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The Monroe Township Public Library strives to establish an environment in which learning and personal growth are encouraged, nurtured and supported by: Providing a wide variety of resources that reflect the community's interests and needs while promoting literacy, lifelong learning and intellectual freedom. Creating on-going adventures in reading and learning for youth. Fostering interaction among diverse groups by providing a central focal point for Township activities. Delivering high quality service Monroe Township is a sprawling, suburban/semi-rural community in the southernmost part of Middlesex County, NJ. Its significant demographic characteristic is the presence of two large distinct populations: young families with pre-school and school age children, and older adults, most of whom live in the six pre-retirement and retirement communities located in the Township. Approximately 15,000 of the Township's 30,000 residents live in these adult communities. A large majority of them are over 60 years of age and most moved to Monroe from the Greater Metropolitan New York Area following retirement. The older adults bring to the Township a richness of personal histories, educational backgrounds, career and professional experiences, interests and talents. This highly educated population challenge the Library to maintain and expand upon its collection and services to meet their diverse needs and interests. Prior to 1989, Monroe residents had no public library. Library users paid for service from neighboring libraries. On April 1, 1989, the Monroe Township Public Library became a reality. Housed in 4,000 sq. ft. on the lower level of the Municipal Building, with a collection of 10,000 books and some videos, it soon outgrew this location. A free standing building was built on the current site of the Library and the community took part in moving in October 1997. The current building is 20,000 sq. ft. with an addition in the planning stages to double that size. The community has undergone considerable growth and change since the library began. Previously undeveloped tracts of land gave rise to homes for families relocating to Monroe for a variety of reasons. Increased numbers of children enjoy a wide variety of activities at the Library. The Monroe Township Public Library is a vibrant, well-used facility providing a high level of service to all community residents. The Library and staff enjoy the support of Township residents, and administrative and financial support from municipal officials. A highly dedicated, skilled staff enables the Library to provide a level of personalized service that is unavailable at many other libraries of comparable size.