Familar face takes on a new role
By Chris Carbone
It is my privilege to introduce myself as the new director of the South Brunswick Public Library. Many of you may know me from the check-out desk, the information desk or perhaps even the children’s department through my 19-year history at the library. I have seen the library and the township develop and grow during the last 30 years and could not be more proud to have the opportunity to direct the library I regularly visited as a child.
South Brunswick is fortunate to have such a fine library and the support of its citizenry and local leaders who have so wisely invested in it. A strong library improves the quality of life for our residents and is a necessity for continued self-development, academic achievement, economic growth and sense of community.
The library is not just a repository of books — although books and literacy are very important — but a place for everyone to congregate, to learn, to socialize and to explore new ideas, new places and new ways of seeing the world. Through books, film, databases and Internet connections, the library connects individuals with information, entertainment and people throughout the globe. Libraries are institutions of democracy where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are served. Libraries bring access to all and opportunity to all. Served by professional and trained staff that will help guide you to find whatever it is you may be looking for, whether it is for research, self-development or leisure.
The library provides programs and activities for all ages, from story times that educate with reading readiness, to teen crafts and service groups, to film festivals and basic computer classes for adults. There is much going on at the library and we are expanding our offerings even further.
For the complete listing of activities, please see the online version of our Compass News newsletter and our events calendar at www.sbpl.info.
It is with great excitement that I share with you that the George and Helen Segal Foundation have gifted to the library an original piece by internationally acclaimed sculptor George Segal, entitled “Couple Against a Grey Brick Wall 1986.” George Segal lived and created his artwork in South Brunswick and was a member of the library’s Board of Trustees. The sculpture features Helen Segal’s sister and brother-in-law, also residents of South Brunswick. The piece has been installed in the library lobby through the generous support of Arthur and Debbie Roedel and the South Brunswick Public Library Foundation. A dedication ceremony will be held Sunday, Jan. 6 at 2 p.m.
There is still time for you to make a year-end tax deductible gift to the Library Foundation as well, which will bring future enhancements to the library and its services. For more information, please call 732-329-4000, ext. 7287.
I look forward to seeing you at the library in 2008. To our many regular visitors, may you have many happy returns; to those that are not familiar with your library, I invite you to come and check us out. You will be surprised at the value and opportunities available to you.
I leave you best wishes for a happy and healthy new year, and with a quote from Samuel Niger, the famed Yiddish literary critic: A good library is a place, a palace where the lofty spirits of all nations and generations meet.
I hope to meet you all soon.
Chris Carbone is the director of the South Brunswick Public Library. His phone number is 732-329-4000, ext. 7282.

