NMPL Newsletter - May 2022

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Newsletter - May 2022

Click here for a calendar of our May programs

Letter from the Director

Dear Friends,

The library construction project continues to move forward and as flooring, ceiling tiles, and lighting are added in, the building is looking more complete every day. We are looking forward to a summer opening, although the exact date has not yet been set.

In the meantime, we recently re-discovered the meaning of the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” when we posted an image of our lobby browsing carts in Facebook. Because of that picture, many people realized for the first time that our lobby has been open to the public for browsing all along, despite the fact that the rest of the library is closed. Yes! You can walk inside the front door of the brown brick “1897 Building” and discover carts with a variety of items to check out. We have continued to purchase new materials so lobby browsing gives you access to many of the latest titles for adults, teens, and children, as well as puzzles, DVDs, themed book bags for kids, audiobooks, and DVD binge boxes. Each DVD binge box contains a themed set of videos as well as a bag of microwave popcorn for you to enjoy while you watch! To check your selections out, just ring the doorbell for a librarian.

And remember, we are still here working inside the library, so you can call to request materials or ask for other assistance. Although much of our collection is in storage, we do have some materials on-site and we can borrow from other libraries.

"A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words" Current lobby browsing for the latest books, DVDs, puzzles, themed children's book bags, and more.

More Exciting Downloadable Options in Hoopla l

We are pleased to announce the Library is adding *NEW* eBooks to Hoopla Flex! The Library piloted the Hoopla Flex program with eAudio books, and the response was so overwhelmingly positive that we are adding the most recent eBooks as well.

Not only will you be able to access the most recently published eBooks, for instance books from the New York Times Best Seller list, but you will be able to request eBooks that have been published within the last year for us to consider for purchase to add to the Hoopla Flex collection.

You will be able to check out 3 items from Hoopla Flex each month. Remember, Hoopla Instant is still available for you 24/7, no waiting, or holds need to be placed on the thousands and thousands of items - ebooks, eAudio books, Movies, TV shows, and music - that are in Instant - you can check out 7 items a month in Hoopla Instant.

Are you asking yourself, "What is Hoopla???" You can read all about it by clicking on the Hoopla icon on the library homepage: www.newmilfordlibrary.org. Contact Denise Martens, Public Services Librarian, with questions about any Library services: dmartens@biblio.org or call 860-355-1191 ext. 203.

Mobile Library App

Did you know that you can access the New Milford Public Library catalog and all of your account information on the library’s Acorn mobile app? To get started, just search for Acorn Catalog (from Bibliomation, Inc.) in the app store on your device. Once it is downloaded, sign in using your library card barcode and the password you use to access your account on our webpage. If you have never gone into your online account, call the library and we will help you to create a password.

From the app, you will be able to check for items in our catalog, view and place holds, view and renew your checkouts, see your fines, and access your digital barcode in place of your library card. The app also gives you the opportunity to create your own book lists, so you can keep track of what you have read and what you would like to read, what you loved, what you hated, whatever you want!

NMPL YAActivists Serving Our Community

The YA Activists are having fun and volunteering at the same time! They’ve performed a medieval murder mystery for New Milford seniors at Glen Ayre last month and and will perform it for the Butter Brook Apartments in May. They helped out with the Peyton Heart Project at the Senior Center. Plus, they are having a book club and playing games with seniors, too. They’re also creating a mental health video to show the community. Their last video highlighted the downtown businesses. Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqC6loHqk-c&t=46s

We could use more help! If you’d like to join in the fun and receive community service hours as well, please email Amy Berkun at aberkun@biblio.org.

Kids' Corner

Our building may be closed, but we are here to help you get the books you want!

I would love to select some books to check out to your child. Just send an email to sford@biblio.org with your name, library card number, age and approximate reading level and interests or favorite book titles/series, etc. Then I will select a few books, check them out to you, and you can pick them up during our curb side pickup hours! I can’t wait until you can come in and browse for books on your own (and I can help you IN PERSON!), but in the meantime I can still assist you in finding some fun and interesting books through the curbside pickup process. And when you come in to pick up your books, you can browse in our lobby area and maybe grab a take home craft, too! - Sue Ford, Children's Librarian