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Plainfield Public Library December 2023 |
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From the Desk of the Director...
We are closing out 2023 and we at the Library have been busy. A lot has happened along with many changes. We have completed our Strategic Plan which will guide us for the next 4 years. We thank you all for your input and suggestions and we plan on doing what we can to incorporate many of those ideas. Our passport office is up and running and we are ramping up for more business in 2024. We have 4 passport officers who can handle appointments with one who is a Spanish speaker. We have added 2 study rooms on the first floor with plans for an additional 2 in 2024.
We have heard your concerns about safety and are working with the police and the High School to keep our entrance to the building clear of loiterers. Repairs to the broken concrete at the entrance and the parking lot drains are complete and we hope that adds to the safety of walking on the property.
We have seen a marked increase in our program attendance and are thrilled with your positive response to our events. Currently, there is an exhibit on the history of Black Tennis in Plainfield, sponsored by the City of Plainfield, on display in the Anne Louise Davis Room (see the feature below). Our own Board Treasurer, Inez Durham was the speaker at the opening reception.
Of special note in our Strategic Plan results was the importance of a dedicated Teen Space at the Library. Plans are in the works and we hope there will be one in the near future. Teens who are active participants in community life become thoughtful and caring community members.
Finally, don’t forgot all the fun events we have for December. For those who like to indulge in the holiday spirit we have The Royal Music Brass Quartet (see below) who will entertain us all with holiday music on December 16 from 1-2pm. For the kids that day we will have a visit from the Grinch and he will be available for pictures.
Happy Holidays and see you at the Library!
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Local History, Genealogy & Special Collections
The Plainfield Room is open for historical and genealogical research. Our hours are Monday-Friday, 9AM to 4:45PM and Tuesdays from 9AM to 7PM. Please contact us to schedule an appointment. The Memoir Writing Club meets on December 14th; the writing topic is "end of the year holidays." All are welcome!
Current Exhibition: Plainfield Black Tennis History: 1916-2023
Stop by the Anne Louise Davis room to view this photography retrospective on the history of Black tennis in the Queen City. Presented by the Plainfield Division of Parks & Recreation and curated by historian & Black History Consultant, Ethel M. Washington, this exhibit features 60 images from 1916 to 2023. From famous greats like William Mayes and Eyre Saitch to notable contemporaries Westry Horne, Donald Van Blake, and John T. Chandler, the photos show the people and events that shaped the history of tennis tennis today! The exhibit is open during regular library hours (when the room is not in use), and will run through January 13, 2024.
10 Things You Didn’t Know Happened in Plainfield
Saturday, December 9, 2023
10:30AM via Zoom
Register:
https://tinyurl.com/PPLHist231209
What do the Titanic, Acts of Sedition, and a forgotten cemetery have to do with Plainfield? Nancy Piwowar, president of the Historical Society of Plainfield / Drake House Museum, will reveal ten forgotten stories of Plainfield residents and places. Join us for this fun, interesting, and sometimes surprising program all about the Queen City.
Tempest in a Tea Pot: The Boston Tea Party
Saturday, December 16, 2023
10:30AM via Zoom
Register:
https://tinyurl.com/PPLHist231216
(In commemoration of the 250th anniversary) The Boston Tea Party was a response to the 1773 Tea Act, new legislation designed to reduce tea smuggling within the British Empire and boost the sales of tea imported to the American colonies by the East India Company, a mega corporation with an all-too-cozy relationship to the British Government. But, of course, it all backfired spectacularly. In this talk, historian Dr. Richard Bell argues that the resulting Boston Tea Party marks the first major protest in America against corporate greed and the effects of globalization.
These programs are co-hosted by Plainfield Public Library and the Historical Society of Plainfield / Drake House Museum
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Our programs are made possible in part by operating support grants from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State - additionally through a grant administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, Department of Parks and Recreation; and by a 2023 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
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Adult Programs for December |
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A Holiday Music Extravaganza
with The Royal Music Ensemble
Saturday, December 16, 2023
1-2PM, Anne Louise Davis Room
Come and join in with the music as we present a concert of Holiday favorites old and new with the Royal Music Ensemble, led by Vinnie Cutro. We'll have lyrics available if you feel the urge to sing along.
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There's more! You can always find the latest things to see and do at the Library on our Live Calendar. In the run up to the Holidays, there's a whole feast of fun and welcoming crafts, courses, events and experiences for you to try - all for FREE!
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Computer Training - Open House Day - Hablamos español!
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Mark your calendars to find out all about our computer course and meet with the staff behind our digital programs.
If you or someone you know could benefit from a taught course that not only gives confidence in using computers and information technology, but can also lead to a free employer-recognized certificate for successful graduates, make time to join us for our Open House.
This is an ideal opportunity to chat with the staff who'll be instructing courses, administering tests, and opening the doors to digital confidence for new cohorts of adult students in the year ahead.
If the date doesn't work for you can always find out more about all our available courses with members of our Digital Literacy team at 908 757 1111 ext 123 or register your interest via the Library's Computer Training Page.
Hope to see you at our open house day!
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Children's Library - Here come the Holidays!
Stay cozy and join us for fun movies, stories and crafts this December. Not forgetting our fun photo opp with The Grinch on December 16th.
As always, you can check in to our live Library Calendar to see what's going on at the Library, or take a peek at the programs coming up as part of our ongoing stream of fun educational things for kids and their grown-ups to enjoy together. |
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Teen Programs for December
If you like cocoa, crafts, gaming and more, you'll find them here. Come and have fun and make friends at our December programs for teens and tweens. Come in out of the cold and find a fun activity (or find the best, cosiest wintertime reads with all the snows and wolves and magic you could possibly desire*). Come fill your December with the magic of the season!
*... alternatively, transport yourself to a tropical paradise to get away from it all!
View Programs on Library Calendar
or just check out our
December Teen programs at a glance poster. |
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For general information, please contact the Reference Department. For department-specific information, you can contact those departments.
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Library Hours
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Please note that the Library will be CLOSED on Friday, December 8th,
and for the Christmas holiday on:
Monday, December 25th and
Tuesday, December 26th.
and on New Year's Day:
Monday, January 1, 2024
Library Opening Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9am-9pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday: 11am-3pm
Sunday: CLOSED
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Donate to the Plainfield Public Library
The Library needs your help!
To make a donation online via Paypal, please click on the "Donate" button below. For more information or to contact the Administration office, call 908-757-2305.
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