New Technology Keeps School Libraries Current

The future of libraries has arrived in the Matawan-Aberdeen School District.

On Wednesday and early Thursday, of this week, Matawan students were able to explore the future of libraries and technology with a new school program. The technology department in both schools combined with the school's Media Specialists Jessica Emili, of the , and Zachary Gross, of the to bring Nooks to the schools. Together the departments arranged for interested students to test out the Nooks, and some students even got to take them home this week.

“About 150 students came in today to see what we have and get a real feel for them,” explained Gross. “12 students were able to check them out.”

The departments purchased 27 Nooks, which can only be taken home with a signed permission slip from a student’s parent and/or guardian. During the launch, students also learned more about the new website, Overdrive, where students can browse the complete list of books the school has the titles to.

According to Gross, planning for this new program took about year, but it was a necessary program to keep the school library current with changing technology.

"I made this program my number one priority so the library can keep up with emerging technology,” said Gross.

Students in sixth grade through twelfth grade are allowed to sign out the Nooks. Students with their own personal devices can still access the collection of books available on overdrive.