Ebooks? We Can Help!

EWML is now a member of the Overdrive Advantage program. What is that you say?

Overdrive is the service that our library shares with other Bibliomation libraries that provides ebooks and downloadable audio books. That means Monroe patrons are part of a larger pool of the 48 member libraies using this service. Free ebooks are very popular, and often there are waiting lists for new titles. The Advantage program allows EWML to purchase more copies of popular titles and add titles that can only be used by Monroe patrons. If you see this logo next to the title you are interested in, make sure you sign in as a Monroe library patron.

If you are not using Overdrive now is the time! Many people will receive new ereaders, IPods, IPads and other electronic devices this Christmas. Let our library reference librarians help you use them. Just give us a call or come in with your device and we will get you started. Don't forget, your Kindle is now compatible with Overdrive.

PrepMe is Back!

Thanks to the Friends of the Library, the SAT and ACT test preperation database, PrepMe is back! The library had to drop this popular database because of budget cuts but the Friends are using their funds to restore it.
PrepMe is a premium online SAT preparation course founded by graduates of top schools such as Caltech, the University of Chicago and Stanford. Their course will identify your strenghts and weaknesses and create a custom week-by-week schedule for you to help raise your scores.
You may access PrepMe by going to the library database webpage www.ewml.org/databases You need your library barcode number to access the site, and will then be asked to create your own ID and password to create a test program customized to you.
PrepMe is just one of the databases the libray offers. Please check us out!

What's new?

So many things have been happening in the library this summer. I am happy to welcome some new staff members: Lauren Balla is the new Children's Assistant replacing Maureen Pihonak who just retired; Michelle Turbak takes over for Joan Clark at the Reference Desk and Nicole Cignoli is replacing Karen Recine at Reference who also retired. You will see some new faces at Circulation if you come in on Sunday. Evelyn Platt and Barbara Pringle join our Sunday team. Sunday hours, 12:00 - 4:00 pm start on October 2.
As we start the Fall season I am excited about a raffle the Friends of the Library are holding starting on October 3 and running until November 14. Three quilts created by the Connecticut Piecemakers Quilt Guild are being raffled.Tickets are $1 and can be purchased in the library. The quilts will be on display near the Adult magazines. I hope you will support the library by purchasing a ticket. All proceeds will be used to purchase books for the library, and do we need the help! The library book budget was cut by $10,000 this year so buy those tickets! Thank you to the kind members of the Piecemakers Quilt Guild who made the quilts for us. They are really beautiful.

Summer Update

We have finally settled down after migrating library records to our new system, BibliOak. If you are experiencing any problems please call our Reference Desk. We will be glad to help.
Bibliomation, the library ILS (integrated library system) provider is still busy migrating Bridgeport Public Library and the public schools into the system. When they are finished they will begin working on enhancements to the current operating system. If there is anything missing in the new system that you would like restored please let us know and we will put it on our "wish list". Please note that Monroe is one of over 50 libraries and 24 schools in the Bibliomation consortium so there are bound to be a lot of requests.
Summer Reading - on a very happy note - we have enrolled record numbers of our patrons in children's, teen, and adult summer reading. The library is busier than ever, and thanks to the Wheeler Trust, we are open on Saturday's during the summer. Enjoy your summer and "keep on reading"!

New catalog operational

Our new circulation and catalog system, BiblioOak, is operational. Access to your accounts, the online catalog, and all library functions are working. There may be a few problems to correct so I am asking for your patience. Please inform library staff if you need help.
When accessing your account online you will be asked to sign on using your library card number and a password. Your password is the last four digets of your phone number. You will then be asked to choose a new password. Be sure to follow the instructions to choose a secure password.
Thank you.

Still Offline

It's Wednesday morning and we had planned to be operational on our new catalog, BiblioOak, but unfortunately that has not happened. Moving the bibliographic records of over 50 libraries, statewide, has proven to be more difficult than anticipated.
We are still operating offline, which means our patrons can take materials out, but books and other items returned to us can not be entered into the system and then re-shelved until the new catalog is operational. At that time, we will upload all the transactions that have taken place since last Thursday, May 26. We then have to "check-in" the hundreds of items that have been piling up in our back offices.
This is a difficult time for all of us and I ask for your patience and understanding.

New Catalog Update

We need more time, so the library compter systems will go offline on Thursday May 26 at 8 pm. Holds and renewals will not be available afer 8 pm Thursday and won't be available until Tuesday, May 31 at 10:00 am.

On Friday, May 27 the library will be operating offline. Please remember to bring your library card with you as we will be unable to lookup your information. New registrations, paying fines and other housekeeping items will have to wait until Tuesday, May 31.

To access your new library account, when you log in the first time - if the last four digits of your phone number do not work, try four zeros (0000). Email notification for holds, overdues, etc. may not work immediately. Please report any problems or incorrect fines to the library staff.

Thank you.