When the Secaucus Free Public Library and Business Resource Center was built 12 years ago, it was a state of the art facility that remains cutting edge today. Since its inception, the library has been in constant forward motion, growing academically, through new technology and the addition of the children’s outdoor reading garden. The benefits of the library’s resources reach every spectrum of the community including residents of all ages, businesses near and far and visitors to the area.
The public library is a cornerstone of the community that offers much more than books! They are largely involved in community outreach programs such as the Friends of the Library’s annual Mini-Fair. The popular event will be held this year on Sept. 22, with all proceeds geared toward upgrading the facility’s wireless internet. The wish list would extend the technology to the children’s section and upgrade the adult section. This is becoming necessary since smart phones are growing in popularity and the upgrade would tether laptops on the children’s side. If you would like to join the friends of the library contact president Zinnia Miller at 201-330-2083.
In addition to the Mini-Fair, the library also sponsors our summer concert program, and was recently the sole sponsor of the Art Festival at Buchmuller Park as well as many other cultural programs. The library is also taking a step toward incorporating more business oriented computer programs such as Google Plus. The Secaucus Chapter of SCORE, a group of volunteers that assist small business entrepreneurs, meet weekly at the library and many other companies hold business meetings in one of the rooms.
Dedicated community minded staff continues to develop new programs for young and old alike. If you are elderly or disabled and home bound, materials could be delivered right to your door. Some new and exciting programs for youngsters include Book Bingo, which is an electronic program where children get to vote for his or her favorite literary character. The program is fun while teaching youth how to vote. Children can also enjoy story time and board games starting this month at the library and the wildly popular spelling bee. To make it easy, families could register for youth events on line at www.http://Secaucus.bccsl.org.
A new program offered by the library is entitled “You are the best teacher of your children.” We agree and encourage families to join parents and teachers on Sept. 16 to discuss the importance of family involvement in a child’s education and share stories with other families. Call the library at 201-330-2083 for more information.
While readers continue to enjoy sitting in a quiet niche tucked away and enjoy browsing a book or tabloid, students in all grades have a priceless resource for school projects and individuals have access to the internet on one of the many computers available for public use. The Friends of the Library sponsor the free family pass program for Secaucus residents to museums including the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space, the Guggenheim, Brooklyn, Morris, and the Children’s Museum in Manhattan. There is a returnable deposit requirement for each pass. Another library initiative is to bring in a Kindle program for residents interested in E-Books.
The library today is not only about reading, it is about information, forming friendships, artistic opportunities, literacy, downloadable media, and a wealth of other programs, projects, and material. And the library is always seeking new ideas and skills. If you have a special skill or talent, feel free to stop in and talk to the director, Jenifer May, or call 201-330-2083. The library is also always looking for new lobby displays and a featured artist of the month. With September being Library Card month, stop in today and get a new card or renew the one you have. Come down to the Secaucus Public Library, it’s a great place to visit. The hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and 12 to 4 on Sunday.