The main phone numbers at all our branches remain the same, but the extension  numbers for the Vogelson and South County Branch have changed.  In the past, the first number in extensions at Vogelson was 3.  The first number will now be 7, and the next 3 digits will remain the same.  The first number in extensions at South County was 4.  It will now also begin with 7, and the next 3 digits will remain the same. 

For example:  if you previously dialed 3124 to get a Vogelson extension, you will now dial 7124.  If you dialed 4567 to get a South County extension, you will now dial 7567.

“In the Garden of Beasts” is one of the new titles available through the Camden County Library System. Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

VOORHEES, N.J. – February 8, 2012 –   The Camden County Library System ordered and received the following new book titles. The titles are in circulation at various branches as indicated below. Member customers can use the library’s online catalog, CamCat, at www.camdencountylibrary.org/catalog  to order, reserve and arrange for pickup of materials at one of the system’s seven branches: Bellmawr, Camden (Ferry Ave.), Gloucester Twp., Haddon Twp., Merchantville, South County or Voorhees. For those with smart phones, the library’s mobile website is also available at http://www.camdencountylibrary.org/m/  .

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VOORHEES, N.J. – Jan. 26, 2012 –   The Camden County Library System ordered and received the following new book titles. The titles are in circulation at various branches as indicated below. Member customers can use the library’s online catalog, CamCat, at www.camdencountylibrary.org/catalog  to order, reserve and arrange for pickup of materials at one of the system’s seven branches: Bellmawr, Camden (Ferry Ave.), Gloucester Twp., Haddon Twp., Merchantville, South County or Voorhees. For those with smart phones, the library’s mobile website is also available at http://www.camdencountylibrary.org/m/ 

“Their Eyes Were Watching God” will be one of the titles featured in a special film series at the Riletta L. Cream Ferry Ave. Branch Library in observance of Black History Month.]

VOORHEES, NJ – Jan. 10, 2012 – The Camden County Library System will observe Black History Month with three programs scheduled at its Riletta L. Cream Ferry Ave. branch in February.

African American Film Series (adults)

Starting with a four-part African American Film Series, the library will screen a selection of titles depicting the struggle and achievements of African Americans. On four successive Thursday evenings starting at 6 p.m. the public can sign up to watch “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”, Feb. 2; “Tuskegee Airmen”, Feb. 9; “Their Eyes Were Watching God”, Feb. 16; and “Precious”, Feb. 23

Writers of the Harlem Renaissance (adults)

“Writers of the Harlem Renaissance” will be the topic of a panel discussion focused on Langston Hughes, Jessie Fauset and other writers from this period of American History on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m.

During the 1920s and 1930s in Harlem New York City, an awakening of race consciousness and artistic progression took place. This declaration of African-American independence became known as the Harlem Renaissance, the Negro Renaissance or the New Negro movement. Join Dr. Wayne Glasker and Professor Ewuare Osayande of Rutgers University - Camden to celebrate and explore the Harlem Renaissance.

Living History: Harriet Tubman (families)

The Camden County Cultural and Heritage Commission offers a live Harriet Tubman enactment that promises to be entertaining as well as educational at the library on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m.

Actor Millicent Sparks will portray Harriet Tubman who became the most famous “conductor” of the Underground Railroad to aid enslaved Africans escaping to the free states or Canada.

Registration for any of the programs is available by calling 856-342-9789 or through SIGNUP on the Web at www.camdencountylibrary.org/events .

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

VOORHEES, NJ – Dec. 30, 2011 – Readers will have the chance to talk with Margaret Leroy about her novel, “The Soldiers Wife”, by a Skype connection at the M. Allan Vogelson Library in Voorhees on Saturday, Jan. 14, 11 a.m.

According to Amazon.com and GoodReads.com, Leroy’s book poses three critical questions - “What would you do for your family?” “What should you do for a stranger?” and “What would you do for love?” Set in the waning days of World War II, the protagonist, a French mother of two, falls in love with a German soldier in occupied Guernsey while her husband is away at war.

Leroy has written five previous novels, including “Postcards from Berlin”, a "New York Times" Notable Book, and “Yes, My Darling Daughter”, which was chosen for the Oprah Summer Reading List. She is married with two children and lives in London.

Registration is available online through SIGNUP at www.camdencountylibrary.org/events or by calling 856-772-1636.

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

Contact: Denise Weinberg (856) 772-1636 X 3331

[Literacy Volunteers of Camden County is seeking volunteer tutors and is offering free training starting Wednesday, Jan.18, 2012.]

VOORHEES, NJ – Dec. 12, 2011 -- You, too, can make a difference in the life of an adult who wants to learn to speak English or improve his reading and math skills. 

Literacy Volunteers of Camden County is seeking volunteer tutors to teach ESL and other functional literacy skills.  No experience is necessary, just the willingness to reach out and help a motivated learner.  Tutors must be at least 18 years of age. 

The free Winter Tutor Training Workshops will be held at the Camden County Library in Voorhees on six consecutive Wednesdays beginning January 18, 2012 from 1:00-3:30 p.m.  Call Literacy Volunteers of Camden County at 772-1636 X 3331 for more information or sign up online at http://lva.camden.lib.nj.us .

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ABOUT LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF CAMDEN COUNTY:

LVCC provides free one-on-one and small group tutoring in reading, math and English for Speakers of Other Languages to Camden County adults at the lowest levels of literacy.  Many Camden County residents lack functional English literacy skills and this impedes their ability to acquire productive employment, assist their children in schoolwork and become active community members.  Literacy Volunteers of Camden County addresses this problem by training local volunteers to instruct these adults using a flexible, learner-centered approach.  This year LVCC has over 160 volunteer tutors working with 200 students.

Camden County Library System branches continue their annual tradition

[Six of the Camden County Library System’s branches will hold Read in the New Year programs for children of all ages. Here the kids celebrate in style at the Voorhees branch when it marked the end of 2010 and welcomed 2011 last year.]

VOORHEES, NJ – Dec. 7, 2011- The Camden County Library System is offering annual Read in the New Year Celebrations at six of its branches.  Kids can celebrate the new year a little early with programs that include a countdown, craft, stories and plenty of fun.

Merchantville  - 130 S. Centre St., Merchantville, NJ 08109 
Wednesday, December 21, 3:30 p.m.  Register

Vogelson – 203 Laurel Rd., Voorhees, NJ 08043
Thursday, December 29, 11:15 a.m.  Register

Haddon Township – 15 MacArthur Blvd., Westmont, NJ 08043
Friday, December 30, 11 a.m.  Register

Gloucester Township – 15 S. Black Horse Pike, Blackwood, NJ 08012
Friday, December 30, 11:15 a.m.  Register

Riletta L. Cream Branch, 852 Ferry Ave., Camden, NJ 08104
Friday, December 30, 3 p.m.  Register

South County – 35 Coopers Folly Rd., Winslow Twp., NJ 08004
Saturday, December 31, 11:30 a.m.  Register

Registration for any program is available three weeks in advance of the event date either online through SIGNUP at www.camdencountylibrary.org/events or by calling the local branch hosting the event.

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

[Camden County Library continues to offer help for those seeking a new job by offering a series of three workshops this winter at its branch across from the Voorhees Town Center on Laurel Rd.]

VOORHEES, NJ -- November 23, 2011 -- A resume often serves as the first “interview” with a potential employer.  And it’s a short interview according to the experts – on average employers spend only 10 seconds on each resume.  With only 10 seconds to convince an employer to offer an interview, a job seeker’s resume needs to stand out. 

This winter, the Voorhees branch of the Camden County Library System is offering three top-notch career workshops that will teach how to create a resume that highlights a job applicant’s strengths in an effective and professional manner. The workshops will stress how to customize a resume for each job, further improving chances of getting that interview.

Cover Letters, Resumes & Interviewing Workshop

Saturday, Dec. 3, 10:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Register here

Resumes & Networking Workshop --- A Hands-On Approach

Thursday, Jan. 12, 6 – 8 p.m. Register here
Thursday, Feb. 16, 6 – 8 p.m. Register here

The December workshop will explore cover-letter writing and interviewing skills in addition to resume writing. Remember, the resume can lead to an interview, but it’s a good interview that clinches the job.

The January and February workshops cover networking and resume writing.  Networking is the key to finding job openings, according to career experts. This workshop features one-on-one exercises where participants can pair up to critique resumes and practice their networking skills.

People with or without an existing resume are welcome to attend these workshops where they can revitalize their job search.

The M. Allen Vogelson Regional Branch Library is located at 203 Laurel Rd. across from the Voorhees Town Center.

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

[Channel 10’s Chief Meteorologist Glenn ‘Hurricane’ Schwartz visits Haddon Twp. branch library, Saturday, Nov. 19, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.]

VOORHEES, NJ – Oct. 31, 2011 – NBC 10’s Chief Meteorologist Glenn ‘Hurricane’ Schwartz will discuss Global Warming and its possible connection to extreme weather on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at the Haddon Twp. Branch of the Camden County Library System.

A native of Philadelphia, Schwartz joined the NBC 10 news team in 1995 and was named the station’s chief meteorologist in 2002. He co-authored the Philadelphia Area Weather Book and was inducted into the Philadelphia Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2010.

Schwartz earned the name ‘Hurricane’ when a former colleague in New York saw old footage of him being blown around in one and the moniker has stuck ever since.

Advance registration is required by calling 856-854-2752 or by visiting www.camdencountylibrary.org/events

The Haddon Twp. Branch Library is located at 15 MacArthur Blvd. off Cuthbert in Westmont, NJ.

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

[At his “A Fashion Rendezvous: Fall Edition” Angelo Vellucci describes a versatile outfit that can be worn for both a day or nighttime look  and here is modeled by Loreen Neal, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011.

About 65 people attended the event at the M. Allan Vogelson Regional Branch Library in Voorhees to hear Vellucci’s advice and suggestions on what works best for different body types as he discussed the current fall fashion trends for both men and women. 

Vellucci is a senior Fashion Industry Management student Philadelphia University and is planning another Fashion Rendezvous class in spring 2012.]

[ Proclamation U.S. Rep. Robert Andrews read into Congressional Record Oct. 4, 2011 on the floor of the House.]

VOORHEES, NJ – Oct. 7, 2011 – Fifty years of service by the Haddon Twp. Branch of the Camden County Library System was formally recognized on the floor of the United States House of Representatives when Congressman Robert Andrews (1^st Congressional District) issued a proclamation earlier this week.

The proclamation observes, “For the past half century, this valuable community asset has steadfastly served the citizens of Haddon Twp.”

“I am so proud of our accomplishments for the past 50 years and of how the library has been an important part of community life in Haddon Township and Camden County. It’s a nice way to end my career here seeing the staff getting the recognition they well deserve,” said Haddon Branch Manager Nan Rosenthal.

Rosenthal said the library plans to frame the proclamation and put it on display at the library on MacArthur Blvd. off Cuthbert in Westmont, NJ.

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

 
 
[The annual Fall Book Sale at Camden County Library System’s Voorhees branch attracts hundreds of book lovers and bargain hunters. Another big turnout is expected Thursday Oct. 13 – Saturday Oct. 15 at the M. Allan Vogelson Regional Branch Library on Laurel Oak Rd across from the Voorhees Town Center.]

VOORHEES, N.J. – Sept. 27, 2011 -- The Voorhees branch of the Camden County Library System will stage one of the largest used-book sales in South Jersey on Thursday, Oct. 13 and Friday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The library plans to offer up to 50 thousand books, CDs, videos, books-on-tape, LPs and magazines for sale at drastically reduced prices.

“According to used-book hunters, our sales have become a favorite for a number of reasons,” said M. Allan Vogelson Regional Library Branch Manager William Brahms.

He points out that about ninety percent of the items on sale are donated by patrons, collectors and estates, so they are not marked-up like some ex-library materials, which will make up the remainder of the items at the Fall Book Sale.

“With ninety-nine percent of the items priced at two dollars or under, and with nothing over three dollars, the sale will attract hundreds of bargain seekers over the course of three days as it’s done in the past,” predicted Brahms.

The branch manager said there is a reason to visit the sale on more than one day since the display tables in the sale area on the first floor will be continually replenished with stock from a warehouse storage room full of materials during the three-day sale.

The items will be organized by subject for easy location, which is important given the large number of items that will be put out. However, no previews will be available to dealers or others.

The M. Allan Vogelson Regional Branch Library is located at 203 Laurel Road across from the Voorhees Town Center, which is 14 miles from Philadelphia, ten miles from Camden and next to Cherry Hill. Directions can be found on the library website at http://www.camden.lib.nj.us/directions/directionsvoorhees.htm

All proceeds from the sale will go to support programs for customers of the Camden County Library System.  The Library welcomes volunteers to help staff the book sale. They can contact Karen Popelak at 772-1636 ext. 3339 or at kpopel@camdencountylibrary.org. An application for volunteers can be found on the library’s website at http://www.camdencountylibrary.org/volunteers  

Other questions about the book sale can be directed to Brahms at wbrahms@camdencountylibrary.org  or 856-772-1636 x3308.

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

[Camden County Freeholder Scot McCray reads to a group of children from Dr. Seuss’s “I Can Lick 30 Tigers a Day” at the 50^th Birthday celebration for the Haddon Twp. Branch of the Camden County Library System, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011.

The party featured a performance by the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra, birthday cake, face painting, book mark making, tattoos, contests and more. Camden County Freeholder Board Director Louis Capelli and Freeholder Ian Leonard, as the board’s library liaison, joined Camden County Library System Director Linda Devlin in speaking about the branch’s history of serving the people of Camden County.

The branch announced that Mark D’Tamaso of Haddon Twp. won a basket of assorted chocolates from Bayard’s Chocolates for a contest at guessing the branch’s average circulation that was part of the day’s events.]

 
  
[The staff of the Haddon Twp. Branch Library of the Camden County Library System invites the public to join in the celebration of the library’s 50^th birthday on Saturday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Westmont.

Front row from left: Vicky Burr, Nasreen Ahmed, Nan Rosenthal (Branch Manager) and Vita Swartz.

Back row from left: Barbara Capoferri, Sylvie Thorstensen, Sue Long, Donna Stephens, Nancy Anderson and Mary Jo Agin]

VOORHEES, NJ – Sept. 14, 2011 – The William G. Rohrer Memorial Library of the Camden County Library System is celebrating a half century of serving the people of Haddon Township with a birthday bash on Saturday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the public is invited.

The Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra is scheduled to perform at the event that will feature comments from CCLS Director Linda Devlin with Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Freeholder Ian Leonard as library liaison and Freeholder Scott McCray all expected to attend the observance.

The celebration will include birthday cake, face painting, games, balloons and crafts. Feline celebrity Darby the Therapy Cat, who has been making the rounds of the county’s libraries the past several years to the delight of children and cat lovers, is slated to make an appearance. Mark Twain would be pleased to know that two of his great affections are coming together – books and cats.

The celebration is all the sweeter for the customers of the branch since the library was temporarily closed because of a broken water main and water damage earlier in the year. The closure revealed how much the community relies on and values the branch library. Customers were lined up at the door to welcome the return of their library in July with cake, flowers and well wishes.

“The Camden County Library System is proud to have served the residents of Haddon Twp. and Camden County as the branch has responded to the community’s changing needs over the years. We look forward to continuing to provide library services and programs to the township’s approximately 15,000 residents, and we’re excited about what the future will bring,” said CCLS Director Linda Devlin.

 
 
[Camden County Library System offers homework help resources for children and parents on its website through Kids World.] 

VOORHEES, N.J. – Aug. 24, 2011 --  Another school year is about to start, and it’s useful to know how much reliable information your child can find to do homework or any research assignment from a home Internet connection through services offered by the Camden County Library System.

 Kid’s World is a special section on the library’s website that includes homework help in a variety of forms. Resources organized by different subjects and multi-subject sources can be accessed from this page. It can be reached by going to the library’s homepage at http://www.camdencountylibrary.org/ and clicking on the Kids link on the left sidebar.

The Homework Page also offers a link to Ask a Librarian service by email, telephone or on-site at one of the system’s seven branches.

Searchasaurus is one of the resources available on Kid’s World that helps both children and their parents by enabling them to search thousands of articles. It has an online general encyclopedia and an animal encyclopedia that offers a ton of information about animals from around the world. 

According to EBSCOhost, the online publisher of Searchasaurus, it is an animated interface with a dinosaur theme that encourages young researchers to enhance and develop basic search methods. Children enjoy using the resource because of its colorful, animated searching features.

 Kid’s World also offers Primary Search, a database geared to finding age-appropriate magazine articles for children. Find other great information sources for elementary students at http://www.camdencountylibrary.org/kids 

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden,  Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

 
 
[Camden County libraries remind parents and students that an updated library card is one of the most important school supplies to have.]

VOORHEES, NJ – August 22, 2011 – As Camden County students go back to school this September, the Camden County Library System wants to make sure that all children have one of the most important school supplies – a library card.  

Owning a library card provides students the resources they need to compete academically. Most public libraries (89.6 percent) provide students free access to databases of news articles, encyclopedias and test preparation materials, as well as homework help and other resources. 

In addition, public libraries are the number one place for free Internet access, an important resource for families without a home Internet connection when 96 percent of school districts require students to use the Internet to complete their homework. 

“Today’s libraries provide all types of students with the tools they need to succeed,” says Linda Devlin as director of the Camden County Library System. She points out that the library system offers special sections on its website that provide access to homework help for both children and high school students. Kids World and the Teen Zone can be found on the library’s website at www.camdencountylibrary.org . 

Each month throughout the year the library offers scores of programs and events designed for students of all ages. Everything from story times, teen book clubs, craft workshops and special programs like a teen video contest and festival held just a few weeks ago.  The Riletta L. Cream Ferry Ave. Branch even offers a homework club for students in grades three through eight that meets once a week on Thursday afternoons starting Sept. 22. 

“Libraries provide young readers with exciting and engaging programs that make learning fun. Now more than ever, a library card is the most important school supply of all,” stresses Devlin. 

Getting a library card is easy.  Residents of 27 member communities are eligible for a free library-system card. Owners of properties or businesses that operate in a member community are eligible as are others.

A list of member communities is available on the website, and residents of non-member communities can get a library card on a subscription-fee basis, which is explained on the website. Residents can also visit one of the seven CCLS branches located in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Twp., Haddon Twp., Merchantville, Winslow Twp. or Voorhees to find out about joining the system and getting a card. 

The American Library Association, the New Jersey Library Association and libraries across the country have designated September as Library Card Sign-up Month since 1987 to remind parents that a library card is an essential school supply. 

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

[Members of the Bellmawr Branch Library’s Volunteens work Wednesday, August 10, to get ready for the library’s 3-day annual summer book sale.

Seventeen volunteers ranging in age from 12 to 17 put in a total of 147 hours between setting up and actually helping to run the sale that ended Saturday, August 13. The sale raised over $450 that will support teen programming at the Camden County Library System. From the left are Mattie Santiago, Turquoise Cobb, Yash Thakker, Melissa Trout, Sahil Patel and Victoria Stauffer.]

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

Staff, Volunteers worked prior week to get library ready for reopening Monday July 25^th

[ Vincent Young cuts ribbon with the help of  Branch Manager Nan Rosenthal while other customers await the grand reopening the Haddon Twp. Branch Library, Monday, July 25, 2011. The library had been closed since May for repairs after a main waterline broke damaging parts of the building.

About 23 volunteers pitched in last week over four days to help the branch staff arrange and shelve over 3,000 books. Some of the books had been returned by Haddon Twp. customers to other branches of the Camden County Library System while the branch was closed. Others were books that had to be removed from their shelves to allow for the repair work.

Haddon Branch Manager Nan Rosenthal reports the first day was crazy and fun with customers bringing cake, flowers and balloons to celebrate the return of their community’s library.

“I’d like to thank all the volunteers who helped out last week and our customers who welcomed us so warmly. It’s great to be back serving our customers again. Come on in!” said Rosenthal.

Photo – Barbara Capoferri, Camden County Library System]

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

Camden County Library now has a YouTube tutorial on exactly how to find eBooks, check them out, download them to your computer and transfer them to your device.   In the video we use a Nook, but the process is very similar for the Sony eReader,  Kobo and any other reader that supports Overdrive eBooks.  (Note: you will not need this tutorial for the iPad, iPhone or Droid, as you can download ebooks directly using the Overdrive Media Console App.) 

You can watch the video on YouTube or on the library website.  Choose to watch it in three parts or all at once.

Complete Tutorial: On YouTube, On the Library Website

OR

Part 1:  Download Adobe Digital Editions  On YouTube, On the Library Website

Part 2:  Search for and Check Out an eBook  On YouTube, On the Library Website

Part 3: Part 3. Transferring eBook to the Nook  On YouTube, On the Library Website

 
VOORHEES, N.J. – July 18, 2011–   The Camden County Library System is pleased to announce the William G. Rohrer Memorial Library in Haddon Township will reopen to the public on Monday, July 25, 2011 at 10 a.m.

 Customers with questions about titles they have on hold before the branch resumes normal operation or for further information should check on the library’s website at www.camdencountylibrary.org .

 A main water line broke in May flooding a substantial portion of the library building which had to be shutdown to allow for repairs to drywall and replacement of some furniture and equipment.

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

 
 
[Children’s author Dan Gutman poses with cartoon he drew for the kids at Bellmawr.]

VOORHEES, NJ –  July 14, 2011 -- Dan Gutman, author of the popular ‘My Weird School’ book series for children, helped the Bellmawr Branch of the Camden County Library System kick off its summer reading program. His visit drew 98 kids and adults in June.

Before the program, Gutman signed 104 of his books that the library gave to those attending the event. He also provided the library with a box set of the first eight ‘My Weird School’ titles and five audio CDs of his stories that were offered as raffle prizes.

Given the number of kids who turned out for the event and their enthusiasm, Bellmawr branch manager Debbie Stefano said, “We were giddy over the success of it all.”

The Camden County Library System’s summer reading program for children and teens runs through August 6 and features special program events at each of its branches related to the themes of ‘One World, Many Stories’ for children and ‘You are Here!’ for teens and ‘tweens.

Registration for the summer reading program is available online through library’s website or in person at one of the system’s branch locations. Hours, directions and numbers for each branch can also be found on the website by clicking the link at the upper right corner of the library’s home page at www.camdencountylibrary.org .

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[‘My Weird School’ children’s author Dan Gutman talks to kids at the kick off of the Bellmawr library’s summer reading program, June 15, 2011. After the presentation he took time to speak with aspiring writers and illustrators in the audience.]

[The M. Allan Vogelson Regional Branch Library of the Camden County Library System stages a teen video contest with all submissions screened at a “Red Carpet Event” scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 9.]

VOORHEES, N.J. – July 14, 2011 – The Voorhees branch of the Camden County Library System is holding its second annual summer video contest for teens that will culminate in a Teen Video Festival on Tuesday, August 9, 2011.  Along with the festival’s judges, the contestants, their families, friends and the general public are welcome to attend and view all the submissions by the teen film makers at this ‘Red Carpet Event’.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, August 5, 2011 and a film must be suitable for an audience of all ages – in other words it must meet the requirements of a “G” rating as established by the Motion Picture Association of America.

 A piece can be anywhere from three to ten minutes in length and the principal members of the crew creating the film must between 12 and 18 years old or anyone currently enrolled in sixth through twelfth grade as of September, 2011.

 Films can be of any genre – comedy, drama, documentary, animation - or use any medium - music, special effects, sound effects - wherever the film maker’s creative streak takes him or her as long as the subject is presented in a manner acceptable for all ages. Films must be submitted in DVD format. All submissions will be accepted for screening. Make a copy because submissions will not be returned.

 A jury panel made up of teens and library professionals will decide the winner at a “Red Carpet Event” staged in The Corner (teen space) at the M. Allan Vogleson Region Branch Library in Voorhees on Tuesday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. Registration is required.

 “We had a lot of really amazing submissions last year.  I'm hoping for even more in this upcoming film festival.  This is a great way for our local teens to show off their creativity,” said Voorhees Teen Librarian Christen Orbanus.

 After the initial screening, the videos will be uploaded to the Voorhees library’s teen YouTube page for viewing (www.youtube.com/CCLTeens).

 The contest is free. Entry forms can be picked up in person during regular business hours at the Youth Services desk of the Vogelson Branch Library located on Laurel Rd. across from the Voorhees Town Center (formerly the Echelon Mall) or by e-mailing Christen Orbanus at corban@camdencountylibrary.org .  Contestants will be notified when their submissions are received at the library.

 Remember, the deadline is Friday, Aug. 5, 2010.

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

 
 
[Adult summer reading program at the Voorhees Branch library runs through the first week of August. Special reading lists have been prepared and special program events are planned. Visit the library website at www.camdencountylibrary.org for more details.]

VOORHEES, N.J. – June 30, 2011 –   Who said only kids get to have all the fun?

For the second year in a row, the Camden County Library System is offering an adult summer reading program featuring weekly drawings, prizes and a grand prize drawing on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011 open to all registered participants.

Registration is available online at https://nj.evanced.info/camdencounty/sr/homepage.asp Click on the Voorhees Adults tab or register in person at the M. Allan Vogelson Regional Library Branch in Voorhees.

Through the summer reading theme of Novel Destinations, the library is providing six different reading lists, each offering multiple suggested titles. Select a book from the lists or choose a title of your own.

Adult Summer Reading Booklists

• Food: The Perfect Travel Companion
• Novel Destinations: Fiction Set in Other Places
• Finding Home in Other Places: Stories
• Tales of World Travels
• Cold Places: Escape the Summertime Heat
• Destination: Asia!

The adult summer reading program also includes the following "Around the World" program events at the M. Allan Vogelson Regional Branch Library in Voorhees.

• Introduction to Scrapbooking – July 19, 6-8:30 p.m.
• The Character of the Japanese Garden  - July 23, 2-3
• Bollywood Dance Workshop – August 6, 2-3

Registration for any program is available by calling 856-772-1636 or online through SIGNUP at www.camdencountylibrary.org/events .

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

 
 
[Song writer and children’s performer Sara O’Brien performs at six different branches as part of the Camden County Library System’s summer reading program.]

VOORHEES, N.J. – June 23, 2011 –   ‘One World, Many Stories’ is the theme for the 2011 kids summer reading program and the series of program events planned for the summer reflects this diverse theme. Meanwhile the teen and ‘tween theme this year is ‘You Are Here’ that invites readers to explore both their inner world and the world around them.

The summer reading program offers special incentives to get into reading. By registering and keeping a log of their reading activity, participants can earn chances to win prizes through drawings at the different branches throughout the summer.

Readers can register online for the summer reading program on the library system’s website at www.camdencountylibrary.org or by visiting their local branch for in-person registration.

The following events are scheduled at our different branches for the summer reading program which runs from June 27 through Aug. 6

One World, Many Songs …

Join local singer/songwriter Sara O'Brien for children's music and songs for all ages.

Merchantville: Wednesday, June 8, 3:30 p.m.

Gloucester: Wednesday, July 6, 11 a.m.

Bellmawr: Wednesday, July 6, 2 p.m.

Ferry Ave.: Thursday, July 7, 11 a.m.

Voorhees: Thursday, July 7, 7 p.m.

South County: Monday, July 11, 11 a.m.

Mr. Malcolm Presents …

Veteran performer and storyteller Mr. Malcolm takes children on a journey around the world through stories.

Gloucester: Tuesday, July 12, 10:15 a.m., Ages 3-5

Ferry Ave.: Thursday, July 21, 2 p.m., All ages

South County: Thursday, June 30, 11 a.m., All ages

And for teens we offer Mr. Malcolm Presents Improv and Icebreakers to learn the art of acting without a script.

Voorhees: Thursday, July 14, 7 p.m., - Grades 5 -12

Around the World with Crafts …

Camden County Environmentalist, Maggi Liebe, will help kids to create crafts from around the world.

Petroglyphs - Create a unique drawing that looks like it came off an African cave wall.

Bellmawr, Tuesday, June 28, 2 p.m., Grades 1-5

Merchantville, Wednesday, July 20, 2:30 p.m., Grades Pre-K - 5

South County, Tuesday, July 19, 2 p.m., Grades K-2,

  Tuesday, July 19, 3:30 p.m., Grades 3-5

Maneki Neko - Make a Japanese beckoning cat for good luck.

Ferry Ave., Thursday, June 30, 11 a.m., Grades K-5

Gloucester, Thursday, June 30, 4 p.m., Grades 1-3

Didgeridoo - Make an instrument made and played by the Australian Aborigines.

Vogelson, Tuesday, July 19, 11 a.m., Grades K-5

Teen and ‘tween reading programs vary by branch and be found online by visiting  www.camdencountylibrary.org/ events and selecting a specific branch.

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

Register for the Adult Summer Reading Program - click on the tab for "Adult Voorhees," click on "Sign Me Up" and follow the instructions to create an account.

View the Adult Summer Reading Booklists

Attend an "Around the World" program.

World Drumming - June 25 This program is full.

Introduction to Scrapbooking – July 19, 6-8:30 p.m.

The Character of the Japanese Garden  - July 23, 2-3

Bollywood Dance Workshop – August 6, 2-3

Calling All World Travelers:

Open a Book and Open the World with our 2011 Children’s Summer Reading Program: One World Many Stories, beginning June 27!

Hop on board by registering for summer reading at your local branch or online.  Once you have registered, stop by your library to pick up your summer reading log and then all you need to do is start reading!  Read anything!  Read anywhere!  Really – you can read anything anywhere and for every hour of reading, you can earn a chance at a prize.  The more you read, the more chances you get to win!

We’ll also explore the globe and the world around us through stories, crafts, music, dance and other fun activities.  Check out the wide selection of summer programs listed under each branch and use SignUp to register for your favorites. 

Sign up for the Children’s Summer Reading Program

See and sign up for children’s summer programs in your branch:

Bellmawr
Ferry Ave.
Gloucester Twp.
Merchantville
South County
Voorhees

 
 
 
[‘Peace in the Pack’ program to be held at M. Allan Vogelson Regional Library in Voorhees on Tuesday, June 20, 2011 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.]

VOORHEES, NJ – June 21, 2011 --- The M. Allan Vogelson Branch Library of the Camden County Library System presents Peace in the Pack - a program for dog owners to help establish harmony in homes where the dog sometimes seems to rule.

KYW NewsRadio pet reporter, Nan Talleno, will share tips from her exclusive “Peace in the Pack” program on Tuesday, June 28, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Talleno is a certified canine behavioral consultant and owner of Heart-to-Heart Canine Counseling.

Talleno helps owners to create more positive connections with their dogs through reinforcement of good behavior combined with structure, exercise, affection and calm, assertive leadership. The goal is to create harmony in the home “pack”.

Registration is required at http://www.camdencountylibrary.org/events or by calling 856-772-1636.

Participants are NOT permitted to bring dogs to the program. Program organizer and Adult Librarian Martha Cannon explains that a dog’s behavior problems cannot be corrected in an unfamiliar environment like a library with a lot of strangers present.

###

Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

VOORHEES, N.J. – June 20, 2011 -- The Camden County Library System regrets to announce the necessity to cancel all event programming originally scheduled for the summer at the Haddon Twp. Branch because of on-going repair work. Full programming for adults, children and teens is expected to resume in September.

Haddon Twp. Branch Library Manager Nan Rosenthal said, “We really regret having to cancel our scheduled summer programs that our staff worked so hard in planning and organizing, but circumstances at the building won’t allow us to offer them with any certainty this summer.”

Rosenthal points out that customers and residents of Haddon Twp. are welcome and encouraged to check out all the programming being offered during the summer for adults, children and teens at the library system’s other six branches in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Twp., Merchantville, South County (Winslow Twp.) and Voorhees.

“We are sorry to disappoint our customers, but we are planning some great programs for the fall. We appreciate all our customers and want to keep them informed about the situation,” said Rosenthal.

The interior of the library on MacArthur Blvd. off Cuthbert Rd. suffered water damage when a main waterline broke in the boiler room flooding major areas of the facility. The repairs are taking longer than initially expected, and at this point the library hopes to reopen to the public by mid July.

While the first disaster recovery team that arrived on site in early May estimated that the branch could reopen within a week, further and later testing and evaluation revealed that the damage was far more extensive than originally thought. 

About 32,500 square feet of walls, ceilings and floors are being repaired or replaced. The extensive damage to the interior structure of the building also involves the repair and replacement of furniture and equipment. 

Even after repairs are completed and library personnel are allowed to enter the building, it will take at least a week for library staff to transport, check in and re-shelve the thousands of Haddon Township books and other library materials that were placed in storage at the library system’s other branches. Additionally, the library’s IT staff will need to set up and test all the computers and the branch’s IT network, and branch staff will need to get the circulation desk and offices back in order before they can begin serving their customers again.   

To speed up the re-shelving process, Rosenthal as branch manager is requesting for any volunteers in the community to indicate their interest on the library system’s website by completing the volunteer application form found at http://www.camden.lib.nj.us/about/volunteers.htm Those who want to specifically help with the reopening of the Haddon Twp. branch should indicate “Haddon Recovery” in the box at the end of the application which asks, “Why are you interested in volunteering at the library?”

###

Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

 
 
[South County Branch of the Camden County Library System offers a World Drumming Workshop on Saturday, June 25 from 2 – 5:30 p.m. ]

VOORHEES, NJ – June 15, 2011 –   Saturday, June 25, 2 – 5:30 p.m. those interested in learning about the drum as a musical instrument, both young and old, can sign-up for a unique three hour program at the South County Branch of the Camden County Library System.

The program planned will cover everything from musical theory, hands-on learning and will culminate with a chance to build a working drum. While the percussionist works through the different technical aspects of the art of drumming, he will introduce information about the cultural origins of the instrument and different drumming styles including the call and response tradition, the concept of poly-rhythms and basic music theory.

The program will conclude with a drum making session using basic everyday materials to help participants learn the parts of a drum. During the workshop participants will have the opportunity to play as much as possible as they gain a full appreciation of the instrument and the art of drumming.

Funded by a grant from New Jersey Library Association, the program is part of the statewide summer reading program with its theme of “One World, Many Stories”.

Registration is required and available at www.camdencountylibrary.org/events or by calling 856-753-2537.  The South County Regional Branch Library is located at 35 Coopers Folly Road in Winslow Township, New Jersey

###

Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

 
 
 
[Rutgers-Camden professor Dr. Wayne Glasker leads a panel discussion on the origins and significance of Juneteenth in American history at the Riletta L. Cream Branch Library on Ferry Ave. on Saturday, June 18.]

VOORHEES, NJ – June 6, 2011 – The Riletta L. Cream Branch of the Camden County Library System will host a panel discussion on Juneteenth, the oldest national observance of the end of slavery in the United States, on Saturday, June 18, 2011, 2 – 4 p.m.

The branch library on Ferry Ave. in Camden is honoring the holiday with a panel discussion led by Rutgers-Camden University Professor Dr. Wayne Glasker and featuring two other Black History scholars. Topics of discussion will include the origin of Juneteenth, the process of emancipation and the role of African American Troops in the Civil War.

Glasker will be joined on the panel by author Ewuare Osayande, “Misogyny and the Emcee: Sex, Race and Hip Hop”, and by Dr. James E. Johnson, history lecturer at Rutgers-Camden.

A specialist in African American and 20 Century United States History, Glasker directs the African American Studies program at Rutgers-Camden and works closely with the university’s teacher preparation program.

Registration for the program is available at www.camdencountylibrary.org/events or call 856-342-9789.

###

Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

Once the repairs are completed and the building is turned back over to the library, we estimate that it will take at least a week to transport, check in and reshelve the thousands of Haddon Township books and other library materials in storage at our branches, set up and test all the computers and the network, get the circulation desk and offices back in order and otherwise prepare to serve our library customers. 

We apologize for the inconvenience our customers are experiencing.  We appreciate your patience and look forward to serving you at the Haddon Twp. Branch very soon.

 
 
[KYW NewsRadio sports reporter Matt Leon talks with teens about a career in radio along with the station’s morning news editor Greg Orlandini on Thursday, June 2 at the Gloucester Twp. Branch of the Camden County Library System located at 15 S. Blackhorse Pike, Blackwood, NJ.]

VOORHEES, N.J. – May 26, 2011 –  What leads one person to become a radio broadcaster, another to become a teacher and another an artist? Teens will have the chance learn how real people working in these fields discovered their career paths through a series of programs offered by the Gloucester Twp. Branch of the Camden County Library System this June.

Careers in Radio

Grades 9 and up (adults welcome)

Thursday, June 2, 6:30 p.m.

KYW Newsradio 1060 morning editor Greg Orlandini and sports reporter Matt Leon talk about what it takes to get heard.

Careers in Education

Grades 9 and up (adults welcome)

Tuesday, June 7, 6:30 p.m.

Thinking about becoming a teacher? Intermediate school teacher Christine Clegg, special education teacher Jennifer Dover and Rutgers Camden professor Daniel Hart discuss what it’s like from the other side of the desk.

Careers in the Arts

Grades 9 and up (adults welcome)

Tuesday, June 14, 6:30 p.m.

Graphic artist Phillip McNulty and published author Robert C. Roman paint a picture for you (figuratively, of course) of their paths to success in the arts.

Children’s Librarian Alana Phelan put together the programs to give teens a realistic view of what their educational goals could and should be, as well as to give them the ability to ask questions about career choices. 

“The programs aren’t just ‘This is what a _____ does’, but rather ‘This is the career path I took to get to where I am today.’ Not every speaker we have engaged for the programs has taken a straight path to where he or she is today.

Sometimes the path winds a bit, and that’s as important a lesson to learn as having clear goals,” explains Phelan.

Registration for the programs is available at SIGNUP on the library system’s website at www.camdencountylibrary.org/events .

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VOORHEES, N.J. –May 24, 2011 –  Magician Chad Juros performed and shared his motivational message at the Vogelson Regional Branch library in Voorhees on Tuesday, May 24.

Chad is a two-time cancer survivor and has been a professional award-winning magician since the age of seven. His past performances include the White House, Criss Angel's Mindfreak and Dinner Impossible.

Jurors is the founder of the Spread the Magic Foundation, a New Jersey non-profit that spreads magic to children with cancer. His performances feature classic magical illusions as well as juggling.

The magician is scheduled for two more performances with the Camden County Library System this week. On Thursday, May 26 he will appear at the Gloucester Twp. branch, 4 p.m. and at the Bellmawr branch, 7 p.m.

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[Gianna Tocco, Abby Calhoun, Haley Kerper and Jazmin Harrison smile as they watch magician Chad Juros perform at the Vogelson Branch Library]

 
 [Magician Chad Juros performs one of his juggling acts at the Vogelson Branch Library]

 
 
[Past used book sales at Vogelson Regional Branch Library in Voorhees have always drawn hundreds of shoppers because of the quantity, quality and deep discounts on items sold.]

VOORHEES, NJ – May 24, 2011 - The M. Allan Vogelson Regional Branch Library of the Camden County Library System will hold its annual spring book sale on Friday, June 3, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

“It’s one of the biggest library used-book sales in South Jersey. Typically people are lined up and waiting when the doors open for one of our sales,” said Voorhees Branch Manager William Brahms, who manages the event.

The library plans to offer up to 50 thousand books, CDs, videos, books-on-tape and more for sale at drastically reduced prices. Brahms said about ninety percent of the items are donated by patrons, collectors and estates, with ex-library materials making up only about ten percent of the items sold.

Typically hundreds of book-lovers, bargain hunters and book dealers from the tri-state area are attracted to the event where 99 percent of the items will be priced between fifty cents and two dollars, with nothing over three dollars, stressed Brahms.

The items will be organized by subject for easy location. With a warehouse storage room full of books, the supply during the two-day sale will be continually replenished. So there is a reason to check out the sale on both days. There will be no previews of the stock on sale.

All proceeds from the sale go to support programs for customers of the Camden County Library System.

The M. Allan Vogelson Regional Branch Library is located at 203 Laurel Road across from the Voorhees Town Center (formerly the Echelon Mall), which is 14 miles from Philadelphia, ten miles from Camden and next to Cherry Hill. Directions can be found on the library website at http://www.camden.lib.nj.us/directions/directionsvoorhees.htm

For more information about the sale contact Brahms at wbrahms@camdencountylibrary.org  or 856-772-1636 x3308.

###

Camden County Freeholder Ian Leonard, liaison to the library, hosted the event, and Library Director Linda Devlin welcomed Camden Mayor Dana Redd, New Jersey State Librarian Norma Blake and other elected officials from the county, city and the state. Freeholder Leonard and Mayor Redd introduced the special guest of honor at the event, retired Freeholder Riletta Cream. Freeholder Cream served as the Freeholder Board’s library liaison for 17 years.

Freeholder Cream and benefactor Judith Nadell finished the day’s activities by reading to local pre-school children invited to the library. Nadell made generous donations in money and books to the branch with her publishing partner, John Langan, of Townsend Press. She gave each child at the event three books published by Townsend Press.

 
Riletta L. Cream, Camden City Council President Francisco Moran, Freeholder
Ian K. Leonard, NJ Senator Donald Norcross and Mayor Dana Redd

Camden Mayor Dana Redd, Riletta L. Cream, and Library Director Linda Devlin.

Library Director Linda Devlin, Camden Mayor Dana Redd, Freeholder Ian K.
Leonard, Senator Donald Norcross and State Librarian Norma Blake.

 
Honoree Riletta L. Cream reads to children in the new kids’ space.

Benefactor Judith Nadell reads to local preschoolers.

More photos

[New York Times best-selling author of ‘Boardwalk Empire’ Nelson Johnson discusses his books about the history of Atlantic City  including ‘Northside’ at the South County Branch of the Camden County Library System on Thursday, May 19 – Photo by ANTONIMAGES.COM]

VOORHEES, NJ – May 6, 2011 -- The Camden County Library System in conjunction with the Winslow Township Historical Society is hosting a presentation and book signing by Nelson Johnson at its South County Branch, Thursday, May 19, 2011, 7 p.m.  Johnson is the author of “Boardwalk Empire”, the basis of the popular HBO television series by same title about the history of corruption in Atlantic City during the 20^th century.

Nelson is also expected to discuss his latest book, “Northside” which chronicles the role African Americans played in the development of the city.

In a February 26 report on Philly.com, Nelson revealed how “Northside” grew out of the first book.  In writing chapter three, “A Plantation by the Sea” of the original book “Boardwalk Empire”, Nelson realized he could devote an entire other book to relate the importance of African Americans in helping to shape the character and success of the city as a resort by the sea.

In his February interview with Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Amy Rosenberger, the Atlantic County New Jersey judge revealed how a strong job market in Philadelphia of the 1880’s competed for white labor and led the early developers of Atlantic City to recruit freed slaves and their offspring from the upper south to build the railroad to Absecon Island. Later the same people were relied on to staff the boarding houses and hotels of the resort town.

While Johnson is pleased with the success of the HBO series, Rosenberger reports that he’s most proud about the fact that New Jersey colleges are using “Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times and Corruption of Atlantic City” as a textbook. Rutgers University, Stockton State College and Princeton University are using the book in their urban history classes.

Nelson is expected to hold a question and answer session after his May 19 presentation. Copies of Nelson’s two books will be available for purchase and signing at the event courtesy of the Winslow Township Historical Society, which is co-sponsoring the program.

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

Participants were invited to tell their story through two creative media.  In the morning session collage artist Ginny Conover guided those signed up in creating a personal collage. Participants were encouraged to bring photocopies of important personal photos and other two-dimensional objects of personal significance. Here Conover shows the process of putting together a collage during the April 16 program.

 In the afternoon, creative writing coach Keith Forrest helped participants to explore their stories via the written word. The program concluded with a thoughtful discussion of how an individual’s collage and writing related to one another. Participants took home two very special expressions of their own stories.] 

 
[Roberta Rahmey, one of the workshop participants, was very happy and pleased with her collage.]

 
 
[Adrainna Duva, Micaela Miller and Kerianne Hart of the Teens for Haddon group help other volunteers to give the Haddon Twp. branch of the Camden County Library System a garden make-over on April 16, 2011]

VOORHEES, NJ – April 29, 2011 -- The past winter and summer were hard on the landscape of the William G. Rohrer Memorial Library in Haddon Twp. and a number of dead trees had to be removed. With generous donations from customers of the library and from the Polish American Heritage Society of Audubon, the library was able to purchase a number of trees and shrubs.

On a recent Saturday morning, Chris Squazzo of the Haddon Twp. Shade Tree Commission and Kate Burns, organizer of the group Teens for Haddon, led volunteers in planting a number of trees and shrubs including a weeping cherry tree, flowering plum tree, azaleas, viburnum and other shrubs. The volunteers cleaned, raked and mulched the area before planting the trees.

Green Top Farmers Market of Vincentown delivered the plants and helped to remove the dead trees. The library is also expecting to get a forsythia bush soon that will add to the color of its new garden.

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[To announce  the 2011 summer reading program theme of ‘One World, Many Stories’, Camden County Library System Director Linda Devlin joins Merchantville Public School students at the Merchantville Public Library to help tie-dye T-shirts on Wednesday, April 13, 2011. From left are Emilyse Brady (side view), Rebecca Fiedler and Mary Stittleburg.

All seven of the library system’s branches are planning activities and programs based on the summer reading theme. More details will be available at www.camdencountylibrary.org/events]

 

Unforeseen complications force delay in reopening building off Cuthbert Rd.

VOORHEES, NJ --  May 5, 2011 -- Due to complications from water damage, the Haddon Township branch of the Camden County Library System in Westmont will need to remain closed for at least three weeks.

A water pump in the boiler room of the building on MacArthur Blvd. broke and water spread through the facility. The leak was discovered on Sunday. Damaged drywall will have to be replaced in the boiler room which is complicated by the fact that all the systems in the room including HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), electrical, sprinkler, fire panel, plumbing and more will need to be disconnected in order to remove and replace the walls before the systems can be reconnected.

During the closure local residents and customers have full use of the library system’s other branches. The Bellmawr branch located at 35 E. Browning Road (directions) and the regional library branch in Voorhees located at 203 Laurel Rd (directions) are the branches located nearest to Haddon Twp.

Library officials said due dates will continue to be extended on items checked out from the Haddon Twp. branch and fines will continue to be waived on overdue items for the duration of the closure. The drop off for borrowed materials at the branch is closed, but customers can return materials borrowed from Haddon to any of the library system’s six other branch locations: Bellmawr, Ferry Ave. (Camden), Gloucester Twp., Merchantville, South County (Winslow Twp.) or Voorhees.  Directions to All Branches

The Haddon Twp. Library staff is being temporarily reassigned to the system’s other branch locations during the closure. 

“Our primary concern is to make sure the facility is safe for the public and staff. I want to be certain the cleanup and the repair work are done properly before we reopen the doors at our Haddon Township Branch,” said Camden County Library Director Linda Devlin.

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

 The book drop is closed.  Customers can return books to other branches or hold them until the reopening.  The return date will be adjusted to avoid fines.

Thank you to the unidentified person who saw water coming out of the Haddon Township branch Sunday afternoon and reported it to the police.  Thanks to your call, only a handful of library books were lost and a very large disaster was avoided.   Haddon Township police and fire responded quickly and the library was able to call in a firm to start the cleanup right away. 

Books, VHS tapes, Audio Books, Music CDs offered at bargain prices. 

VOORHEES, N.J. – April 23, 2010 –    The Gloucester Twp. Branch Library of the Camden County Library System in Blackwood will hold its Annual Spring Book Sale from Thursday, April 28 to Saturday, April 30.

The sale offers bargains on books, VHS tapes, audio tapes and music CDs for all ages. Located at 15 S. Black Horse Pike, Blackwood, NJ, the library will run the sale during the following dates and hours:

Thursday, April 28, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday, April 39, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Refreshments will be served on Thursday, April 28, and the sale will feature a Bag Special on Saturday, April 30. All are welcome to browse the offerings. All proceeds from the sale go to support programs for customers of the Camden County Library System.

Directions to the Gloucester Twp. Branch

 
VOORHEES, N.J. – April 5, 2010 –   The Camden County Library System is partnering with a number of organizations to provide job search help for the unemployed, underemployed and those seeking to change careers.

Camden is one of six county libraries in South Jersey participating in the South Jersey Works project, which locates and identifies existing and new employment related resources in South Jersey.

The South Jersey Works website at www.sjworks.org gives information on organizations offering assistance, job boards, education, training and career guidance. It has a related events calendar, other tools, services and resources for job seekers. It features a live online question and answer service for job seekers.

SJ Works has also been providing funding for a series of career workshops at the library system’s South County and Voorhees branches.

Rhonda Cohen, a 10 year veteran professional in career services and current Associate Director of the Career Development Center of St. Joseph’s University, will present the following workshops at the M. Allan Vogelson Regional Branch Library in Voorhees:

Saturday, April 9, 2:00 - Interviewing Skills

Saturday, April 30, 1:00 - Job Searching Workshop

Saturday, May 14, 1:00 - Resume and Cover Letter Writing

Saturday, June 4, 1:00 – Interviewing Skills

Elizabeth Rosenberg started with the Philadelphia Free Library’s "The Lifelong Learning Center" and subsequently worked in the fields of training and development and career counseling in higher education and for local corporations. She will present the following workshops at the South County Branch Library in Winslow Twp.:

Wednesday, April 6, 6:30-8:45 pm, Behavioral Interviewing Workshop

Wednesday, May 4, 6:30-8:45 pm, Networking Workshop

As part of South Jersey Works project, the Camden County Library System is offering Career Transitions, an online employment resource. Career Transitions is a guided, self-paced program that walks users through self-assessment of their strengths and interests. It helps in exploring new opportunities, preparing a resume, finding educational opportunities and getting networking advice. It can show how to perform a thorough job search and complete online applications. Interviewing tips, career outlook and job growth information are also provided.

Users of Career Transitions can create a secure, personal account, which will keep track of their activities and progress. The account will allow them to access Career Transitions from the library or their homes.

In addition to its participation in the SJ Works project, CCLS is once again partnering with Camden County One-Stop Career Service which is conducting job search workshops this spring at the Voorhees branch library. Each in-depth workshop will cover resume preparation, interviewing skills and job searching techniques including online searching.

Wednesday, April 27, 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 25, 6 - 8:30 p.m.

For more information about the Camden County Library System’s participation in South Jersey Works, contact Head of Adult Services Mindy Johnson at 856-772-1636 x3314 or visit www.camdencountylibrary.org

South Jersey Works is funded through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s program, Project Connect. The grant was awarded to the New Jersey Library Association.

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

 
 
 
[Voorhees Teen Librarian Christen Orbanus sets up a Wii game for teens at the M. Allan Vogelson Library’s teen space – The Corner. Orbanus is being recognized by the New Jersey Library Association for her use of innovative technology in staging video contests for teens.]

VOORHEES, N.J. – March 29, 2011-- The Camden County Library System is proud to announce one of its teen librarians is being recognized by the New Jersey Library Association with its 2011 Public Relations Award in the category of New Technology.

Teen Librarian Christen Orbanus conceived, organized and ran two video contests open to teens in the area. During the winter of 2010, Orbanus solicited videos made by teens that promoted the M. Allan Vogelson library’s then brand new teen space, The Corner. The submissions were eventually posted on the library’s YouTube page at www.youtube.com/CCLTeens where customers could view and vote for their favorite submissions.

The second contest ran during the summer and built a sense of anticipation when it culminated in a film festival organized by Orbanus that was open to contestants, their families and the public. The festival provided an opportunity to showcase the work and talent of local teen video artists. Again, the entries were posted on the library’s YouTube page for the customers’ enjoyment.

In its letter of nomination, CCLS cited the value of the contests in appealing to teens. “Both offered teens the chance to work with and experiment in a medium they like and are comfortable with – video.  The contests fit into the digital world and venues like YouTube with which teens are so familiar, savvy and literate.” 

The library stressed how the contests work to draw teens to the library, and how they help to demonstrate that libraries are evolving as a place of the future regardless of what media are used to capture and present information.

“Professionals like Christen work to make libraries relevant and useful to customers of all ages. Innovative programming like her contests  help to nurture the next generation of library users who will recognize and support public libraries as an important community resource,” said Camden County Library System Director Linda Devlin.

In reacting to the news that she would be receiving the NJLA award, Orbanus said, “Our library is really lucky to have such an active teen community.  They are enthusiastic, driven, and they love making videos. Our group of teens continues to impress me with their creativity.”

A resident of Maple Shade, NJ, Orbanus has been with library since June 2008. She will be presented her award on Tuesday, May 3 during the NJLA’s 2011 Annual Conference in Long Branch, NJ.

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Established in 1921, Camden County Library System seeks to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of its customers with locations in Bellmawr, Camden, Gloucester Township, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Winslow Township and Voorhees.   The Library is governed and supported by the Camden County Board of Freeholders and the Camden County Library Commission.

Not using the mobile website?  Links for the full versions of Novelist Plus and Books and Authors can be found on the website's Readers' Club: http://blogs.camdencountylibrary.org/readers/

 
 
[The Camden County Library System offers a variety of workshops and activities for all ages to celebrate National Library Week in early April.]

VOORHEES, N.J. –March 21, 2011 --Libraries are places for new beginnings.  Whether you are getting your first library card, learning new computer skills or planning a trip, the library is the place where your story begins. During National Library Week and beyond, the Camden County Library System joins other libraries across the country in helping you to Create Your Own Story @ Your Library.

To celebrate NLW the Camden County Library System is offering a variety of programs. The Picture Perfect workshop will give adults the chance to use pictures and postcards as writing prompts to create their own stories at the library’s following branches on the dates noted.

• Ferry Ave. – Thursday, April 7, 6 p.m.
• Gloucester Twp. – Tuesday, April 12, 7 p.m.
• South County – Thursday, April 21, 7 p.m.
• Voorhees – Tuesday, April 19, 1 p.m.

In keeping with the theme, the Voorhees Branch will offer a unique, four hour, two session program called Create Your Own Story @ Your Library as part of its NLW observance on Saturday April 16, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

Participants are invited to tell their story through two creative media.  In the morning session collage artist Ginny Conover will guide those signed up in creating a personal collage. Participants are encouraged to bring photocopies of important personal photos and other two-dimensional objects of personal significance. A variety of other mixed media materials will be available at the library for this project.

 In the afternoon, creative writing coach Keith Forrest will help you explore your story via the written word. You may be inspired to write about your whole life or about an incident last week—it’s your story. The program will wrap it all up with a thoughtful discussion of how your collage and writing relate, and you can share your work if you wish. Leave with two very special expressions of your own story. A light lunch will be served between sessions.

As part of its NLW celebration, the Bellmawr Branch is inviting international best-selling author and Philadelphia attorney Pam Jennoff to discuss her work with teens and adults on Wednesday, April 13, 6:30 – 8 p.m.  Recognized for her previous published work in historical fiction, her latest novel, “Hidden Affairs”, is described as both a cunning psychological thriller and complex literary romance.

Not to be left out or forgotten, the library has something unique planned just for kids during NLW: a Stuffed Animal Sleepover. Children are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal to one of the branches’ special NLW story times and leave it to sleep over night at the library. Imagine all the mischief the animals might get into during their sleepover and the stories they can tell about their adventures in the library. Details of the program vary by branch, so check them out and register online at www.camdencountylibrary.org/events or call the individual branch.

 Stuffed Animal Sleep Over

Merchantville: Wednesday, April 6, 3:30 p.m., All ages

Gloucester: Monday April 11, 7 p.m., Ages 3-5

Voorhees: Monday, April 11, 11 a.m., Ages 3 and up

Bellmawr: Monday, April 11, 7 p.m., Ages 2-6
Haddon: Tuesday, April 12, 11 a.m., Ages 3-5
Ferry Ave.: Wednesday, April 13, 10:30 a.m., Ages 3 and up
South County: Friday, April 15, 7 p.m., Ages 2-6 

“Every day, libraries across the country are helping people create their own unique stories,” states Linda Devlin as director of the library system. 

“At the Camden County Library System, residents of all ages can change their lives through the many programs, collections and services that the library has to offer.  Whether using a computer to help find a job, attending a program to expand their knowledge or learn a new skill, or exploring the world through the joy of reading, people at our libraries create new stories for themselves every day, stressed Devlin”

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each April. 

Find information about these and other library programs through SIGNUP on the library’s website at www.camdencountylibrary.org/events .

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