Learn Something New Today!

South Brunswick Library  in partnership with Recorded Books (Prince Frederick, MD), is pleased to announce the introduction of Universal Class Library Edition, a powerful new online continuing education service designed specifically for use by the patrons of public libraries.




Universal Class offers patrons a unique online education experience. With a growing catalog of over 540 courses, Universal Class is committed to providing only the most affordable and highest quality online training. Over 300,000 students around the world have benefited from Universal Class’ unique instructional technologies. With real instructors guiding the learning, engaging video-based lessons, a collaborative learning environment, graded lesson tests, certificates of achievement and Continuing Education Units available for selected courses, students enjoy an engaging and measurable learning experience that helps them master and document their educational goals.



Universal Class offers courses in Exercise and Fitness, Entrepreneurship, Arts and Music, Home and Garden Care, Knitting, Cooking, Computers and Technology, Health and Medicine, Homeschooling, Job Assistance, Law and Legal, Parenting and Family, Pet and Animal Care…plus 100’s more. Computer Basics,  Microsoft Excel, Word, OutLook, Publisher, PowerPoint, Adobe Flash, Ebay, Photoshop, Quicken and even Keyboarding should prove very popular classes.



Details on Universal Class may be found on the library's database webpage or visiting or contacting us.

Financial Security seminar for Wednesday Wisdom Fifth Wednesday

Mark November 30th at 1:30 on your calendar to come to the library and hear about ways to protect your finances and to make safe investing decisions. The program will be presented by representatives of the Department of Law and Public Safety, NJ Division of Consumer Affairs who are part of the Office of the Attorney General.

The presentation will be a frank discussion on safe investing practices and financial security given by the people who are part of the team that investigates securities fraud in the state.

The speaker will discuss topics like investor scams, types of fraud, understanding risk, investor rights, how to conduct background checks and how to recognize red flags that may indicate consumer fraud. Literature will be available that you can take home as reinforcement of what is presented in the seminar.

The goal of the Bureau of Securities is to help the consumer make informed investment decisions and not fall victim to the fraudulent or illegal scams.

Don't miss this important presentation. The Wednesday Wisdom program offers something of interest to adults every Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 in the library. Check our newsletter The Compass for the schedule of programs or visit www.sbpl.info/calendar/ for more information.

Defensive Driving Course Saves Money and Lives. Register by Nov. 15.

An attitude adjustment could save your life.

Road rage, cell phones, decision-making, and attitude will be among the topics discussed in a two-day defensive driving course on Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the South Brunswick Public Library, 110 Kingston Lane in Monmouth Junction.

This is an official point & insurance reduction program that will benefit the Friends of the Library. Participation can save you points and money, but the lessons learned will certainly save lives.

“Drive with the attitude that everyone on the road is trying to kill you,” says Ret. Lt. Tom Chartoff, instructor and president of the Defensive Driving Institute of New Jersey. The driving program is offered by the Institute and taught by retired police academy driving instructors.

People need to be prepared to respond so there are no surprises, he explained. “Think ahead. Have a plan.”

The course is not intended to be a driver’s education course or a course for new drivers. Participants should have at least one year of driving experience. Ret. Lt. Chartoff marveled out how drivers are taught the skills at age 17 and then drive for the next 60 years or more without any required update.

Learning to be a better defensive driver is really about attitude and can make all the difference. The bottom line, says Ret. Lt. Chartoff, is that drivers need to “treat people on the road the way you would treat them face-to-face.”

The financial and points benefits of taking the course can include savings of as much as $100 per year and a 2-point reduction. Inform your automobile insurance company representative that you are enrolled in a National Safety Council course and ask for specific clarification about what point and cost reductions to anticipate.

“For the most part the course pays for itself.”

Pre-registration is required. See registration form for more details. Forms can be downloaded from the Library’s Nov. 29th calendar entry at www.sbpl.info/calendar. To participate just pick up a form from the Information Desk or online. Make checks payable to: The Friends of the S.B. Library. Send the completed form and check by Nov. 15 to: Chris Carbone, Friends of the Library, South Brunswick Public Library, 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852. For more information, call 732-257-2967 or e-mail fixaticket@aol.com.



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Tues., Nov. 29



Defensive Driving Course: A two-day program on Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the South Brunswick Public Library, 110 Kingston Lane in Monmouth Junction. This is an official point & insurance reduction program that will benefit the Friends of the Library. This driving program is offered by the Defensive Driving Institute of New Jersey and taught by retired police lieutenant/police academy driving instructors. Participation will make you eligible for a point reduction and insurance discount. Pre-registration and advance payment required. The cost to attend is $55 or $65. The cost depends on your discount choice on registration form. See registration form for more details. Forms can be downloaded from the Nov. 29th calendar entry at www.sbpl.info/calendar. To participate just pick up a form from the Information Desk or online. Make checks payable to: The Friends of the S.B. Library. Send the completed form and check by Nov. 15 to: Chris Carbone, Friends of the Library, South Brunswick Public Library, 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852. For more information, call 732-257-2967 or e-mail fixaticket@aol.com.



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Defensive Driving Course at SBPL Can Save You Money

An attitude adjustment could save your life.

Road rage, cell phones, decision-making, and attitude will be among the topics discussed in a two-day defensive driving course on Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the South Brunswick Public Library, 110 Kingston Lane in Monmouth Junction.

This is an official point & insurance reduction program that will benefit the Friends of the Library. Participation can save you points and money, but the lessons learned will certainly save lives.

“Drive with the attitude that everyone on the road is trying to kill you,” says Ret. Lt. Tom Chartoff, instructor and president of the Defensive Driving Institute of New Jersey. The driving program is offered by the Institute and taught by retired police academy driving instructors.

People need to be prepared to respond so there are no surprises, he explained. “Think ahead. Have a plan.”

The course is not intended to be a driver’s education course or a course for new drivers. Participants should have at least one year of driving experience. Ret. Lt. Chartoff marveled out how drivers are taught the skills at age 17 and then drive for the next 60 years or more without any required update.

Learning to be a better defensive driver is really about attitude and can make all the difference. The bottom line, says Ret. Lt. Chartoff, is that drivers need to “treat people on the road the way you would treat them face-to-face.”

The financial and points benefits of taking the course can include savings of as much as $100 per year and a 2-point reduction. Inform your automobile insurance company representative that you are enrolled in a National Safety Council course and ask for specific clarification about what point and cost reductions to anticipate.

“For the most part the course pays for itself.”

Pre-registration is required. See registration form for more details. Forms can be downloaded from the Library’s Nov. 29th calendar entry at www.sbpl.info/calendar. To participate just pick up a form from the Information Desk or online. Make checks payable to: The Friends of the S.B. Library. Send the completed form and check by Nov. 15 to: Chris Carbone, Friends of the Library, South Brunswick Public Library, 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852. For more information, call 732-257-2967 or e-mail fixaticket@aol.com.



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Defensive Driving Course at SBPL Can Save You Money






Tues., Nov. 29



Defensive Driving Course: A two-day program on Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the South Brunswick Public Library, 110 Kingston Lane in Monmouth Junction. This is an official point & insurance reduction program that will benefit the Friends of the Library. This driving program is offered by the Defensive Driving Institute of New Jersey and taught by retired police lieutenant/police academy driving instructors. Participation will make you eligible for a point reduction and insurance discount. Pre-registration and advance payment required. The cost to attend is $55 or $65. The cost depends on your discount choice on registration form. See registration form for more details. Forms can be downloaded from the Nov. 29th calendar entry at www.sbpl.info/calendar. To participate just pick up a form from the Information Desk or online. Make checks payable to: The Friends of the S.B. Library. Send the completed form and check by Nov. 15 to: Chris Carbone, Friends of the Library, South Brunswick Public Library, 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852. For more information, call 732-257-2967 or e-mail fixaticket@aol.com.



-30-









Defensive Driving Course at SBPL Can Save You Money

An attitude adjustment could save your life.

Road rage, cell phones, decision-making, and attitude will be among the topics discussed in a two-day defensive driving course on Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the South Brunswick Public Library, 110 Kingston Lane in Monmouth Junction.

This is an official point & insurance reduction program that will benefit the Friends of the Library. Participation can save you points and money, but the lessons learned will certainly save lives.

“Drive with the attitude that everyone on the road is trying to kill you,” says Ret. Lt. Tom Chartoff, instructor and president of the Defensive Driving Institute of New Jersey. The driving program is offered by the Institute and taught by retired police academy driving instructors.

People need to be prepared to respond so there are no surprises, he explained. “Think ahead. Have a plan.”

The course is not intended to be a driver’s education course or a course for new drivers. Participants should have at least one year of driving experience. Ret. Lt. Chartoff marveled out how drivers are taught the skills at age 17 and then drive for the next 60 years or more without any required update.

Learning to be a better defensive driver is really about attitude and can make all the difference. The bottom line, says Ret. Lt. Chartoff, is that drivers need to “treat people on the road the way you would treat them face-to-face.”

The financial and points benefits of taking the course can include savings of as much as $100 per year and a 2-point reduction. Inform your automobile insurance company representative that you are enrolled in a National Safety Council course and ask for specific clarification about what point and cost reductions to anticipate.

“For the most part the course pays for itself.”

Pre-registration is required. See registration form for more details. Forms can be downloaded from the Library’s Nov. 29th calendar entry at www.sbpl.info/calendar. To participate just pick up a form from the Information Desk or online. Make checks payable to: The Friends of the S.B. Library. Send the completed form and check by Nov. 15 to: Chris Carbone, Friends of the Library, South Brunswick Public Library, 110 Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852. For more information, call 732-257-2967 or e-mail fixaticket@aol.com.



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Library Displays

Did you notice the collection of Hindu Masks that were on display in the library in celebration of the Indian holiday of Diwali?  This collection of paper mache masks are the creative work of local artist Rupal Patel of R P Studio here in Monmouth Junction.  The collection includes masks of many of the Hindu deities.

The collection was placed on display as a way of introducing the concepts behind the Indian celebration of Diwali, which was October 26 this year.  Diwali is one of the biggest festivals for Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness.  The festival is celebrated for five continuous days, where the third day is celebrated as the main Diwali festival or 'Festival of lights.’  Different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated with this festival.  On this auspicious day, people light up diyas (clay oil lamps) and candles all around their house.  It is a festival with such traditions as cleanliness, colorful Rangoli making, and social gatherings to exchange greetings and sharing sweets with loved ones. 

In Hindi, Diwali means “Festival of Lights.”  Diwali is not only the festival of lights but also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year.  The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.  The lighting of the lamps is also a way for people to show thanks for the good things in their lives.

Rupal Patel will be exchanging her Diwali display for her son's collection of over 100 different kinds of elephants.  Come and see this fabulous collection.

The library will soon make available an application that can be used by organizations or individuals who would like to create a display to be shown at the library for a maximum of one month, subject to approval of content and availability.  Keep an eye out for this link on the library homepage at www.sbpl.info - coming soon. 

Free Library Apps

Did you know there are  free library apps available to use with your mobile device?

Come to the Information Desk  on Monday November 14 or Tuesday November 15 from 6-8:30 pm to learn more about them. 

There are apps to download audiobooks, eBooks and magazine articles and to search the library's collections or check your account.

We will be demonstrating how to use the library's digital resources on mobile devices like the Ipad2, the Android Tablet, the Nook and the Kindle.


Mobile devices may use the library webpage or our mobile webpage to access our database resources like Rocket Language Learning, ValueLine Investment research, Learning Express test and job preparation material, and coming soon Universal Class offering continuing education classes on topics like music, cooking, computer technology and more. You will need your library card number to use these.

Bring your own device if you want help downloading our library apps. If you are unable to make this date please contact us to schedule time with a librarian to see these mobile devices and library apps.

Registration not required for this drop in event.

Wicked

You know the witch's face on the Wicked Broadway show poster?  That's pretty much the color of the green smoothie I made recently.  Was it wicked?  Why, no, it was rather good in fact.

Having heard some buzz about green smoothies this summer I decided to try one myself.  I made my usual smoothie of a frozen banana, a handful of strawberries, a container of yogurt (any random flavor), and some OJ and then added some nice, freshly washed Swiss chard from the organic farm.

I took my  first taste with trepidation - no different than normal!  But I actually WANTED it to taste "green", so I kept adding chard until I could taste it.  I probably added about a cup of chard in all:   result?  a sweet and creamy smoothie but with a a distinctly fresh, vegetal undertone, and yes, the color of Elphaba's face.

Green smoothies?  Easy and nutritious.  You can get a serving of green leafy vegetables without resorting to cooking at all.

It was in this spirit of experimentation that I picked up the Everything Green Smoothies Book, by Britt Brandon.  Now here was an entire book devoted to green smoothies using either romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, or kale, plus all kinds of other diverse ingredients.  Not sure how they would taste, but I was willing to try.

Here's a recipe I tried for a smoothie inspired by the Everything Green Smoothies Book, but this one didn't actually turn out to be that beautiful witchy green -

Chocolaty Dream
1 frozen banana
1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup almond milk
1/2 cup packed spring mix looseleaf lettuce
1 teaspoon sugar or sugar substitute

Blend until smooth.

Interesting, the color of a dark chocolate milkshake with little green bits in it.  First taste, not bad, but I actually liked it better the more I drank it.  And afterward?  I was full for a long time, but in a good, healthy-feeling way.  Cocoa powder has all those good antioxidants in it plus fiber, so it's actually good for you, whereas a dark chocolate bar is less so. Chocolate without the guilt!

I think you can pretty much interchange any of the green leafy veg from this book, and also substitute most any dairy product for another, so this book is more of a guideline than anything else.  But I am going to branch out and try some of the other combinations from this book, maybe one with fresh spinach?

Now I just hope I don't turn green...

Diane Whitman
Reference Librarian
Sometime Healthy Eater
Broadway Musical Enthusiast

Ask A Librarian From Home Or On The Go

 Now there are more ways than ever to ask a librarian at South Brunswick a question.

First, you can text us from your mobile phone at  (732) 800-1394. Add us to your contacts and we will be that much easier to reach.  We answer texts during library hours up until a half hour before closing.

Next, you can call the library while we are open at (732) 329-4000 x 7286.  We can help you find the information you need from our extensive print and online resources.

Our new and improved Chat Service is available from http://www.sbpl.info/ by clicking on the Ask A Librarian link.  Just click inside the Chat Box and type your question.We should get right back to you. You can  use this Chat Service on most mobile devices since it uses Java and not Flash. 

If you don't have time to chat, you can leave your email and your question in the Question Form on the Ask A Librarian webpage. We can get back to you by email with the information you need.

Ask A Librarian services are available from the Library's mobile webpage. Use that when you are away from your desktop.

Asking a librarian for information has never been easier!  Try it today.