Somerset library system offers resources and learning events for the business community

The Somerset County Library System is taking big steps to help county’s business community, and aims to serve as an “office on the go”, according to library management. The library system has been adding new offerings for the community that is thriving with business professionals.

According to Cathy Deberry, adult services librarian at the Warren branch:
“Our business-focused and librarian-curated print collection continues to grow, now comprised of over 5,000 titles, as does our business e-collection of over 600 titles,” DeBerry said. “Additionally, we have over a dozen online resources, especially useful for the business professional. Schedule a free appointment with a business librarian today. You will be impressed with all we have available.”

One of the best resources available to a business professional, or anyone interested in starting a business are the free events organized by the library. Below are some of the events offered by the library system:

“Starting and Running a Successful Small Business,” 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 16, Hillsborough Library branch, 379 South Branch Road, with Shirley Perlinsky, owner of S&G Cleaning Services in Hillsborough, who will share her experiences. For more info, visit http://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/134530 and check out the recommended reading, “The Ultimate Start-Up Guide: Marketing Lessons, War Stories, and Hard-Won Advice from Leading Venture Capitalists and Angel Investors” by Tom Hogan and Carol Broadbent.

“Undiscovered Somerset County — Can’t Miss Experiences and Tourism Tools,” 7 to 8:45 p.m. Sept. 12, Somerville branch, 35 West End Ave., with County Director of Tourism Jacqueline Morales and a tour of the new VisitSomersetNJ.org. This session will also include helpful tips for leveraging the promotional tools offered by Somerset County Tourism. For more information, visit http://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/134492 and check out “Legends & Lore of Somerset County: Knitting Betty, the Great Swamp Devil and More Tales from Central” by Michael Haynes.

“Explore Quickbooks for Your Business: Quickbooks 101,” 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 12, Mary Jacobs Memorial Library branch, 64 Washington St., Rocky Hill (http://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/133653) and “Quickbooks 102: Beyond the Basics,” 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 2, Manville Library branch, 100 S. 10th Ave., Manville (http://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/133654). Both sessions are with George Pinkerton of the Union County Economic Development Corp. Recommended reading: “QuickBooks 2017 All-In-One” by Stephen L. Nelson

“Small Business Owners Financial Workshop,” 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 24, North Plainfield Memorial Library branch, 6 Rockview Ave., with Prudential’s Elliott Smego, who will discuss in Spanish different ways to save, such as homeownership, savings accounts or tax advantaged vehicles, like IRAs; the importance of taking advantage of all the benefits that a place of employment may offer, including a 401(k), and the benefits of having insurance for small business and employees. For more information, visit http://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/134672 and check out SCLSNJ Business Kit — Business Books for Spanish Entrepreneurs / Libros Sobre Negocios Para Empresarios

“How to Start an Etsy Business,” 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Warren Township Library branch, 42 Mountain Blvd., featuring a discussion and demonstration of the peer-to-peer e-commerce website that focuses on handmade and vintage items and supplies. For more information, visit http://sclsnj.libnet.info/event/133434 and check out “Etsy Excellence: The Simple Guide to Creating a Thriving Etsy Business” by Tycho Press.