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Plainfield Public Library February 2022 |
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From the Desk of the Director...
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As we go into February I have to admit things haven’t changed much. With the virulent Omicron variant of COVID we have postponed the loosening of restrictions in regard to personal computer use and sitting at workstations other than library computers. I am hopeful this will change soon, allowing all of you to use your personal devices in the library without restrictions.
I am so disappointed that our easing of restrictions did not come to pass in January. I sincerely hope we will see an improvement by March. Other things are moving ahead. Plans for our passport office, new roof and third computer lab continue as planned. The State Legislature signed the Construction Bond into law and we are waiting for documents to arrive from the State approving our Construction Grant contract for the roof.
Please take a look at our online programming and come enjoy some virtual entertainment. Local History, Children’s and Adult Services have events scheduled.Please check out our online calendar to see what's coming up, or look out for our ads and announcements on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Literacy is giving classes remotely and GED testing is still being scheduled.
On a personal note, reading has always been of great enjoyment and being able to escape into a good book has been helpful especially during the past two years. I read a lot over the past few weeks, some cozy mysteries, some paranormal and some law enforcement thrillers. One I just finished and is part of the Library collection is
The Sorority Murder by Allison Brennan. Not for the faint of heart, this novel revolves around the use of podcasts to solve a cold case murder. The clues unravel during the podcasts and the investigation and so you, as the reader, learn along with the characters in the book what really happened.
Allison Brennan is an author that I like a lot and she writes many series as well. This, as a stand-alone, was perfect, since I could jump right in without playing catch up on characters and backstory. I recommend her books, both series and stand alones if you like stories about murder mysteries involving law enforcement.
The library staff has created a display section of book recommendations from staff members. If you like some suggestions, take a look. There is still plenty to find at the library both in person and remotely. I ask that you please take heart! I am hopeful we will resume our normal hours and protocols soon.
Until then,
Mary Ellen Rogan
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Changes to Library Hours from January 3
From January 3rd our general service hours will change to:
Mondays through Fridays: 9am-5pm
Saturdays: 11am-3pm
Sundays: CLOSED
This temporary change in hours should allow the Library some flexibiity to maintain staffing levels during current Covid-19 conditions. The change in hours should not affect the range of currently available services.
The stacks are open for browsing, ( curbside service is still available on request if you prefer - call (908) 757-1111 ext. 111 to arrange), and the main floor Reference, Tech Desk, and Circulation desks are all available for in-person service whenever we're open. Patrons can visit the Children's room freely. Local History is open by appointment only. The Literacy department offers a range of ongoing services, and classes.
Computers are available for up to 2 hours, though do please note that currently we are unable to provide accommodation for patrons wishing to use their own computers while they remain inside the Library.
The newly-refurbished and redesigned public bathrooms are currently available.
As per the City of Plainfield's general instructions for public buildings,
everyone must wear a mask while inside the Library.
For more information generally, please get in touch with the Reference Department. For department-specific information, you can contact those departments.
Our in-person services and hours pages at the Library website are also kept updated with details of service changes in more detail.
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Make the Jump to a Better New Year:
Improve Your Skills with Resources from Plainfield Public Library
It’s a job-seeker’s market out there—the US is in the middle of staffing shortages and opportunities to upgrade to a better job are on the rise. Skill up with these resources accessible online through the Plainfield Public Library:
- Knowledge City: Business, Computer, Workplace Skills
- LearningExpress: Career Testing, Job Searching & Basic Skills
- SkillShare: Computer, Creative, and Business Skills
- Rosetta Stone: Language Learning
Access them for FREE with your Library Card Number at https://plainfieldlibrary.info/Research/Databases.html or look for them the Learning At Home box.
We know getting everything logged in and accessible to you can sometimes be a bit of a trial, so we're ready and waiting to help you get everything working properly.
Just get in touch with the Reference and Information Dept on (908) 757 1111 ext 112 or email ref@plfdpl.info, or chat with us live online, and we'll help you gain access.
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Free Online Meetups for Seniors - All Welcome - 4 days a week!
PLUS- special Plainfield session, celebrating Chinese New Year, on February 1st at 11am
We've partnered with RWJBarnabasHealth Institute for Prevention and Recovery’s Hope and Healing Program, who offer 4 meetings a week for seniors , plus some special upcoming events just for Plainfield:
Special Plainfield program - Celebrate Chinese New Year with NJ Hope and Healing. Join us live via zoom on February 1st at 11am. Chat with others, learn a little bit about the Year of the Tiger and get involved with the other Seniors programs available most days. This program for seniors is free!
Regular online meetups:
While transitioning back to our lives, we still need connection and support. Our groups offer a place to engage with others, make new friends and learn new things! No registration necessary! Come join us any or all days!
SENIORS – 4 Meetings a week, every day a different topic!
or join via phone:
1 (929) 205-6099 Meeting ID: 974 2675 9376 Passcode: 275889
Wednesdays at 10am
Zoom Link
or join via phone:
1 (929) 205-6099 Meeting ID: 925 0841 7386 Passcode: 871829
or join via phone:
1 (929) 205-6099 Meeting ID: 936 2962 5609 Passcode: 202710
Fridays at 3pm
Zoom Link
or join via phone:1 (929) 205-6099 Meeting ID: 957 0977 9459 Passcode: 542469
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Children's Library February Calendar
(Click on the calendar to go to the Children's webpage to find out more.)
For more information on Children's activities, please get in touch with us at (908) 757-1111 ext.129 or email yp@plfdpl.info |
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Look out for Black History Month Children's Winter Crafts Thursdays in February
The Children's team presents 4 STEAM programs on the Library's YouTube Channel this month - also honoring Black scientists, activists and engineers for Black History Month.
Online premieres for each session are at 3pm each Thursday ( & the recording remains available afterwards). Collect your free craft supplies on Thursdays to follow along when it suits you.
2/3 - Scientist Benjamin Banneker, and a Crystal Snowflake
2/10 - Activist Fannie Lou Hammer, and a Walking Worm
2/17 - Inventor Alexander Miles and a Safer Elevator
2/24 - Builder Norma M. Sklarek and a Leap Into Science Balance Buddy
Check out the Children's Pages for more info or get in touch with the Children's Library at 908-757-1111 x129! |
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Valentine's Day Craft - Friday, February 11th, 3:30pm via Zoom
Join our Children's team to create a Valentines Day decoration!
Because space and materials for this project are limited, please contact the Children;s Library on (908) 757 1111 ext 129 or email yp@plfdpl.info to register and receive joining details for the session. |
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Local History, Genealogy & Special Collections
The Plainfield Room is open by appointment for historical and genealogical research. We are celebrating Black History Month with two informative & interesting virtual programs. Also, the Memoir Writing Club will meet, via Zoom, on February 9th; the optional writing topic is "Your first boss". New members are welcome!
Saturday Morning History Chat
Plainfield's Black History
Saturday, February 12, 2022
10:30am via Zoom
Presented by Martin and Tristian Cox
Lifelong Plainfield residents Martin and Tristian Cox, father and son historians, work together to bring us this informative, first-person account and history of the Black experience growing up, living, and working in Plainfield.
Martin is the President of the Plainfield High School Alumni Association. A collector and educator of Plainfield educational history, Martin works tirelessly to bring about the PHSAA Hall of Fame program each year. Dr. Tristian Cox is the Plainfield Public Schools’ Social Studies Department and K-12 Social Studies Supervisor.
This program is co-hosted by Plainfield Public Library and the Historical Society of Plainfield / Drake House Museum.
This FREE program is open to all.
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Curbside- Teen Crafts
Chinese New Year: Fold Your Own Tiger! - February 1
Febrary 1 - Fold Your Own Tiger!
Teen Craft: It’s the beginning of the Year of the Tiger, so join Origami expert Michele Chang to hear about the celebration of the Chinese New Year and learn to fold an origami Tiger!
Supplies pickup: February 1, 2021 (Tuesday), 2 to 5 pm
Live Online Class: https://tinyurl.com/PPL-Tiger-Year 7 pm
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Black History Month Quiz for Teens
Tuesday, February 8, 4-5pm via Zoom/Kahoot
Join us for an hour of online Kahoot Quiz games for teens, on Black History.
Kahoot is a free online quiz platform where we'll compete to be the quickest with the right answers!
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Live Daily Serial continues every Weekday at 2pm.
Finishing up
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins, beginning
The Trail of the Serpent, by Mary Elizabeth Braddon
Once we bring
The Woman in White to its sensational conclusion(!), we'll start in on a new novel -
The Trail of the Serpent by Mary Elizabeth Braddon:
The Trail of the Serpent was Braddon's debut work, first published in 1860. We'll follow the terrible Jabez North as he schemes to acquire a fortune, Meanwhile Richard Marwood is implicated in the death of his Uncle and must prove his innocence. Mystery! Intrigue! Murder! Turmoil! Victorians!
Follow along with the story's twists and turns each weekday live at 2pm, or check out recorded episodes and playlists.
Most of the books we've read/will read are available as e-books from eLibrary NJ or at the Library. Grab your copy and read along for free!
The stream goes live on our Facebook page at the same time each weekday from 2pm to 2:30pm. Please head on over to our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PlainfieldPublicLibrary to join us!
Previous episodes - now as playlists!
We've been doing live serialization for numerous months now and have amassed a fair number of 'back issues' to facilitate viewers' perusal of previous series, you can now browse our public-domain-based serials as playlists at https://www.facebook.com/PlainfieldPublicLibrary/videos
So far, you can peruse playlists of serializations of:
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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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