The theme for National Library Week 2014 is Lives change @ your library. Do you have a story about how the library has impacted your life? Simply fill out a contest form in the Library by writing how the library has impacted your life and put it in the submission box. You may also post to our Facebook page or our Twitter feed! The prize includes a tote set with items to help you decompress and relax! Includes: novels, chocolate, lotion, aromatherapy items, and totes! Rules: Written submissions should include a first name & phone or email on the back of the submission! One entry per person. Open to all ages. Winner will be chosen on 4/21! Be sure to also check out our special webpage dedicated to National Library Week!

Attend one or all of the sessions! Please note that Part 1 & Part 2 has past, but you do not need Part 1 or 2 to attend the rest of the series!

Online Military Records-Finding Genealogical Treasures in Military and Pension Records-Part 3 on Tuesday, Apr. 22, 7:00PM-8:30PM
Internet availability of military records and databases, both free and by subscription, from World Wars I and II, The Civil War, The Mexican War, The War of 1812 and The Revolutionary War will be discussed. Specific records will be used to demonstrate their use in family history research. Find out how these kinds of record could aid you in your genealogical research! For more information or to register, contact Alaina at 732-727-0212 ex. 25, email her at alainad@lmxac.org, or register online now!

Would I Lie To You? The Many Ways in Which Our Ancestors Can Lead Us Astray-Part 4 on Tuesday, Apr. 29, 7:00PM-8:30PM
Records of our ancestors can be full of errors and misinformation, all of which can lead us astray as we try to accomplish research. Examples of such records and their impact on the researcher will be presented and discussed to help new researchers recognize and avoid such information traps! For more information or to register, contact Alaina at 732-727-0212 ex. 25, email her at alainad@lmxac.org, or register online now!

Thank you to the Friends of the Library for making the Genealogy Series possible!

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.

Attend one or all of the sessions! Please note that Part 1 has past, but you do not need Part 1 to attend the rest of the series!

The Organization Process-Part 2 on Wednesday, Apr. 23, 6:30PM-8:00PMM
Professional organizer, Katie Tracy of Simple Spaces, LLC will present a basic organizing class that offers the eight steps to organize any space. Come learn this easy-to-follow process and be on your way to organizing your stuff, your home, and your life! To register, contact Alaina at alainad@lmxac.org, call her at 732-727-0212 ex. 25, or register online now!

Organizing for Kids: Part 3 of The Easy Organization Series-Part 3 on Wednesday, May 14, 6:30PM-8:00PM
This special organization class is geared toward 5-10 year olds and their parents! Professional organizer, Katie Tracy of Simple Spaces, LLC will offer a kid-friendly description of disorganization and why being organized is important. She will do a sorting exercise and, of course, read a book! Organizing can be fun with Katie’s methods! To register, contact Alaina at alainad@lmxac.org, call her at 732-727-0212 ex. 25, or register online now!

Saturday, Apr. 26, 2:00PM-4:00PM
Does the prospect of selecting a college and going through the admissions process seem overwhelming? Is the terminology confusing? High school sophomores and juniors and their parents should attend this seminar to hear an experienced professional demystify the steps needed to complete a successful search. Join Barbara Wichinsky, M.Ed., former Director of Guidance and Independent Consultant. To register, contact Alaina at alainad@lmxac.org, call her at 732-727-0212 ex. 25, or register online. WHEN REGISTERING, PLEASE SPECIFY THE NAME OF EVERYONE WHO IS COMING SO WE HAVE ENOUGH CHAIRS! GUESTS NOT ON THE LIST WILL NOT BE GUARANTEED ADMISSION. THANK YOU!

Monday, Apr. 28, 6:30PM-8:30PM
Join us in watching Disneynature's close-up look at the unsung heroes of our planet. Wings of Life reveals the intricate worlds of bees, butterflies, birds, and bats. Our life on Earth relies on these incredible creatures, as more than one-third of our world's food supply is dependent on them. Yet we are increasingly threatening their lives, and if they should suddenly disappear, we may too. Directed by Louie Schwartzberg, Wings of Life takes us on an adventure to reveal this spectacular world that is right in front of us, yet rarely seen in such incredible detail. Narrated by Meryl Streep. After the viewing of Wings of Life, join in the conversation about this film with Environmental Expert, Karen B. Peters. For over thirty years, she has dedicated her career to studying and educating others about the environment and it's creatures in a variety of capacities. This includes being an Environmental Educator, a Wildlife Rehabilitator and a Registered Environmental Health Specialist. She has helped many people better understand their environment and the animals that are part of their lives, so that this knowledge can improve their lives. Adults & well-behaved children are welcome! Rated G. 80 Minutes. Contact Alaina by phone at 732-727-0212 ex. 25 or email alainad@lmxac.org to register, or register online!

Saturday, May 10, 2:00PM-3:30PM
Tea was discovered in China over 5000 years ago and became a treasured and beloved beverage. The love of tea soon spread to other countries in the East including Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and India. Learn about the various tea customs and drinking habits of several countries along the Asian Pacific Rim from tea expert and food historian, Judith Krall-Russo. Various teas and international delights will be served! 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 thirteen and up only, please.

Saturday, May 17, 2:00PM-4:30PM
Never before seen evidence points to genetically engineered foods as a major contributor to rising disease rates in the US population, especially among children. Gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, inflammatory diseases, and infertility are just some of the problems implicated in humans, pets, livestock, and lab animals that eat genetically modified soybeans and corn. Join us as we watch Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of Our Lives. A discussion, led by Stephanie Goodman, a Certified Nutrition Consultant and Holistic Health Practitioner, and Jane Schwartz, a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist, will follow the viewing. This sometimes shocking film may change your diet, help you protect your family, and accelerate the consumer tipping point against genetically modified organisms(GMOs).

Director, Jeffrey M. Smith, author of the world’s bestselling book on GMOs, Seeds of Deception, is a leading consumer advocate promoting healthier non-GMO choices. Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of Our Lives has won the 2012 Movie of the Year by the Solari Report and the Top Transformational Film of 2012 by AwareGuide! Our presenters have over 35 years combined experience helping people achieve their long term health goals via private counseling, group programs, lectures and lunch and learns. In an effort to share their message with more people, they chose to join forces as The Nourishing Gurus (www.nourishinggurus.com) where they offer expert information on nutrition topics, with an emphasis on optimizing digestion and transition into a healthy lifestyle.

Adults & teenagers are welcome! 85 Minutes; Not Rated. Contact Alaina by phone at 732-727-0212 ex. 25 or email alainad@lmxac.org to register, or register online now!

Wednesday, May 21,6:30PM-8:00PM
Curiosity of handwriting has existed since the first written documents were created. In fact, many employers are using graphology today as a part of your job "interview." In this program, you will get to analyze eighteen fun aspects of your own handwriting. Bring your favorite pen and samples of your preferred choices of paper to use. Plan on a delightful time exploring some of the hidden messages of your personality traits that can be found in your handwriting. The session will be led by Terry Antoniewicz, a calligrapher with over 40 years of experience in analyzing handwriting to update/repair historical documents. Terry got her start with lettering right here in Sayreville and her experience and travels have provided speaking engagements throughout Canada and the USA. Adults only, please. For more information or to register, contact Alaina at 732-727-0212 ex. 25, email her at alainad@lmxac.org, or register online now!

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!

Saturday, May 3, 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. View a video of Dr. Georges to learn more about her! Registration starts April 3. 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.

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!

Blue Jasmine on Friday, Apr. 25 at the NEW TIME OF **12:00PM-2:00PM**
Synopsis: After everything in her life falls to pieces, including her marriage to wealthy businessman Hal, elegant New York socialite Jasmine moves into her sister Ginger's humble apartment in San Francisco to try to pull herself back together again. Rated PG-13. 98 mins. Register now!

12 Years a Slave on Friday, May 30 at the at the NEW TIME OF **12:00PM-2:00PM**
Synopsis: The harrowing account of a black man, born free in New York State, who was drugged, kidnapped, and sold into slavery in 1841. Having no way to contact his family, and fearing for his life if he told the truth, Solomon Northup was sold from plantation to plantation in Louisiana, toiling under cruel masters for twelve years before meeting Samuel Bass, a Canadian who finally put him in touch with his family, and helped start the process to regain his freedom. Adults only, please. Rated R. 134 minutes. Register now!

The 2nd Thursday of Every Month, 6:30PM-8:00PM. Next Meeting: Thursday, May 8 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!

***NEW TIME***10:30AM-12:00PM! Next Meeting: Saturday, Apr. 19 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. View a video of Dr. Georges to learn more about her!

The 3rd Thursday of Every Month from 6:30PM-8:00PM. Next Meeting: Thursday, Apr. 17, 6:30PM-8:00PM
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.View a video of Dr. Georges to learn more about her! 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. Thank you to the Friends of the Library for making the Moms Helping Moms Group possible!

The 1st & 3rd Friday of Every Month, 1:30PM-3:30PM. Next Meetings: Friday, May 2 & 16 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, Apr. 17 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 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. After March's classes, some of the classes will resume in May. Stay tuned for a new May schedule towards the end of April! 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-Monday, May 5, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Internet for Beginners-TBA!
Email for Beginners-TBA!
Microsoft Word for Beginners-Monday, May 12, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Microsoft Word for Intermediate Users-Discontinued due to funding.
Microsoft Outlook for Beginners-Monday, May 19, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Microsoft Excel for Beginners-Thursday, May 29, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Microsoft Powerpoint for Beginners-TBA for May!
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.

April-June. 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, April 8 from 6:00PM-8:00PM. The session will end Tuesday, June 24. Daytime sessions will be held in the Meeting Room starting Thursday, April 24 and ending June 26 from 10:30AM-12:00PM. Registration forms will be located at the Reference Desk & in the Lobby starting in March. 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!