Have you ever wondered about the impact of the local library system, which includes Cape May City, Sea Isle City, Upper Branch, Woodbine, Lower Branch, Stone Harbor, Wildwood Crest and the Main Library in Cape May Court House, and what it means to area residents? No? Well, here are a few statistics that might be of interest.
For those involved in the Summer Reading programs this past summer, adults read 819 books; teens read 2,472 books, and kids read an amazing 15,231 books!
The library's "Speaker Series" got off to a great start with best-selling author Lisa Scottoline, who packed the Sea Isle City Library with an estimated 400 people, who enjoyed complimentary hors d'oeuvres and had a chance to speak with the popular Philadelphia attorney/author at the book signing following her remarks.
The Adult Programs department worked enthusiastically to provide a wide variety of programs, most of which were free or had a nominal materials charge. Among the most popular were Fearless Watercolors with renowned artist Sue Rau; Mosaics by Michelle, presented by Michelle Pasciullo of Purple Lotus Mosaics; Cape Cuisine, a monthly cooking demonstration hosted by local Chef Mark Kalla, and numerous nature lectures by local naturalists Mike Crewe, Don Freiday, and Joe Alvarez.
Among the exercise courses offered this past summer, and are available throughout the year, are Tai Chi, Yoga, Zumba and Low Sit Cardio for older patrons.
And, of course, there is the Main Library's Technology Learning Center (TLC) ably manned by Jeff Trout, who helps folks with all of the new gadgets like the I Pad, I Phone, Kindle and the latest computers. The TLC has just added a 3-D printer that does amazing stuff. The word "printer" may be a misnomer since the MakerBot 2X 3D printer actually makes things. And we're told that the 3D printer is ushering in a whole new technological revolution, so you could consider your library system on the cutting edge of technology.
The new year gets underway with Movie Night at the Sea Isle City Library on January 6 at 6 pm with the film, "Elysium." The film will be shown at the Main Library at the same time on January 8. Beginners Spanish classes begin January 11 at the Main Library. If you're interested you must sign up. Computer classes begin at the Main Library on January 6.
You also might want to mark your calendar for the first book sale of the year at the Main Library — March 17, 18 and 19.
"We like to consider the libraries of the county more than just a place where you can borrow a book or a DVD," said Deb Poillon, the Library Director. "It is our duty to the taxpayers to make our libraries a place of learning new talents and nurturing existing ones."
