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Plainfield Public Library July 2022 |
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From the Desk of the Director...
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I hope you are all taking advantage of our summer weather and getting out and about. At the Library we are looking forward to a whole range of summer events.
Take a look at the schedules, either on the website or take a schedule home when you visit the Library.
We have purchased copies of books from the Plainfield Schools’ summer reading lists to supplement our collection so the school children should be able to get books for their summer reading assignment. The majority of these are also available in digital formats either through eLibraryNJ/Libby or through the Hoopla on-demand services (and many are also availabe as digital audiobooks). You can find out about accessing eBooks/eAudiobooks (and Films, TV and Comics!) here, and electronic resources should also show up by default in our online catalog. Don’t wait till the last minute, reading can be a fun summer pastime.
I hope many of you had a chance to visit the penguin at our first summer reading event. Dunlap, the penguin, was a great success with the kids and the parents. The handler from Jenkinson’s was very knowledgeable and gave a great lecture on penguins for all of us to enjoy.
I was very proud of our Plainfield children as they asked questions about penguins that live throughout the world. I was fascinated to learn things about penguins that I didn’t know. Who knew that there are penguins who live in warmer southern climates!
Following the ocean theme we will be having other events about the sea creatures that inhabit the earth. Please join us for the fun.
If computer classes and help is something you need, don’t forget the Library hosts IC3 classes and open lab time with staff members to assist you. If you are interested in history and genealogy, Local History runs their Saturday webinars and their schedule is on the Local History webpage.
Whatever you needs and/or likes we are here for you at the Library
Mary Ellen Rogan
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You heard above about our visit from Dunlap the penguin, kicking off our Summer Reading activities.
The 2022 Summer Reading Program is free and open to everyone. There are three “Oceans” of age-based programs:
Kids programs (ages 0-13) includes reading rewards, puppet shows, crafts, book clubs, storytellers, and special guests! Kids Programs Schedule.
Tween/Teen programs (ages 11-17) includes reading rewards, elaborate craft programs, brain teasers, an escape room, computer programs, and gift card raffles for Amazon, GameStop, iTunes, and Dairy Queen. Tween/Teen Program Schedule.
Adult programs (ages 18+) includes a fun Reading Bingo activity to do on your own time, rewards, special craft programs, and gift card raffles to HomeGoods, UberEats, Home Depot, and more! Adult program Schedule.
Registration for all “Oceans of Possibilities” is OPEN NOW. Programs run through August 12th. Rewards and prizes must be collected in person.
Here's a preview of just SOME of the events we have upcoming for you in July- we don't even have room for them all - so check out our calendar for full details!
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Children's Library - An Ocean of Fun
Dip a toe into what's happening at the Children's Library this Summer as we dive into our Summer Reading theme - Oceans of Possibilities. There'll be loads of crafts, readings, entertainments and fun for kids - check out the flyers below for events starting in June.
You can also check out children's activities only on our calendar system via this link:
There's more coming all summer long, including some extra fun crafts, perfomances and stories - head to the library calendar to look further ahead. |
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Local History, Genealogy & Special Collections
The Plainfield Room is open by appointment for historical and genealogical research. Our hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 4:45pm and Tuesdays from 9am to 7pm. We are offering two virtual programs in July. The Memoir Writing Club will meet on Thursday, July 14th.
Archives Resource Program
Funeral Homes & Cemeteries Serving Plainfield
Thursday, July 7, 2022
10:30am via Zoom
Presented by Jane Thoner, Plainfield Library Genealogist
REGISTER HERE
Are you a genealogist trying to locate ancestral graves? This program will introduce the Library’s resources covering the historical funeral homes and cemeteries that have served Plainfield over the years.
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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Teen Programs Have Resumed in Person!
May 2022 saw the Plainfield Public Library's first two in-person teen programs since the beginning of the pandemic. (we've been doing lots of virtual programs.)
The first was a T-shirts to Tote Bags workshop, where teens could convert a hand-me-down t-shirt into a simple tote bag, using one of 4 methods. The event was inspired by the New Jersey Ban the Bag initiative. "My teenage son has several beloved tshirts that he's outgrown and doesn't want to give away," said librarian Jennifer Heise. "So I was researching different ways to upcycle them." Methods involved knotting the fabric, using a drawstring in the hem, or sewing the bottom of the t-shirt to form a bag. When all the teens in attendance opted for the sewn version, an impromptu sewing class developed.
Reviving a pre-pandemic favorite on May 21, the library also hosted a Nintendo Switch video gaming session, where teens took turns competing at Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Mario Kart, and Nintendo Switch Sports. "I had a lot of fun," reported one attendee.
Now we've got a program packed month ahead, with lots to interest you, whether you're a fan of sharks, a crafty critter, a pirate chef or an extremely intelligent lobster. Sounds good right? Read on...
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Teen Craft Program:
Ocean Jars
July 6th
3-4pm
Room 5
It's a glowing jar full of sea creatures or shipwrecks or weird monsters from the pelagic depths and it's right there by your bedside soothing you with its
ocean gleams.
If this sounds like a fun outcome to you then step along to our Ocean Jar workshop and soon you too could have a jam jar full of glowing octopi to keep you company!
Questions?
Email ref@plfdpl.info or call 908-757-1111, ex. 112
www.plainfieldlibrary.info
View Program on Library Calendar |
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There's a Shark in My Slime!
Tuesday, July 12th
3-4:30pm
Room 2
Make DIY slime with a shark in it!
Shark Documentaries on the big screen!
Snacks!
Ages 11-18
No registration is required.
For further information please contact ref@plfdpl.info or call (908) 757-1111 ext.112.
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Teen Program:
Prize Ocean Quiz for Teens & Tweens 11-17
July 13th
3:30-4:30pm
Computer Lab A
Do you have an ocean of semi-useful facts lurking within your noggin? Come along and make 'em work for the space they are taking up inside your head by taking part in our Ocean Quiz for teens.
Pit your wits against our fiendish sea-themed questions and if YOU are the TOP LOBSTER*, you could be in with the chance of winning a prize.
Questions?
Email ref@plfdpl.info or call 908-757-1111, ex. 112
www.plainfieldlibrary.info
View Program on Library Calendar
*You do not have to be a lobster to take part in the Teen Ocean Quiz, but if you
are a lobster and you
do want to take part, we will all be extremely impressed.
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Teen Craft Program:
Print Your Own Canvas Tote
July 19th
3-4:30pm
Room 2
Be just a little kinder to the oceans by eliminating a bit of plastic waste - and use lino cut printing to create a unique printed tote bag for yourself from a selection of designs.
Once you've got your own tote bag, why,
who knows what adventures await? Carrying groceries? Taking books to the library? Hiding from siblings and/or friends? The world is your tote bag!
Ages 11-17 Free, all materials provided while stocks last.
Questions?
Email ref@plfdpl.info or call 908-757-1111, ex. 112
www.plainfieldlibrary.info
View Program on Library Calendar
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Teen Program:
Pirate Treasure Hunt (Escape Room)
July 21st
3-4:30pm
Room 5
An ocean-themed escape room. Pit your wits against a typhoon of crafty riddles and puzzles to gain access to the pirate chest and the treasure inside!
We're not going to lie. We think you will find these puzzles difficult. Sign up and prove us to be silly silly library staff and smash through our puzzles with your GIANT BRAIN. (Just kidding. OR ARE WE???)
Registration for this program is essential as places are strictly limited.
Please visit tinyurl.com/PPL-escape
Please also note that because of the nature of this program latecomers may be turned away, and the complex puzzles involved are unsuitable for younger children. [For real this time.]
Questions?
Email ref@plfdpl.info or call 908-757-1111, ex. 112
www.plainfieldlibrary.info
View Program on Library Calendar |
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All Ages Program
Muppet Treasure Island Party
July 28th
2:30pm
Anne Louise Davis Room
"Like The Sound of Music
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but with pirates & singing rats, and and the leads are a frog and a pig."
Leonard Bernstein (not really)
An audience participation screening of the fun Muppets adaptation, with plenty of fun and goofy shout outs, participation cues, and maybe even a sing along. Yell, sing, or do the prescribed actions to gain pirate treasure and snacks! (Free!)
Questions?
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Live Classic Serial x Oceans of Possibilities Crossover!
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays at 2pm.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Have you correctly swashed all of your buckles?
Are your pieces of eight all properly accounted for?
Do you often DREAM of CHEESE
... or the dreaded BLACK SPOT???!
The story begins MONDAY, 11th July
ARRRRRRRR
Well, all of the above indicates we're in for a classic adventure, (and quite possibly some silly voices too), as we embark upon the vessel
Hispaniola and set sail for Treasure Island in the company of young Jim Hawkins and ... a certain ship's cook with something of a past. Like it says, it all kicks off at the Admiral Benbow on Monday 11th July at 2pm. (Bring your own cheese.)
Up to then we're still in 3-pipe-problem and non-canon-deerstalker-hat territory as we continue with our selection of stories from
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Fewer pirates involved, admittedly, but still some classic stories!
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 Youtube Channel at the same time each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2pm to 2:30pm. Please head on over to our Youtube channel www.youtube.com/c/PlainfieldPublicLibrary to join us!
Previous episodes - now as playlists!
We've been doing live serialization for a couple of years now and have amassed a fair number of 'back issues' to facilitate viewers' perusal of previous series. We moved from Facebook over to Youtube a short while back, so our archives are still spread over the two platforms.
We're also starting to compile new playlists since our move over to YouTube Live in mid June. Youtube Playlists here.
So far, you can check out playlists featuring serializations of:
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Plainfield Public Library Digital Literacy Program expands Summer Digital Literacy Classes
This summer, in addition to day and evening IC3 Digital Literacy Classes, the Plainfield Public Library Literacy department will offer classes for those interested in taking the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certificates in Word and Excel.
Students who attend the classes will be able to take the certification exams for these industry recognized credentials at no cost to them.
The Summer Session runs July 11 through September 1. All day classes will be in person, Monday-Thursday mornings. Evening classes in English will be held online.
Plainfield Library Digital Literacy is also offering an in-person evening course with Spanish-speaking instructors. This course will cover the IC3 Digital Literacy curriculum, including computer fundamentals, introduction to Microsoft Office, and skills for living in an online world. Classes will run Monday-Thursday evenings for 8 weeks.
Registration is already open. Plainfield residency is not required. For more information or to register, see: https://www.plainfieldlibrary.info/Services/ComputerTraining.html . Questions? email training@plfdpl.info or call 908-757-1111 ext. 123.
Courses and testing fees are covered by Union County Workforce Development Board & Union County Board of County Commissioners, and/or the New Jersey Department of Labor.
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Current Services from March 14
Most Services are back to normal now, however, do please note, that our public seating policy retains some social distancing caution. Each table in our seating area may be used by no more than two patrons at a time.
Our opening hours remain:
Mondays through Thursdays: 9am-9pm
Fridays: 9am-5pm
Saturdays: 11am-3pm
Sundays: CLOSED
The book stacks remain open for browsing. Curbside service is still available on request if you prefer - call (908) 757-1111 ext. 111 to arrange. 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.
The newly-refurbished and redesigned public bathrooms are available.
Currently,
study rooms remain unavailable at the Library.
For more information generally, please get in touch with the Reference Department. For department-specific information, you can contact those departments.
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Library Hours
________.
Library Opening Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9am-9pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday: 11am-3pm
Sunday: CLOSED
The Library will close
for Independence Day on:
Monday, July 4, 2022
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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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