Get more out of Monmouth County libraries

Online survey asks residents for input on future programming

The Monmouth County Library System is beginning 2010 with a new initiative — a survey that will ask county residents for their input on future programming.

The 12-question survey is currently available on the library’s website, www.monmouthcountylib. org, and will be online through the month of February. In addition, visitors to library branches like the one in Allentown will be able to complete the survey on paper or by using one of the library’s computers.

Results of the survey will be made public in March, and will help the library commission plan future events and programs that will better meet the needs and interests of the residents of Monmouth County, according to Library Director Ken Sheinbaum.

In 2010, the library system will continue its emphasis on teen and young adult programs, and will partner with the Monmouth County Communications High School in Wall to help with programming and collections. As part of this growing initiative, the library’s Teen Advisory Board membership will be expanded.

One of the first major events of the young adult program will be the Sweet Seconds Prom Dress Swap, which is open to all interestedMonmouth County residents. The dress swap will be held this March at the Hazlet and Howell branches, according to program librarian Stephanie Acosta. Other young adult programs include a puzzle project for teen artists, a youth guitar workshop and a Japanese anime workshop. There will also be a series of science and technology-themed events for later in the year.

The library system will continue to host cultural and ethnic events, such as Jewish Heritage Month this May. The popular jazz music series will also return, as will the Beatles cover band Strawberry Fields for a concert.

The library system will also unveil a new program, Books for Babies, in April that will give participants in the Baby Storytime Series free books appropriate for young children aged 10 months to 2 years.

The library system will also continue to offer job-seeker services in these tough economic times. One-on-one job-hunting assistance is available by appointment in the Career Information Center at the Eastern Branch of the Monmouth County Library on Route 35 in Shrewsbury. Call 1-866-941- 8188 for an appointment.

Career Information Center resources are also available online at www.monmouthcountylib. org/cic.htm

At the library headquarters in Manalapan, SCORE (Senior Corps of Retired Executives) provides free, confidential, one-on-one counseling for owners and would-be owners of small businesses by appointments on Tuesdays and Thursday. Those interested can call 732-431-7220 for an appointment.