Public Information - Press Release: Freeholders recognize the importance of libraries

For Immediate Release:

April 14, 2014

Freeholders recognize the importance of libraries

Proclaim ‘Library Week’ in Monmouth County

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders recognizes the importance of the library system and has declared the week of April 13 as “Library Week” in Monmouth County.

The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders present a proclamation to Monmouth County Library Interim Director Judi Tolchin and Program Coordinator Donna Mansfield proclaiming the week of April 13 as “Library Week in Monmouth County” on April 10, 2014 in Freehold, NJ. Pictured left to right: Freeholder Deputy Director Gary J. Rich, Sr., Donna Mansfield, Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry, Judi Tolchin, Freeholder John P. Curley and Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone.

The “Library Week” proclamation was presented to Monmouth County Library Interim Director Judi Tolchin and Program Coordinator Donna Mansfield.

“The Library System constantly strives to provide programs and services that better the community,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the County library. “From weekly movie screenings and art exhibits to assistance with tax preparation and job searches, there is much to do and to see in the Monmouth County libraries.”

Children and teen programs can help with homework and SAT/PSAT preparation or help children learn about different cultures and traditions. Or, maybe you want to learn how to play bridge or mahjong.

And of course there are resources for readers – both online and at the reference desks. At the library you can get help with using your e-reader. Maybe you want to borrow a popular novel or a classic; there might be book discussion group to get you involved in the literary community.

“Another example of the Library Systems’ community involvement is the fact that the County library branches are participating in a County-wide food drive for the entire month of April,” said Burry.

Collection bins are available at all Monmouth County branch libraries. Food items suitable for donation are non-perishable, protein-rich foods such as peanut butter, granola bars and tuna fish. Other most needed food items are ready-to-eat canned meals, canned fruits, canned vegetables, instant potatoes, canned and dry soup, canned pork and beans, canned juices, sip-size juices and hot and cold cereal.

“The Monmouth County Library System is a treasure,” said Burry. “It’s more than a building with shelves of books; it is a window to the world. I urge everyone to visit a County library and take advantage of all it has to offer.”

The County library headquarters is located in Manalapan. Libraries with branch status in the County system currently include the Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury, Allentown, Atlantic Highlands, Colts Neck, Hazlet, Holmdel, Howell, Marlboro, Ocean Township, Oceanport, Wall and West Long Branch.

Towns with member libraries in the County library system include Brielle, Eatontown, Fair Haven, Interlaken, Keansburg, Little Silver, Manasquan, Monmouth Beach, Neptune City, Oceanic (Rumson), Sea Bright, Sea Girt, Tinton Falls and Union Beach. Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach libraries are presently closed due to storm damage from Hurricane Sandy.

Residents of towns that are not members or branches of the County library system who would like to have borrowing privileges at County libraries may purchase a County library card annually at a cost of $100.

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