Message from Mayor Madden: Literacy, Learning, and Libraries
Initiatives For All Seasons - Literacy, Learning, and Libraries
Public libraries have historically provided citizens with a constant renewal of updated knowledge, information and programs as our needs progress and change with each year. This persistent policy of change, reinvention and improvement has been the hallmark of our Middlesex Public Library.
Today, one can immerse in the myriad availability of electronic services such as Knowledge City, or other related services to pique the interest of all ages especially our younger generation.
As a public figure I have grave concerns regarding the constant threat of cyber security issues (of which the Borough have been recently victimized on a smaller scale) which makes it extremely difficult to trust internet sources particularly when researching various topics. Unfortunately, these issues are constantly evolving into more sophisticated challenges. Our efficient library system provides safe “Ready Reference” resources by phone and email to provide protected sources and websites for one’s perusal. The staff are always willing to share valuable information from reputable and trustworthy sources of which one can safely rely upon. In addition, the wealth of available reliable information goes far beyond the brick-and-mortar facility. Patrons are able to receive easily-accessed materials from the repository of over 32 different libraries in the Library of Middlesex Automation Consortium through interlibrary loans - what a contract to our family’s bookshelf Encyclopedia Britannica days growing up.
Benefits for Everyone
Engaging in the various library activities and programs will appeal to every age group and every type of learning interest. Sprinkle in the cultural arts incentives and the many learning programs of customs in one’s native country can create a stirring curiosity of our ancestry. It is indeed well recognized that such immersive engagement especially at a younger age will ultimately promote lasting benefits both socially and socioeconomically as we get older and as unforeseen circumstances in our lives constantly change.
Some other benefits include an intuitive understanding of our career, livelihood and family participation. Indirectly, one may benefit from an unrecognized but well- conceived discernment as a public figure or generally as a member of society.
Safe and clean
Lastly, our library vigorously maintains all Covid-safety precautions such as social distancing, sanitizing stations, one ingress and one egress. The library personnel also provide frequent sanitizing of trafficked areas and all handled material. Tables and chairs are spaced at correct social distances. Limiting occupancy during browsing hours are constantly monitored.
For more information, please visit the website: www.middlesexlibrarynj.org . You may also reach out to our Library Director, Ms. Chrissy George, at 732-356-6602. Her cell is (732) 907-7749.
As a postscript, I want to again wish to thank Ms. George, the Staff, and the entire Library Board for making all this possible while maintaining our interest in literacy and learning, courtesy of the Middlesex Public Library.
We have indeed come a very long way from my cuneiform writing days. I wish I could remember if my library card was made of parchment or papyrus. Have a wonderful spring and please be safe.
Mayor John L. Madden