The Sayreville Library has recently acquired this new, amazing program to help your child do well on tests! All you need is a Sayreville Library card! Lumos StepUp™ Library Database Resource is a comprehensive supplemental study program for patrons in elementary and middle schools. It provides Common Core aligned Math and English Language Arts test practice and learning resources for students in grades 3-8. Students can conveniently access this program from anywhere using a personal computer, android phone, iPhone or a tablet computer with Internet access. Click Here to Access Now! Enter your Sayreville Library card in on the next screen and create a profile with Lumos to track your progress!

Tuesday, March 11, from 6:30PM-8:30PM
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a huge concern for small businesses. How can you get new customers if your website isn’t showing up in the search results? Should you spend $600+ per month for some SEO company to keep you in the rankings? This seminar will clarify SEO and the many myths and misunderstandings. You will learn about the two factors of SEO: on-page and off-page SEO, and what you can do to rank your site. This is a hands-on seminar, so bring a fully-charged laptop (electric outlets not available) and any passwords you may need to access your WordPress dashboard, YouTube account and directory listings. (Note: If you don’t know what this means, you are still welcome and will leave with actionable knowledge and strategies for doing SEO for your business). It will be helpful if participants have a Gmail account before the seminar. To register, visit the SCORE site here.

Wednesday, March 12 from 6:30 to 8:00PM
Wouldn't you like to maximize your tax refund? Glenn Bartram of Accredited Tax and Financial Services LLC will walk you through the process of filing the federal tax refund. Even if you think you know what you are doing, you may be missing new deductions that could save you money. Please note: This is a group presentation. Glenn will not give individuals one-on-one assistance. For more information or to register, contact Alaina at 732-727-0212 ex. 25 or email her at alainad@lmxac.org. You may also register online!

Saturday, March 15, 9:30AM
The Friends of the Sayreville Public Library will hold its annual general meeting in the library's Meeting Room today! All are welcome! The agenda will include election of officers, annual treasurer’s report, report of activities, and other related business. The Friends are seeking new members. The level of involvement is based on the interest of each new member. Come and join us in supporting our public library. For further information call Elaine Kubacz at 732-727-0192. For more information on the Friends of the Library, visit their blog here!

Sunday, March 23, from 2:00PM-3:30PM
Are you a writer with stories to share but have no clue how to go about getting your work published? Well, you are not alone! Published author, Renee Gatz faced the same challenges before she produced her first book, “Wise Words & Witty Expressions.” Join Renee at Sayreville Public Library to find out about her personal publication journey, what options are out there for authors looking to get published, and what option will ultimately work best for you. She will also discuss how to generate interest for your work once you have become published. About the Presenter: Renee Gatz is the author of “Wise Words & Witty Expressions,” a collection of the expressions her Irish-American mother said to her growing up to help her navigate life’s ups and downs. Renee, a Sayreville War Memorial High School graduate, has garnered a review in “Irish America Magazine” where they stated, "With sections devoted to motherhood, love, life’s challenges, and sarcasm, readers will carry wisdom and wit through all of life’s situations." Renee has also been featured along with 35 other women of Irish descent in a book titled, “Wise Irish Women,” which shares their personal stories. For more information, contact Alaina at 732-727-0212 ex.25 or email her at alainad@lmxac.org. You may also register online here.

Wednesday, March 26, from 6:30PM-8:00PM
Are you or your family member one of 25 million Americans living with diabetes? Do you have any risk factors that may increase your chances of the diagnosis? Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness and kidney failure in USA, and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has more than tripled in the past 30 years. With all of these scary statistics, it is important to understand diabetes and our potential to be affected. Join Susan S. Naam, a foreign graduate physician who is passionate about fighting this disease, at Sayreville Public Library to learn how to fight diabetes without the dependence on drugs but instead with proper nutrition. Susan’s discussion is based on the book “The End of Diabetes: The Eat to Live Plan to Prevent and Reverse Diabetes” by bestselling author, Dr. Joel Furham. His book talks about how diabetes can be reversed and its tragic complications can be avoided. Susan will lead a discussion about what the audience knows, what they think they know, and what they should know about the diabetes epidemic. Go home with Dr. Fuhrman’s tips and tricks to protect yourself and your loved ones from diabetes and its complications. Examples of healthy snacks and beverages will be served! About the Presenter: Susan S. Naam received her Doctorate of Medicine and OB-GYN from Cairo University School of Medicine. Since coming to the United States, she has worked for many medical institutions as a cancer consultant, and is currently a member of the Society of Clinical Research Associates, the Association of Cancer Executives, and the American Medical Informatics Association. She is also the Commissioner on Sayreville Environmental Commission. For more information, contact Alaina at 732-727-0212 ex.25 or email her at alainad@lmxac.org. You may also register online here.

Saturday, March 29 from 2:00PM-3:00PM
The humble apron has been in service for centuries and has been used by both men and women alike. Come learn the history and importance of this unassuming but necessary article and share your apron memories at Sayreville Public Library. What would an apron be without smudges from homemade baked treats? Freshly baked cookies will also be provided! Judith Krall-Russo, food historian, will bring her collection to have on display and she will be wearing one of her favorite aprons. Attendees are invited to wear or bring their favorite apron, along with their favorite cookie recipes! The library will make copies of the attendees' favorite recipes and create a mini cookie cookbook to share with the public! The recipe sharers will also get a copy of course! For more information or to register, contact Alaina at 732-727-0212 ex. 25, email her at alainad@lmxac.org, or register online now! Ages 13+ up only, please.

Monday, March 31, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM OR Saturday, April 12, from 10:00AM-12:00PM
We all know the job market is tough. Give your best first impression to potential employers by making your résumé shine. Dr. Colleen Georges will spend one-on-one time with attendees, giving each résumé an honest critique with suggestions for improvement. Registration for the March date starts February 28, and registration for the April date starts March 12. You will be assigned a 15-minute time slot. Time slots are assigned on a first come, first served basis. You need only bring a copy of your résumé and a pen. Patrons who are registered MUST contact Alaina by 12PM the day of the event when she calls to confirm if you are still attending class. If you do not, your spot will automatically be given away.

Saturday, May 3, from 11:00AM to 2:00PM
The Friends of the Sayreville Public Library will be hosting the Digital Media Memory Services at the Library today! Do you have VHS tapes, 8 or 16mm movies, photos, slides, or photo albums? Before these memories are lost DMM will professionally convert your content to DVDs. DMM advisors will be available to answer any questions and to write up your order for the media you want to preserve to DVD. Bring your personal media to be dropped off and converted. Twenty percent(20%) of all proceeds from the session will be donated to the Library! For further information contact Elaine at 732-727-0192.

Dates All Throughout the Year! Join us for our monthly movie matinees to enjoy popular movie hits on our new 84” x 84” screen and fresh popcorn from our popcorn machine! Watch a movie and meet fellow movie enthusiasts! These matinees are for adults only. Thank you to the Friends of the Library for making the Movie Matinees of 2014 possible! For more information or to register, contact Alaina at 732-727-0212 ex. 25 or 12, email her at alainad@lmxac.org, or register below!

Lee Daniels' The Butler on Friday, Feb. 28 from 2:00PM-4:00PM
Synopsis: Inspired by a true story about Cecil Gaines, a devoted husband, father, and White House butler who served eight Presidential administrations during the turbulent politics and civil rights battles of twentieth century America. Rated PG-13. 132 mins. Register now!

Austenland on Friday, March 28, from 2:00PM-4:00PM!
Synopsis: Jane Hayes's adoration of all things Jane Austen is complicating her love life. Determined to be the heroine of her own story, Jane spends her life savings on a trip to Austenland, an eccentric Austen-inspired resort, where she meets two very different gentlemen...but has a difficult time determining where fantasy ends and real life, and maybe even love, begins. PG-13. 97 Minutes. Register now!

***NEW TIME***10:30AM-12:00PM! Next Meeting: Mar. 29 at 10:30AM!
Feeling down or discouraged? Want to increase your positivity? You need...The Contagious Optimism Wellness Group! Dr. Colleen Georges, a co-author of the Bestselling book, Contagious Optimism by David Mezzapelle, will be facilitating this new monthly wellness group designed to help grow your optimism and your overall happiness. “Positive Forward Thinking” is the ability to find the silver lining in every cloud no matter how difficult yesterday or today may be. Nowadays, many people have lost confidence in themselves and the world around them due to personal hardship along with economic and political uncertainty worldwide. However, each of us possesses personal strengths and wisdom that we can draw from in order to experience our world with increased hope, kindness, and gratitude. Through the sharing of excerpts from Contagious Optimism along with group members’ personal stories, plus simple yet impactful positive psychology exercises, Dr. Georges will lead group members in boosting positivity and perseverance. If you have any questions or would like to register, contact Alaina at 732-727-0212 ext. 25 or email her at alainad@lmxac.org. You may also register online here. Adults only, please.

About Dr. Colleen Georges: Dr. Colleen Georges, born and raised in Sayreville, has been serving as a counselor and coach for 15 years, helping to guide individuals through self-discovery, and personal and career goal achievement. Today, she owns Colleen’s Career Creations and Life Coaching with Colleen, where she facilitates personal and professional development workshops, and provides career and life coaching services. Dr. Georges is also a faculty member at Rutgers University, where she teaches graduate-level counseling and undergraduate women’s leadership courses. She received her doctorate in counseling psychology from Rutgers University. Dr. Georges is a NJ licensed professional counselor and holds over a dozen certifications in positive psychology, positive parenting, life and career coaching, résumé writing, and job search. Her publications include co-authorship in Contagious Optimism: Uplifting Stories & Motivational Advice for Positive Forward Thinking and 101 Great Ways to Enhance Your Career, and work featured in the Gallery of Best Resumes, 5th Edition. Dr. Georges has been interviewed for and quoted in key online and print media including Forbes.com and The Trenton Times. She is also mother to a four year old son, Joshua.

The 2nd Thursday of Every Month, 6:30PM-8:00PM. Next Meeting: Thursday, Mar. 13 at 6:30PM!
Looking to share your passion for knitting and crocheting & meet a few new crafting buddies? Enjoy this opportunity to pick up a few new tips from fellow craft addicts at this NEW, low-key club for folks who know the basics, but want to take their addiction to a whole new level! Bring your supplies and your current craft project and let the fun begin! This group is open to all residents, but adults only please. No registration required. We hope to see you there! For more information, contact Alaina at 732-727-0212 ex. 25, or email her at alainad@lmxac.org. View Full Schedule!

The 1st & 3rd Friday of Every Month, 1:30PM-3:30PM. Next Meetings: Friday, Mar. 7 & 21 at 1:30PM!
Join current club members at the library to play a few rounds of Scrabble. The group is very informal and simply enjoys playing for fun! The library has a Scrabble Board, but you may bring your own also. No need to sign up in advance, just show up and make new friends! If you have any questions, email Alaina at alainad@lmxac.org or call 732-727-0212 ex. 25. View Full Schedule!

The 3rd Thursday of Every Month, 2:00PM-4:00PM. Next Meeting: Thursday, Mar. 20 at 2:00PM!
Gather once a month to meet with other writers to bounce ideas off of one another or clear that infamous writer's block! Special guest professional writers will join the group from time to time to give advice and talk about their experiences as writers. ADULTS ONLY! For more information, contact Alaina at alainad@lmxac.org or call 732-727-0212 ex. 25. No registration required. For more information, contact Alaina at 732-727-0212 ex. 25, or email her at alainad@lmxac.org. View Full Schedule!

The 3rd Thursday of Every Month from 6:30PM-8:00PM. Next Meeting: Thursday, Mar. 27 at 6:30PM!
Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, working mom, or work-at-home mom, or a mom who is married, single, or separated, we know that motherhood is a constant juggling act. Sometimes all that multi-tasking can raise stress levels, put a strain on family relations, and leave moms needing some extra support and guidance. And, who better to provide that support than fellow moms who understand these challenges first-hand. The Moms Helping Moms Support Group is a place where you can talk about the stresses you are facing, both the big and small ones, in the company of fellow moms who can offer an unbiased ear, ideas, resources, and overall emotional support. The group is facilitated by Dr. Colleen Georges, a work-at-home mom who is also a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Life & Career Coach, and Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator. Register now!

About Dr. Colleen Georges: Dr. Georges is a Certified Comprehensive Positive Psychology Coach, a Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Specialist, a NJ Licensed Professional Counselor, and most recently, a Certified Positive Discipline Counselor. For more information, contact Alaina at 732-727-0212 ex.25 or email her at alainad@lmxac.org.

The Library offers basic level computer courses all year to help everyone embrace technology--not run from it! Do you have a family member or friend who needs to learn how to use a computer? Maybe you yourself could benefit from a beginners course? Let the library help! The Sayreville Public Library offers FREE basic computer instruction many months out of the year. The list of open classes are as follows:

Mouse for Beginners-Contact Alaina for a one-on-one appointment! Due to budget cuts, we will no longer be able to have a dedicated class.
Tips & Tricks for Beginner Computer Users-TBA!
Internet for Beginners-TBA!
Email for Beginners-Monday, Mar. 10, 6:00-8:00PM
Microsoft Word for Beginners-TBA!
Microsoft Word for Intermediate Users-Discontinued due to funding.
Microsoft Excel for Beginners-Monday, Mar. 24, 6:00-8:00PM
Microsoft Powerpoint for Beginners-Monday, Mar. 17, 6:00-8:00PM
Microsoft Outlook: an Introduction-TBA!
First preference goes to Sayreville patrons who have not taken these classes before. You must know how to use the mouse and keyboard to take all of the above classes except for Mouse for Beginners. Adults only, please. To register for any of the classes, contact Alaina at alainad@lmxac.org, call her at 732-727-0212 ex. 25. You must contact and speak with Alaina to register for computer classes.

January-March. See Dates Below!
The ESL Conversation Group helps individuals 18 years or older speak English with more confidence and ease! People attending this group should already have a basic understanding of the English language. Focus will be on pronunciation, accent reduction, American idioms, and conversation skill development. Evening sessions will be held in the Young Adult Room starting Tuesday, January 7 at 6:30PM. The session will end Tuesday, March 25. Daytime sessions will be held in the Meeting Room starting Thursday, January 16 and ending March 20 from 10:30AM-12:00PM. Registration forms will be located at the Reference Desk & in the Lobby starting in December. This conversation group is made possible by the Sayreville Public Library and the Literacy Programs of New Jersey. If you have any questions, contact Alaina by calling her at 732-727-0212 ex. 25 or by emailing her at alainad@lmxac.org.

The Health Insurance Marketplace is now open to help people enroll in a plan that covers essential benefits, pre-existing conditions, and more. Plus, you are also able to see if you qualify for lower costs. For more information on enrolling, visit www.healthcare.gov. The New Jersey State Library has also put together a very helpful overview of the Affordable Care Act. Visit their site to get contact information, locations of New Jersey Centers offering enrollment assistance, and much more!