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165 Main St. Matawan, NJ  07747
Phone: 732-583-9100
Email: info@mapl.org 

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MAPL Announcements... News... Updates... Promoted Items...

MAPL Library Card

Need a Library Card?

Stop by the library to register, or you can apply online and be active in about 24 hours.

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ABCmouse

ABCmouse Early Learning Academy stimulates a child’s enthusiasm for learning through books, games, puzzles, art, songs, music videos, and more

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Memorial Day Closing

MAPL will be closed Saturday 5/24 through Monday, 5/26 for the Memorial Day weekend. We will reopen on Tuesday 5/27 at 10am.

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New Resource

Check out our new online database of high-quality educational materials for teachers, families, homeschoolers, and librarians.

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Read the Times

Patrons can now access the New York Times daily newspaper! (7/23/24)

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Website and Public PCs

Review the notice about our updated Computer Lab and new WordPress website. (5/8/25)

Featured Resources

Two Mobile Apps that Every Visitor Needs

The STELLA App

Place holds on items across all STELLA member libraries and choose your pickup location. Manage your library account: view holds, checkouts, and renew items. Store a digital copy of your library card on your device so you always have it with you.

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The libby App

Borrow ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and more from your local library for free! libby is the newer library reading app by OverDrive, loved by millions of readers worldwide. All you need to get started is a library card.

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What's Happening @ MAPL

 

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You can visit the MAPL Events Page to view and register for all events.


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It is with profound sadness that we inform our patrons of the passing of Jay Pachman, who served as the Library's Bookkeeper for over nine years until his retirement in late 2023. Jay was not only kind, humorous, and intelligent, but he was also deeply cherished by his colleagues. His contributions and spirit will be remembered as an integral part of MAPL's history.

May you rest in peace, Jay; you will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.

https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/nj/east-brunswick/jay-sheldon-pachman-19931858
Village Block Playtime - Monday, June 23rd, 10 am - Noon
 Stop buy the library to build a tiny village with our wooden blocks. Can you make a fire station? How about a grocery store? And don't forget to build the most important building... the library!
Open to children of all ages. No registration required.
QUESTIONS? Call: 732-583-9100 or email: maplkids@mapl.org
#mapl165 #aberdeennj #matawannj #maplprograms #maplyouthprograms #librarygameday #librarymondayfunday #DropInPlay #VillageBlocks
“It's like the great stories, Mr. Frodo, the ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were, and sometimes you didn't want to know the end because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad has happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing this shadow, even darkness must pass. A new day will come, and when the sun shines, it'll shine out the clearer. I know now folks in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going because they were holding on to something. That there's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it's worth fighting for.”
Here are our before-and-after staff snaps from today’s Summer Reading Kickoff Party! Sure, we might look a tiny bit tuckered out, but we had a blast with all of you! We’re excited to see you frequently this summer to take part in our weekly raffles, discover more books, and engage in the various activities and programs we have planned throughout the season for kids, teens, and adults. Check back here or visit our homepage at mapl.org to stay updated...

QUESTIONS? Call: 732-583-9100 or email: maplkids@mapl.org
#aberdeennj #matawannj #maplprograms #maplyouthprograms #maplteenprograms #mapladultprograms #maplsummerreading #summerreading #summerreading2025 #ColorOurWorld #colorourworld2025 #colorourworldwithbooks
There's still time before 5 to come by your library and join in the kickoff party fun - make a rainbow scratch-off card, complete the scavenger hunt and choose a prize, enter the special raffle, get a temporary tattoo, or just play with the toys and say HI to Gus! We’re glad to see you! It’s going to be a great summer of reading!

QUESTIONS? Call: 732-583-9100 or email: maplkids@mapl.org
#aberdeennj #matawannj #maplprograms #maplyouthprograms #maplteenprograms #mapladultprograms #maplsummerreading #summerreading #summerreading2025 #ColorOurWorld #colorourworld2025 #colorourworldwithbooks
Ever heard the quote, "Seeing someone reading a book you love is seeing a book recommending a person"?? We get that! Check out our new "Staff Picks" section located on the shelving above the start of our Main Collection Fiction. Every book comes with a bookmark indicating the staff member who selected it along with a brief review. If you decide to check it out, kindly fill in YOUR review at the bottom of the slip! No pressure... if you didn't like the book, it's totally ok, we all connect with books in different ways, it's the connections that are important.
Adults and kids alike are celebrating the start of Summer Reading here at MAPL! Can't make it before 5 today? Don't worry, sign up whenever you next come to visit! We're open tomorrow from noon to 5 pm...

QUESTIONS? Call: 732-583-9100 or email: maplkids@mapl.org
#aberdeennj #matawannj #maplprograms #maplyouthprograms #maplteenprograms #mapladultprograms #maplsummerreading #summerreading #summerreading2025 #ColorOurWorld #colorourworld2025 #colorourworldwithbooks
That epic moment when you discover your library fans have mastered the art of event-themed fashion! 
The Rainbow Kick-off Party continues until 5 pm to celebrate the "Color Our World" theme for Summer Reading.

QUESTIONS? Call: 732-583-9100 or email: maplkids@mapl.org
#aberdeennj #matawannj #maplprograms #maplyouthprograms #maplteenprograms #mapladultprograms #maplsummerreading #summerreading #summerreading2025 #ColorOurWorld #colorourworld2025 #colorourworldwithbooks
Hey Teens! Get ready for weekly summer reading raffle goodies and a mega grand prize just for your crew! Crush the Bingo challenge, and you’ll not only load your summer with epic fun, but also snag a shot at the exclusive Teen Challenge Prize! And hold onto your hats, because TODAY ONLY there’s a raffle just for you—who wouldn't  love those snazzy socks?

QUESTIONS? Call: 732-583-9100 or email: maplkids@mapl.org
#aberdeennj #matawannj #maplprograms #maplyouthprograms #maplteenprograms #mapladultprograms #maplsummerreading #summerreading #summerreading2025 #ColorOurWorld #colorourworld2025 #colorourworldwithbooks
Attention Adults! 
We haven’t forgotten about you... summer reading is for all ages, AND it’s tote bag time! If you're returning a book today, be sure to fill out a summer reading raffle ticket. The weekly prizes for adults are fantastic!

QUESTIONS? Call: 732-583-9100 or email: maplkids@mapl.org
#aberdeennj #matawannj #maplprograms #maplyouthprograms #maplteenprograms #mapladultprograms #maplsummerreading #summerreading #summerreading2025 #ColorOurWorld #colorourworld2025 #colorourworldwithbooks
This kickoff bash is a one-day wonderland of events and prizes! In the Children’s Room, embark on a rainbow scavenger hunt, sport some cool temporary tattoos, and scribble away with scratch notes. Then, bounce over to the Meeting Room for balloon shenanigans and parachute fun—everyone's gym class favorite! Scoop up some exclusive raffle prizes today before we dive into the weekly draws. Be sure to swing by Miss Kimberly on your way out to enter the door prize raffle for passes to Field Station: Dinosaurs!  We're open until 5 today!

QUESTIONS? Call: 732-583-9100 or email: maplkids@mapl.org
#aberdeennj #matawannj #maplprograms #maplyouthprograms #maplteenprograms #mapladultprograms #maplsummerreading #summerreading #summerreading2025 #ColorOurWorld #colorourworld2025 #colorourworldwithbooks
We've got our first summer reading superstar! We can’t wait to dive into a season of fun with you!

QUESTIONS? Call: 732-583-9100 or email: maplkids@mapl.org
#aberdeennj #matawannj #maplprograms #maplyouthprograms #maplteenprograms #mapladultprograms #maplsummerreading #summerreading #summerreading2025 #ColorOurWorld #colorourworld2025 #colorourworldwithbooks
Swing by and join the party—our library is buzzing with bookworms eager for Summer Reading! We can't wait to welcome you and sign you up!
Summer Reading Kick-Off Party - Saturday, June 21s, 9am-5pm 🥳🌈
No registration required.
QUESTIONS? Call: 732-583-9100 or email: maplkids@mapl.org
#aberdeennj #matawannj #maplprograms #maplyouthprograms #maplteenprograms #mapladultprograms #maplsummerreading #summerreading #summerreading2025 #ColorOurWorld #colorourworld2025 #colorourworldwithbooks
WE'RE READY!!
Summer Reading Kick-Off Party - Saturday, June 21s, 9am-5pm 🥳🌈
Summer Reading is an incentive program to keep kids reading all summer long. This year our theme is Color Our World! Patrons can sign up for Summer Reading and log their books, get raffle tickets, and win prizes!
We are having a RAINBOW party for Kick-off Day! Come to the library where we will have all sorts of bright and colorful art, a scavenger hunt, and much more!
Open to children and teens of all ages. ADULTS, TOO - come to the Reference Room for more information on our Adult Summer Reading Program!
No registration required.
QUESTIONS? Call: 732-583-9100 or email: maplkids@mapl.org
#aberdeennj #matawannj #maplprograms #maplyouthprograms #maplteenprograms #mapladultprograms #maplsummerreading #summerreading #summerreading2025 #ColorOurWorld #colorourworld2025 #colorourworldwithbooks
Have you met our Library Leopard Gecko, Gus? 
He’s essentially a little dragon… and he certainly eats ferociously!!
Who is YOUR favorite dragon from literature or film? 

#LibraryLizard #LeopardGeckoGus #Iwantadragon
June 24th Noon Webinar:
Dear Patrons, do you or a family member struggle with vision issues or a physical disability that makes reading difficult? The NJ State Library has a solution to help you!
Founded in 1967, the NJ State Library’s Talking Book and Braille Center provides no-cost, home-delivered services on behalf of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. Their services support New Jersey children, teens, and adults who have difficulty reading standard print or holding a book due to physical impairment, a reading disability, or a visual impairment. In honor of Deaf-Blind Awareness Week, please join us as Liz Kelly, Adult Services Librarian, and Luisa Martucci, Hispanic Outreach Coordinator, from TBBC provide an overview of the resources and services available at no cost to qualified NJ residents.
Utilize the QR codes or the below link to learn more or sign up for the WEBINAR on JUNE 24th at NOON!!
https://www.njstatelib.org/event/webinar-the-talking-book-and-braille-center-resources-and-services-for-the-print-disabled/
VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALK – Abolition and the Underground Railroad in South Jersey - Thursday, June 19th @ 12:00PM in the MAPL Meeting Room
Southern New Jersey was a hotbed of slave fugitives, freedmen and abolitionists in the Civil War era. Activists such as Harriet Tubman, Abigail Goodwin and Benjamin Sheppard assisted runaway slaves along the Underground Railroad in daring flights at night in the forests of the Pine Barrens. Abolitionists flashed lights from their boats in the marshlands of the Delaware Bay to signal to agents on land that fugitive slaves were on board. Please join us in celebration of Juneteenth as author Ellen D. Alford recounts compelling narratives of abolition and the Underground Railroad in South Jersey.

Ellen D. Alford is a native South Jersey resident and local historian who researches and writes about the Underground Railroad, slavery, abolition and Harriet Tubman in South Jersey. A graduate of Howard University, Allen is a former newspaper correspondent, public school educator and a college/university administrator. She has published articles in the Vineland Historical Magazine and the Bulletin of the Gloucester County Historical Society.

We will be broadcasting this live author event in our Meeting Room at MAPL; you will be able to ask questions, no registration required!

QUESTIONS? Call: (732) 583-9100 or email: mapladults@mapl.org
#mapl165 #aberdeennj #matawannj #maplprograms #mapladultprograms #ellenalford #abolition #abolitionist #undergroundrailroad #juneteenth #juneteenth2025
VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALK – Abolition and the Underground Railroad in South Jersey - Thursday, June 19th @ 12:00PM in the MAPL Meeting Room
Southern New Jersey was a hotbed of slave fugitives, freedmen and abolitionists in the Civil War era. Activists such as Harriet Tubman, Abigail Goodwin and Benjamin Sheppard assisted runaway slaves along the Underground Railroad in daring flights at night in the forests of the Pine Barrens. Abolitionists flashed lights from their boats in the marshlands of the Delaware Bay to signal to agents on land that fugitive slaves were on board. Please join us in celebration of Juneteenth as author Ellen D. Alford recounts compelling narratives of abolition and the Underground Railroad in South Jersey.

Ellen D. Alford is a native South Jersey resident and local historian who researches and writes about the Underground Railroad, slavery, abolition and Harriet Tubman in South Jersey. A graduate of Howard University, Allen is a former newspaper correspondent, public school educator and a college/university administrator. She has published articles in the Vineland Historical Magazine and the Bulletin of the Gloucester County Historical Society.

We will be broadcasting this live author event in our Meeting Room at MAPL; you will be able to ask questions, no registration required!

QUESTIONS? Call: (732) 583-9100 or email: mapladults@mapl.org
#mapl165 #aberdeennj #matawannj #maplprograms #mapladultprograms #ellenalford #abolition #abolitionist #undergroundrailroad #juneteenth #juneteenth2025

New and Noteworthy

Newly added items from all STELLA consortium members, available for pickup at MAPL.

Additional new items listings are available on our New Material page

Need a library card? GET ONE HERE!

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Olga Pimenova
July 13, 2024

I love being here, the wonderful team is always ready to help, I am very grateful to you, especially to the computer room assistant Rick, with his light hand 🙂 I can do something important for myself and those around me! Thank you!!!

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Ereen T.
July 10, 2024

My kids love this library. The staff are awesome and so kind.

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Audrey O
July 2, 2024

Amazing kid's section, friendly and helpful staff, great programs.

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Edward Potter
May 3, 2024

Great

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Marisa H
October 25, 2023

Delightful library and Librarians.

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asael suarez
October 22, 2023

Buen lugar

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Zainab Hassan
October 8, 2023
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Kathleen Laico
September 28, 2023
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Brandon Castro
April 2, 2023

So many great activities, and easy to find information online. They also have an app you can get for free ebooks.

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Diane Correa
March 10, 2023

Josephine was very helpful and advised me of all the incredible programs the offer, many of which are free. They have a vast array of literature, DVDs as well as online courses and other zoom classes.

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Mar S
January 4, 2023
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jessica spinelli
October 14, 2022

My kids love going here!! And story time they love!!

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Eric Dalton
April 18, 2022

Small town libraries are the best libraries but even the big ones don't have their own Gus. Come see Gus in the children's room.

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Vitaly Ivanov
December 14, 2021
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Corey Williams
October 7, 2021
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Duncan Wiedman
July 18, 2021

Really nice people

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vince065us
July 13, 2021
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Jack Baptiste
July 10, 2021
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Kera Wilusz
July 6, 2021
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Divya Patel
March 30, 2021

My 5 and 3 year old love the craft on the go program. They used to enjoy the train table and crayon tables a lot, before COVID. I have been to Middletown library which may have more stuff but the Aberdeen library has most inviting environment, and more interactive librarians.

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I love this library. It's small but has a great staff, interesting programs and is part of a larger consortium of libraries to make many more books, audio books, videos, etc. easily available.

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Victor Burgos
July 12, 2020

Love this library. Th staff are great. Always a pleasure going there.

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Stacey Marrone
March 9, 2020

I moved to the area last year and finely got around to visiting the library . They were SO very nice in helping me obtain a library card and answering any questions. They made me feel so welcome . It’s so refreshing to have such a great experience. I’m looking forward to visit more often 🙂

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Dave Schatz
December 31, 2019
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B C
November 19, 2019

I love a good library. Okay, I am lying. I love a great library. The Matawan Aberdeen Public Library (MAPL) is one of my favorite libraries. It houses many reference books and magazines that are physical and via electronic resources. There are plenty of places to work and study. It should be noted they do not have a quiet room, however. They have many of the most current and popular magazines.They offer interlibrary loans (ILL) on DVDs, books, and audio books. For those who don't know what ILL means, MAPL can obtain it from another library outside of their system to fill our requests. This library also carries the very latest titles, Oprah's and Reese Witherspoon's choices for book clubs, latest nonfiction, manga, and children's books. If they do not carry it, I simply fill out a card and they will consider purchasing it. They have not just DVDs but Blu-rays and Playaway(™) audios . The latter is vital for me because of my long commutes. This library also has a warm and caring staff. How many times have I frequented this library and everyone I have seen returning or checking out materials, the staff always have light and fun conversations with the patrons. They get to know you and welcome you with smiles and laughter. Several circulation staff are also exceptionally knowledgeable in their books. They are quick with some suggested titles. If you have any questions, the reference librarians are always try their best to answer your queries. Sometimes you just have to wait a tad bit because they can be tied up doing something. If that is the case, just let the circulation staff or the tech guy know and they will find a librarian for you. They offer a barrage of programs for both children and adults. If you want to learn how to knit, chair tai chi, join a book club, play mahjong, storytime, learn about coding, make slime, they've got you covered. With all that is wonderful, why only four stars then? While it is wonderful the staff loves to make you feel welcomed, sometimes there is a line that forms and sometimes you are in a hurry. While I personally don't have a problem with waiting, I have seen some disgruntled patrons. Once they are up and being serviced, the smiles are quickly found again.

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Maura Domashinski
September 29, 2019

I have lived in Aberdeen for a while now, and I have been to the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library many times. Yes, it may be small, but the staff is very kind and caring. I have been to a few of the events offered as well, and they are quite the experience to go to.

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Maxim Bezrodny
April 18, 2019
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Yxzyzzyx
August 26, 2018

I've gone here since I was little. Great for books for little kids. Some of the events are very cool and interesting. My favorite person who works there is Ruby. I've seen her at shoprite multiple times as well. However, the library is pretty small and my dad says that the people who work there always try to force him to do all kinds of events and raffles and such.

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The Geekery
July 19, 2018
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Robert Howard
May 10, 2018

Friendly helpful service

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Leslie Harker
March 28, 2018
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Kya Simon
October 18, 2017
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Grizzly Tarot
October 5, 2017

Happy friendly staff that's always willing to help if you need it.

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Ramez George
October 3, 2017
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Jacob Proper
August 20, 2017

I wonder if there are graphic novels

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A R
August 1, 2017

Awesome library with friendly and helpful staff!

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Peter Young
June 30, 2017

Friendly staff. Welcoming and informative as to new and not so new programs. Each time I have visited, I received a high level of service. Another review mentioned "rudeness", but we all know that you tend to get what you give, so maybe there was some of that "give". It isn't a large branch; fitting of this small town I'd say, but with the larger system of county libraries at your call from within, this branch is larger than its looks. Hey .... did you know that they have NYC museum passes?! Sure do! That'll knock the price down for a day trip.

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nicole p
April 27, 2017
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Rita Maggio
June 21, 2016

I moved to Matawan recently and have been to the library a few times. Each time, I was met with kindness and helpfulness. The people there are great and each experience was a joy! I just got my library card today and look forward to taking part in the many interesting events and enjoying many happy and peaceful times at my local library!

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This is a gem in Matawan Aberdeen. Great people, helpful and using the inter-library loan system you are able to get whatever books you need. Also they hold some nice meetings in the library.

Stella Library Consortium Logo

MAPL is a member of STELLA (formerly LMxAC), a nonprofit membership organization providing a wide range of services to its member libraries. The Consortium was established in 1986, and currently consists of 47 public libraries in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Union counties, and the Middlesex College Library. Patrons can borrow items from any STELLA member library for pickup at MAPL.

~24 hour online request turnaround

If you don't already have a library card, stop by the library to register - or you can complete our online form and we will provide you with a card number and PIN within about 24 hours.