About Us
Mission Statement
The Monroe Township Public Library strives to establish an environment in which learning and personal growth are encouraged, nurtured and supported by:- Providing a wide variety of resources that reflect the community's interests and needs while promoting literacy, lifelong learning and intellectual freedom.
- Creating on-going adventures in reading and learning for youth.
- Fostering interaction among diverse groups by providing a central focal point for Township activities.
- Delivering high quality service
Monroe Township is a sprawling, suburban/semi-rural community in the southernmost part of Middlesex County, NJ. Its significant demographic characteristic is the presence of two large distinct populations: young families with pre-school and school age children, and older adults, most of whom live in the six pre-retirement and retirement communities located in the Township. Approximately 15,000 of the Township’s 30,000 residents live in these adult communities. A large majority of them are over 60 years of age and most moved to Monroe from the Greater Metropolitan New York Area following retirement.
The older adults bring to the Township a richness of personal histories, educational backgrounds, career and professional experiences, interests and talents. This highly educated population challenge the Library to maintain and expand upon its collection and services to meet their diverse needs and interests.
Prior to 1989, Monroe residents had no public library. Library users paid for service from neighboring libraries. On April 1, 1989, the Monroe Township Public Library became a reality. Housed in 4,000 sq. ft. on the lower level of the Municipal Building, with a collection of 10,000 books and some videos, it soon outgrew this location. A free standing building was built on the current site of the Library and the community took part in moving in October 1997. The current building is 20,000 sq. ft. with an addition in the planning stages to double that size.
The community has undergone considerable growth and change since the Library began. Previously undeveloped tracts of land gave rise to homes for families relocating to Monroe for a variety of reasons. Increased numbers of children enjoy a wide variety of activities at the Library.
The Monroe Township Public Library is a vibrant, well-used facility providing a high level of service to all community residents. The Library and staff enjoy the support of Township residents, and administrative and financial support from municipal officials. A highly dedicated, skilled staff enables the Library to provide a level of personalized service that is unavailable at many other libraries of comparable size.
Top of Page
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Library located?
3. How do I get a library card?
4. Using the Library catalog from home:
- What is my PIN# and how do I change it?
- Can I see a list of the items I have charged out?
- Can I renew my books from home?
- How do I reserve a book from home?
5. When is the Bookmobile coming to my neighborhood?
6. For how long can I borrow a book, video, or book
on tape from the Library?
8. Where can I find a schedule of children's programs?
9. Where can I find a schedule of all Library programs?
10. Can I check out my own materials?
11. Where can I find a list of Monroe Township Municipal phone numbers?
If you have any additional questions, please contact the
Reference Desk at (732) 521-5000 ext. 118 or 119 or send an e-mail to mtplref@monroetwplibrary.or
Question 2. When is the Library open?
Answer:
Monday 9:30 AM - 9 PM
Tuesday 9:30 AM - 9 PM
Wednesday 9:30 AM - 9 PM
Thursday 9:30 AM - 9 PM
Friday 9:30 AM - 5 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 5 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM - 5 PM
Question 10. Can I check out my own materials?
 |
The FlashScan Express self-checkout system is now available to the public. Patrons must have a Monroe Library Card to use FlashScan. This user-friendly system allows patrons to check out their own materials and is extremely easy to use. |
Get A Library Card:
All Monroe Township residents are entitled to a free Township Library card. Patrons must be present and provide proof of residence to apply. For additional information, refer to the Circulation Policy or call the Library at (732) 521-5000.
Apply for a Library Card Online
Borrowing Materials From Other Libraries Open Borrowing
Monroe Township Public Library is part of a consortium called M.U.R.A.L. which is an abbreviation for Middlesex Union Reciprocal Associated Libraries.
M.U.R.A.L. patrons may borrow from any of the participating libraries listed below; please call for any borrowing restrictions.
Berkeley Heights Matawan Aberdeen
|
New Brunswick (732) 340-1551 |
Open Borrowing
Monroe Township residents with a valid library card are also entitled to an "Open Borrowing" library card. These patrons are eligible to borrow materials in person from public libraries of BCCLS, LMxAC, M.A.I.N. and PALS. Patrons are free to visit any library participating in Open Borrowing and borrow materials according to the policies of the library they are visiting.
For a list of participating libraries or additional information contact the Monroe Township Public Library at (732) 521-5000 ext. 111.
Visit http://www.openborrowing.org/ to learn more about this valuable service.
Policies
Note: The following files are in Adobe Acrobat format. You must download Adobe Acrobat Reader to access these files.
Circulation Policy
Collection Development Policy
Confidentiality Policy
Exhibits Policies
- Exhibits Policy (includes the George Ivers Exhibits Case, Fine Arts Gallery, and Youth Services Exhibits Case)
- George Ivers Exhibit Case and Fine Arts Gallery Exhibits Application
- George Ivers Exhibit Case and Fine Arts Gallery Rules and Information Sheet
- Youth Services Exhibits Case Information Sheet
- Youth Services Exhibits Case Application
Meeting Room Policy and Application
Policy on Acceptable Behavior
Reference Policy
Technology Policy
Unattended Children Policy
Use of Library Space Policy
Department Managers
MaryAnn Reiner, Circulation mreiner@monroetwplibrary.org
Betty Lau, Reference Services balau@monroetwplibrary.org
Theresa Agostinelli, Webmaster theresacahill@hotmail.com
Leah Wagner, Youth Services lwagner@monroetwplibrary.org
Gina Blume, Public Relations Coordinator
gblume@monroetwplibrary.org
Administrative Staff
Irene Goldberg, Library Director |
Board of Trustees
Sylvie Feist, President
Joseph Valenti, Vice President
Dr. Lillian Augustine, Secretary
Robert Isaacs
Irwin Nalitt
Barbara Zarrow, Emeritus
Ralph Ferrie, Superintendent of Schools
Laurie McConnell, Alternate to the Superintendent of Schools
Board of Trustees Meetings take place the third Monday of each month in the Library meeting room. Starting time for all meetings is 6:30 P.M. unless otherwise noted. Please call the Library to verify meetings have not been changed or cancelled.
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEETINGS
ALL MEETINGS START AT 6:30 PM
Donation Opportunities
Note: This brochure is in PDF format. You must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view this file. Download Reader Here
Foundation Video on YouTubeLibrary Services
Locating Materials
- Search the Catalog
- From Home
- In Person
- Material not available? Place a hold:
- In person at any service desk
- From home by phone, or click "Check Your Account" and then "Reserve an Item" from our website.
- Through our interlibrary loan system we can locate books and articles worldwide.
Ask Library staff for:
- A suggestion for a good read
- Help locating information
- Assistance using the Library and computer services
Try Our Electronic Resources From the Library or From Home:
- EBSCOhost (Magazine Articles)
- Facts on File
- Infotrac Custom Newspapers
- NoveList
- World Book Online
- Q & A NJ (Questions answered by librarians 24/7)
Need a Library Card?
Stop by the Circulation Desk or apply online
Already Have a Card?
Library cards for Monroe may be used in numerous libraries in New Jersey. Ask for a list of participating libraries
Friends of the Monroe Township Library
raise community awareness of the Library through programs, international film festivals and the annual book sale.
Volunteer Opportunities are available. Applications are located at the Circulation Desk.
Adult Services
- Bookmobile and homebound service for the people who can no longer visit the Library
- Book discussion groups
- Variety of programs and computer classes
- Special collections such as Monroe Township History, genealogy and the Holocaust
- Public fax service
- Programs for infants through elementary school-age children
- Computers for young people
- Books, audio books and textbooks
- Magazines
- CDs
- Graphic Novels
- Programs
Beyond Books
- DVDs, videos and music CDs
- Books on CD and cassette
- Wireless Internet Access
- Free Museum Pass Program
Libraries Bring You The World
Libraries are unique. In person. Online. Where else can you have access to nearly anything on the Web or in print as well as personal service and assistance in finding it?
In a world that's information rich, libraries are information smart, and help ensure a society where everyone is information literate. You'll find the right answer @ your library®.