His most recent Ceepak mystery is Rolling Thunder, which was published in May. With Grabenstein’s background in improvisational comedy, his program is sure to be entertaining. Seating is limited for this free program which is sponsored by The Friends, so please reserve your seat by calling 732-548-3045, ext. 1, sign up at the circulation desk, or online at http://www.lmxac.org/edisonlib, click on Programs and Displays.

While stocks last, we’ll be selling copies of Rolling Thunder at the program, but you can get your copy right now from the Store page of our website. The price is $25, the cover price of the hardcover book, but we’ll pay the postage for you. All profits will go to Friends of the Edison Public Library.

At this time, Edison Public Library needs The Friends of the Edison Public Library more than ever, and The Friends need your help. We need you to support us financially and we need you to get actively involved. If you are not currently a member, please consider joining us. You’ll find forms in library branches or by clicking on the Membership link at the top of each page on our website. If you are renewing your membership, please consider joining at a higher level. Support our programs and events. When a program is sponsored by The Friends, you’ll usually find a donation jar – every little helps. There are also donation jars at all the libraries. Purchase some books from the Friends’ Bookshelf at Main Library or something from our online store; you’ll find the link at the top of each page on our website. If you can spare a little time, please come to one of our meetings (they are usually held the first Wednesday evening of every month); we need your input. Spread the word among your friends and family.

Here’s the full story about the Clara Barton Branch closure:

Edison’s Clara Barton Branch Library Will Close its Doors on June 30.

The Clara Barton Branch Library, part of the Edison Public Library system since 1980, will be closing its doors on June 30, 2010. The library, located at 141 Hoover Avenue, served the Clara Barton section of Edison Township. Judith Mansbach, Director of the Edison Public Library said “the economy and budget have played a major role in coming to this decision. The Edison Library Board took an honest and realistic approach when looking at the multiple factors which affected this decision.” The Edison Main Library, 340 Plainfield Avenue and the North Edison Branch Library, 777 Grove Avenue will absorb the additional personnel and the 2 existing libraries will continue serving the entire community.

A Town Hall meeting to discuss the closing of the Clara Barton Branch Library will be held on Tuesday, May 4 at 6:30 pm. Mayor Toni Ricigliano, Director Judith Mansbach and the members of the Edison Library Board of Trustees will be available for questions and answers. The meeting is open to the public, and will be held in the Council Chambers of the Edison Municipal Complex at 100 Municipal Boulevard, Edison, NJ.

This is not an isolated incident. In light of New Jersey’s budget cuts, libraries across the state are experiencing severe cuts in money and services. The state budget proposal for July 1, 2010 calls for a 74% cut in funding for statewide library services. Libraries in NJ will lose $3M in state aid. 250 of the state’s 302 libraries will lose access to the Internet and 124 libraries will lose their websites or access to them. These cuts, in addition to various services will start on July 1.

We will include fundraising items, such as our splendid canvas tote bags, and special items like collections of books, for example.

Click on the Store link at the top of the page to visit.

We had a very successful Fall Booksale this year. Far from the poor economy keeping people away, we think that many people were buying used books rather than new ones!

More photos of the sale can be seen in an album on our Facebook page (you don’t need to be a Facebook member to view them).

Thanks to everyone who came out to support us. If you have a 2010 calendar handy, please make a note of the dates of next year’s sale: Saturday and Sunday, November 13th and 14th, at the North Edison Branch Library, Grove Ave., Edison, NJ. See you there!

Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 15, 12 noon – 4 p.m.
North Edison Branch Library
777 Grove Avenue, Edison

Thousands of books in many categories – fiction & nonfiction, hardcover & paperback, including children’s books & large print. Also DVD, VHS, Audiobooks, games, etc.

Most books 50¢-$1.50.

More details can be found on our Calendar page.

We are no longer seeking book donations right now, as we are scrambling around in preparation for the sale. We will be accepting donations in the New Year, however.

We are still looking for volunteers to help with set-up and break-down of the sale (set-up is Friday Morning, break-down is Sunday from 4pm-6pm and on Monday Morning) and with the sale itself. Please contact us at foledisonnj@gmail.com

Hope to see you at the sale!

Customers at a previous Fall Book Sale browse through some of the many categorized books.