500 CD’s
which circulate for 3 weeks. Renewals are welcomed (3-time limit). There
is a limit of 25 CD’s per person. Overdue charge: 5 cents per day.!
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CDRs
The
Library supports learning for adults and children alike with a wide
variety of CD Roms. These may be borrowed for three weeks and renewed
up to three times.Overdue charges are 5 cents a day. Back to top.
Change for Change
Little things mean a lot!
Grab one of our Change for Change cups and make a habit of filling it with
your loose change. Then drop it in our vortex, or deposit it directly at
PNC or 1st Constitution Bank. Every penny goes toward innovative library services. We have already smashed out original
$10,000 goal, and are heading on to $20,000!
Chess
The Library offers an active chess environment. There is
a table for spontaneous in-house play, and regularly scheduled groups
to gain playing time.
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Children’s Programs
The Children’s Room at the Plainsboro Library offers a vast array of
exciting programs for kids of all ages. Stop in for a Story time; bring
your 0-18 month old to Babies Read, your 0-30 month old to Lapsit Time, or
sample one of the other special storytime series featuring music, nature,
movement or animals. Check out our monthly Art in the Afternoon, Messy
Monday, Science Adventures or Math is Yummy programs!
While you’re
at the library, try out the Early Literacy games on our computers or our
amazing Wentzscope microscope! And, of course, we’d love to help you find
the perfect book!
Looking for something to do this summer? Check out
our summer program! Starting on July 8, it’s four weeks of math, science,
arts, nature and fun. From challenging science competitions, to
Shakespeare in the community room, to the annual Spelling Bee, there’s
something for all ages!
Want to know what’s going on? There’s
something new popping up all the time. Give us a call at 609-275-2897, or
go directly to
PlainsboroLibraryNews.blogspot.com.
Best of all, drop in and
see for yourself why many people say we’re not like any other library
they’ve ever seen!
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Computers
The Library maintains a number of computers for public use.
Internet usage is free and
does not require advance registration. Please ask for assistance at the
Circulation or Reference Desk if a terminal is not available upon arrival. Priority is
given to those doing research.
Database research is free and efficient.
The library maintains a wide variety of popular databases tailored to
local needs for report research, investments, taxes, health, and law.
These terminals are located in the Reference area on the second floor.
Word processing programs are
available in standard Office formats. Files may be created and stored
on disks and jump drives; retrieved from disks and jump drives; and/or
printed. Library staff is not able to instruct newcomers in the complex
use of these programs.
Science and Math programs
for pre-K-middle school are mounted in the Science Center at all times.
Check the circulating CD ROM’s for copies of similar
programs.
Computer classes and
tutorials are occasionally offered in the use of the Library’s catalogue, databases,
and Internet navigation. Call for detailed information about times.
No charge.
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Donations
The Library welcomes donations and memorials from individuals
and businesses alike. The Library is a registered 501-C3 organization
and can give letters acknowledging the charitable gifts for tax purposes.
Among the treasured contributions received in the past have been gifts
of time, talent, money, books, sculpture,
birdbaths and artwork for resale. See our latest WISHLIST for ideas.
In addition, the Science Center, which hosts a very active
“take apart” center, invites you to save your broken equipment
for “scientific investigation.” Old phones, toasters, fans, mixers, mechanical
toys—ALL are enthusiastically accepted. Sorry,
we can not use dysfunctional t.v.s and computer monitors for this purpose.
For your convenience, donated materials should be brought through the
rear entrance to the circulation desk. Sorry, magazines cannot be accepted.
To explore specific options, call the Director at 609-275-2899.
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DVDs
The Library has a collection of over 1300 DVDs which circulate, free of charge for 2 days. There are no renewals.
Overdue charge: $1.00/day.
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ESL Classes
Two different styles of ESL classes are offered at the Library.
Structured lessons are offered by the Continuing Education Department
of the West Windsor-Plainsboro School district. For dates and details
of registration call: 609-716-5034. Free informal conversation classes are
held every Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. No registration is required.
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Eyeglasses
The library has a collection box for used eyeglasss and frames which are relayed to the Lions Club for their work.
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Fax
The library offers public fax service.
Food Drop Off
Food and paper products are gratefully accepted on behalf of the
Middlesex County McFoods program and the Plainsboro Food Pantry. Leave
them in our white food Express wagon just inside the main entrance to the library.
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Foreign Language Materials
Major efforts have been made to satisfy local demand for
print and media materials in Mandarin, Hindi, Gujarati, Tamil, and Korean.
Materials in all languages are available on loan.
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Gallery
The Gallery at Plainsboro Public Library features the works
of local and regional professional artists in a variety of media. Artists
interested in showing their work should call the Director at 609-275-2897.
Work shown in The Gallery is not subject to commission.
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International Games
See into the far corners of the world with our collection
of international games. Africa offers mankala. Japan teases with their
version of chess—Shogi. China challenges with Go. Games circulate
for 2 weeks. Renewals are welcomed (5-time limit.) Overdue charge: 5 cents
per day.
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Library Cards
All those who live or work in Plainsboro are eligible for
a Plainsboro Library card. A document with the home/work address will
be required upon application. (Most anything will do—a lease, bill,
driver’s license, work badge, letter of employment). Even wee children
are encouraged to get their very own library cards!
Mercer County Library System Reciprocity: All card holders in the Mercer County Library System may obtain
a reciprocal card by presenting their MCL System card. Likewise, Plainsboro
card holders may obtain a reciprocal card for the Mercer County Library
System, by presenting their Plainsboro Library for barcoding at any branch
in the Mercer County Library System.
Plainsboro Public Library is a member of the Libraries
of Middlesex Automation Consortium (LMXAC) and Middlesex
Union Reciprocal Associated Libraries (M.U.R.A.L.) All
card holders in the LMXAC System may borrow directly from
member and M.U.R.A.L libraries. We are also a member of
New Jersey’s Open Borrowing Program, which includes
direct borrowing from 51% of the state. Ask for details at
the Circulation Desk. LMXAC and M.U.R.A.L. members
include: Berkeley Heights, Carteret, Clark, Cranbury, Cranford,
Dunellen, Edison, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Garwood, Highland
Park, Hillside, Jamesburg, Kenilworth, Linden, Long Branch,
Manville, Matawan, Metuchen, Middlesex
County College, Middlesex, Milltown, Monroe,
Mountainside, New Brunswick, New Providence, North
Brunswick, Old Bridge, Perth Amboy, Piscataway,
Plainfield, Red Bank, Roselle,
Roselle Park, Sayreville, Scotch Plains, Somerville, South Amboy, South Brunswick, South Plainfield,
South River, Spotswood, Springfield, Union
and Westfield.
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Internet Access
Registration
is not necessary for use of Plainsboro Library’s Internet terminals.
When all stations are occupied, check withCirculation or Reference
staff and they will give notice to an Internet user on your behalf. You
will be guaranteed access within 20 minutes. Black/white copies and
prints cost 15 cents per page, color copies and prints cost $.50.
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McCaffrey's Receipts
Don't
throw them out!! Bring them to the library, and put them in the
colorful collection box at circulation. We'll turn them into $$$,
thanks to McCaffrey's charitable trust.
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Meeting Space
The
Library maintains meeting rooms which are available to individuals,
non-profit organizations, community interest groups, boards and
agencies of the library, Township, government and schools. Preference
is given to local, non-profit, organizations, and educational
endeavors. Application forms must be submitted for use of rooms, and
fees may apply. Contact the library at 609-275-2897 for full details.
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Notary Public
Free notary service is available during the week. Please call in advance to confirm availability.
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Playaways
If you like I-Pods, you'll love your Playaway book
collection! Fabulous titles on a pod-sized device. Take it
biking, take it baking, take it ANYWHERE! Come see!
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Reference Services
Reference service is available whenever the library is open. We
look forward to helping you in the library, on the phone or by email.
Just ask! We can help you locate books and resources or guide you through
more advanced, specialized queries. An exceptional array of
online databases are available both in the library, and through this website. Click here to
review sources.DATABASE
Some may require your library card number.
Our resources go far beyond the walls of Plainsboro Public Library.
We are connected to larger reference referral networks and inter-library
loan services. If we don't have the materials or answers here, we'll borrow
them from/ or refer you to places that do!
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Robotics
Thanks to the kindness of Siemens Corporation and
volunteer mentors from the community, the Library maintains an exciting
program in Lego Mindstorm Robotics. The program offers hands-on mentoring
for children and adults alike. In March 2005, The State of New Jersey
recognized Plainsboro Public Library as the outstanding community
organization offering innovations in Science and Technology for women.
Registration is required. Call 609-275-2897 or check the library blog
http://PlainsboroLibraryNews.blogspot.com for details.
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Scholarship
Each
year the Library presents two scholarships to Plainsboro resident high
school seniors in memory of Board member and WW-P High School South
Librarian Rosalie Pratt. Click here for details and application: The Rosalie Pratt Memorial Scholarship
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Science Center
Awarded the American Library Association's prestigious
Fyan award for innovative programming, the Plainsboro Library’s Science
Center features a Wentzscope Easy View Microscope, a Greenhouse, LEGO
Mindstorm Robotics programs, and a year-round emphasis on science
workshops. For our Discovery Summer 2013, the Library will offer several
techno-science challenges: The
Annual Egg Dropping Competition (kits available on July 8); The
Cardboard Canoe Race on Plainsboro Pond; the Newspaper Chair
Competition and three exciting Invention Challenges.
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Tax Assistance
From February through April 15, the Library offers free tax assistance
workshops in collaboration with the local chapter of AARP. Please call
or come by for details about the service. 609-275-2897.
Registration is recommended, although every effort will be made to
handle walk-ins.
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Typewriters
Need a typewriter to complete that application? The Library has them for public use!
How very retro!
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Volunteering
Interested in a lifetime investment? Give some time to the
Library and see how many lives your gift touches. Everyday, volunteers
contribute to the remarkably cost effective, innovative service at Plainsboro
Public Library. From “reading the shelves”, to organizing community
wide festivals, to manning the technical needs of the vast Interlibrary
Loan System, to selling books at the monthly sale, volunteers play MAJOR
roles. If you've been wanting to get out and “get involved,”
call the Volunteer Coordinator at 609-275-2897. Do it today!
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Vortex
Part science. Part Fun. And ALL benefiting the
library's fundraising effort for our new library. Save your change,
and come study Kepler's laws right here at the library as they coast
relentlessly down into the black hole! We have already met our
original goal - a community effort
by young and old to raise $10,000 in change. We're heading on to
$20,000!
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Writer's Group
The Plainsboro Literary Group hosts monthly reads on the
last Monday of every month for writers who wish to share their works in
progress and receive informal feedback. There are no restrictions as to
format. Prose, poetry, plays, reviews are all welcome. Selections should
be 10–15 minutes in length. Visitors may listen and discuss, if they
prefer not to read. Nibbles and conversation at 6:30 p.m. Readings at
7:00 p.m. sharp.
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