Atlantic Cape Libraries

An article about Atlantic Cape Community College, titled Fueling Local Futures, appeared in the Fall issue of Cape May Magazine, a Cape May-based coastal lifestyle publication with subscribers across the country. The article was written by Marjorie Preston, and focused specifically on the Cape May Court House campus, the smallest of Atlantic Cape’s three locations. It was also mentioned at length in the From the Editor letter in the issue, referencing her personal connection to Atlantic Cape during a difficult time in her life. 

“Although our subscribers are primarily people who look at Cape May as a vacation destination, I’ve always felt that it’s important to regularly include a story that speaks to and about the people who live and work here,” said Editor Kate Chadwick. “And to remind those valued visitors that every resort town everywhere has a backbone of people who make that place their home, and whose work and community spirit make that resort the destination that it is to tourists.” 

The article begins broadly with the question “Why community college?” and then hones in on exactly what Atlantic Cape provides not only for its students, but to the communities that surround its campuses. “I feel that it’s an underutilized resource for locals, and, with the CMC campus’s recent alliance with the zoo, for vacationers, too,” Ms. Chadwick said, referencing the successful Zoo Camp summer program and more generally, the Alex Ernst Memorial Education Center, home of the college’s Zoo Education Program. “Further, I wanted local people to be aware of the opportunities available to them at a local community college, particularly for the nontraditional student.” 

Atlantic Cape’s culinary program is a focus of the article, as restaurants are of course pivotal to any region with a tourism-based economy. The recent addition of the Cape May County bizHub to the CMC campus is also mentioned, with its broad range of resources available to current and potential small business owners in the community. The article was peppered with quotes from both college staff and students, and rounded out with a letter from an Atlantic Cape alumni who now works at Cape May Magazine, Cassidy Jones, who was also pivotal in getting the story published.   

“I thought it was an important story to tell because of obvious sentimental significance, being an Atlantic Cape graduate, but also because of my peers whose journeys were so positively impacted by the school,” Ms. Jones said. “I think looking back on the experience I have a lot more praise because I realize now how hard life can be, and how easy Atlantic Cape made it for people in tough situations to have access to a real education. Publishing the story in Cape May Magazine allows readers to peek behind the touristy curtain of Cape May and get a glimpse of who the people are that keep the operations running, the Cape May County workforce that is supported by local resources like Atlantic Cape." 

Content by Kate Chadwick

There’s a great Seinfeld episode based solely around a late library book that Jerry took out of the New
York Public library in 1971 while still in high school, and the hilarious pursuit of its return by the library’s
“enforcer,” the aptly-name Mr. Bookman. In the episode, Jerry refers to the library good naturedly as
everyone’s “pathetic friend, who is willing to do anything if you’ll be friends with them.” To paraphrase,
he says “walk in there, take whatever you want, bring it back whenever.”

It’s an excellent—if mildly derisive—assessment of the library’s place in our society: a stalwart friend,
ready to lend and assist at all times, at no cost to the patrons. Kind an helpful staff, ready to assist you?
Yes. Need a book? Done. Audio or e-books? Yes. Free use of a computer? Check. Tutorials and
workshops, open to the community? Indeed—and the list goes on. You could call libraries our society’s
unsung heroes—and that’s exactly why the Unsung Libraries Initiative was creating, to highlight libraries
whose work matches this year’s NJLA themes of Simple Kindness and Breaking Barriers.

The initiative recognizes libraries that provide great service to their communities, and 12 libraries will be
visited and recognized over the next year. Ultimately, one of those 12 libraries will receive the NJLA
President’s Aware. And on July 24, President of the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) Jeff Cupo
visited the Spangler Library to recognize Janet Hauge’s application, to the delight of library staff.

In President Cupo’s remarks, he indicated that he received a lot of impressive applications. “But the
work you and your staff are doing, and how you are going so far above and beyond the traditional
academic work most people probably assume you do, really stood out,” he said. “It's very clear that you all truly care about your students and all the different issues they are facing in their lives, and I love the hard work and kind and creative efforts you all are doing to meet those challenges.” He further remarked that he was thrilled to begin his 12-library tour with a visit to an academic library. 

 
President Cupo toured the library and then met with full-time staff members to talk about the creative,
compassionate work being done to help students succeed at ACCC. The discussion included the various
ways that all library staff continuously strive to improve services, touching on everything from
expanding textbook reserve collections to providing snacks. It was noted the staff always find ways to
say yes. The libraries at Atlantic Cape Community are an excellent example of just how the College
works hard to break whatever barriers may impede the success of our students and community.

Viewing today's solar eclipse from Atlantic Cape was pretty exciting. About 84.5% of the sun was covered in Cape May, 84.1% at the Atlantic City campus, and about 86.2% in Mays Landing. This got me thinking about future eclipses, when and where. NASA has it all figured out. On August 12, 2026, there will be a solar eclipse, with the best locations being Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and a small area of Portugal. So if today was thrilling, imagine experiencing it with 100% coverage in one of those locations! 

We're excited to announce that the archive of Atlantic Cape’s literary publication has been digitized in an accessible format for anyone to view. This is a project that was started during the early days of the pandemic when library front desk staff were working from home. Once back in the library, library staff worked on it as time allowed, which explains why this project took almost four years to complete. Take a look at the completed project:  https://library.atlanticcape.edu/rewrites 

Some history

• The Laureate Club was established in the first year of the College's existence.

• Issues were published under the title The Laureate in 1970 and 1971.

• From 1974-1977, the magazine appeared under the title Celebrations.

• In 1981, it appeared under the title Silhouette (content will be posted soon).

• Beginning in 1983, the magazine has been issued annually under the title Rewrites.

Help fill the gaps

• The Missing Years

  • The library currently has no issues of the magazine published before 1970, but the club has been in existence since 1968.

  • No issues have been found for the years 1972 and 1973.

  • No issues have been found for the years 1978-1980.

  • The 1982 issue has not been found.

Anyone who owns or knows of the whereabouts of any of these missing issues should contact the library at library@atlantic.edu

Want or need to know more about AI in the classroom, in the workplace or in your leisure space? Then the Ai guide will be your new best friend. No, it hasn't been created using AI, but by one of the Atlantic Cape Librarians with input from other librarians and faculty. 

It provides information and resources for Ai and ChatGPT, with published articles, research and commentary on the capabilities of ChatGPT and its applications to academic and business environments.

The guide includes:

• Books, ebooks and media
• Details about ChatGPT and uses
• Info on academic integrity (we are a college, afterall)
• Detecting Generative Ai text
• Current Tools and Research in the field of Artificial Intelligence

Research and uses for ChatGPT and related tools are just getting started. New material will be added to this guide on a continuing basis.

If you have suggestions for articles to be included in this guide, email us at library@atlanticcape.edu. Please put "FOR AI GUIDE" in the subject. 

The Atlantic Cape math tutors are happy to provide assistance with all of your math questions. You can meet them here. 

Hi everyone! My name is Joseph Bertero. I'm originally from New York and moved to New Jersey in 2007. I graduated from Kean University with a bachelor's in Accounting in 2012 and moved on to finish an MBA in 2014. It was hard for me to leave academia so I began as a tutor at Mercer County Community College in 2016. I work full time for Verizon as a 2nd generation technician, a trade that my father lead me into. It is a team oriented job that love and have a passion for. I also love football. I coach the 8th grade varsity football team along with head coach Mike for Egg Harbor City. I like to think of math the same I think about football. You have to practice, it's not a spectator sport.

Hello world! I graduated from ACCC with an Engineering A.S. degree in 2019 and started tutoring the same semester. Currently, I am working towards an Electrical Engineering B.S. degree in Arizona State University's online program. My studies are concentrated in electric power and energy systems, meaning power generation, distribution, and utilization. 

I love all things mechanical, like old cars and clocks! I have spent the past number of years, blood, sweat, and tears, slowly rebuilding a disheveled Jeep TJ. For a few years, I worked at a small delicatessen in Brigantine where I had an opportunity to operate and maintain a plethora of interesting machines like slicers, grinders, and saws. I also love gardening and the resulting fruits of labor. And, yes the beautiful sunflowers are from my garden.

I am available to provide assistance with courses in mathematics, physics, engineering, and programming in C++. Feel free to reach out any time.

Hello everyone! My name is Roman Segov and I’m an International Student in the US, originally from the cold and harsh region of Siberia in Russia. I pursued my early studies at Siberian Federal University before I came here. Currently, I am enrolled in Atlantic Cape Community College for Computer Information Systems. My passions include coding, traveling, and music. I have several instruments I play daily. I believe in the beauty of mathematics and I would like to share it with you. Helping people to improve brings me joy. Once, an old math teacher of mine said, “You can’t teach someone. They have to learn on their own”. I believe that ultimate responsibility lies with the learner, but having an experienced person who guides you makes your learning journey the most effective and rewarding.

My name is Lisa Stuart-Smith and I am EXCITED to offer my educational services to you.  I worked as a Principal and Assistant Principal at Leeds Avenue School in Pleasantville, New Jersey for 21 years.  Prior to becoming an Administrator, I taught Health and Sex Education for 7 years......again, in the Pleasantville School District.  I LOVED THE TEACHING JOB!!  It was very rewarding and I never knew what was going to come out of the mouths of my students.
My hobbies include going to the gym, attending concerts, and playing games with family and friends.  I also have a passion for traveling.  I have vacationed in Dubai, Australia, Thailand, Portugal, and Morocco....just to name a few.  

My methods of teaching are not conventional.  I believe in making instruction fun and engaging, not necessarily pen and paper.  I am offering my talents to students who need assistance with language arts, writing, and basic math.

My name is Tracy Wang. I was born in the United States but I have been back and forth from China to the US throughout the years. I am currently a Junior Marketing Major at Towson University. I graduated from Atlantic Cape Community College last year, and it was truly a fantastic experience to meet other talented people from other countries. Also, being a Statistic tutor really enhances my ability to communicate in English and constantly help others who struggle. For those who have or have not joined my Zoom session before, I want you all to know that I have been in the same situation when I felt stressed about a course, so I am here to help, and always feel free to reach out to me.

More information about the tutoring program can be found on the library website and here. If you have any questions, email tutoring@atlantic.edu. 

It's time to meet the Atlantic Cape science tutors! 

I received my associate of science in biomedical science from ACCC. I then graduated with my degree in biology from Stockton University. I have a passion for life long learning and look forward to working with students to develop a great academic experience! 

Hello world! I graduated from ACCC with an Engineering A.S. degree in 2019 and started tutoring the same semester. Currently, I am working towards an Electrical Engineering B.S. degree in Arizona State University's online program. My studies are concentrated in electric power and energy systems, meaning power generation, distribution, and utilization. 

I love all things mechanical, like old cars and clocks! I have spent the past number of years, blood, sweat, and tears, slowly rebuilding a disheveled Jeep TJ. For a few years, I worked at a small delicatessen in Brigantine where I had an opportunity to operate and maintain a plethora of interesting machines like slicers, grinders, and saws. I also love gardening and the resulting fruits of labor. And, yes the beautiful sunflowers are from my garden.

I am available to provide assistance with courses in mathematics, physics, engineering, and programming in C++. Feel free to reach out any time.

I am Sayali Patil and I am a tutor at Atlantic Cape Community College. I graduated with an Associates in Biomedical Sciences from Atlantic Cape in Fall 2021. Currently I am a Pre-Med student at Rutgers University (Camden) and will be graduating with my Bachelors in Biology in fall 2023. I tutor mostly chemistry courses like chem 100,110,111,etc. I also tutor A&P 1&2 and Microbiology if needed. I also work at Atlantic Care as a Tech. My hobbies include listening to music, watching k-drama and movies. One interesting fact about me as that I speak 4 languages fluently and at an elementary level in German. Also I am a big k-pop / k-drama fan.

Hello! My name is Fatima. I graduated from Stockton in 2022 and work at AtlantiCare Pharmacy. My hobbies are nature walks and painting. I love tutoring to help kids understand and grow a love for their careers. Come visit me for Chem & Bio :)

For more information about the tutoring program, go to the tutoring information page on the library website. 

With the fall semester going strong, it's a good time to meet our writing tutors and to learn more about the tutoring services available for free to all Atlantic Cape students. 

Hello, my name is Shawna Beals-Rivera.  I graduated from Cumberland County College, Stockton University and Drexel University. I am currently a 2nd grade teacher for a public school. Of course, I am also a tutor for Atlantic Cape Community College. I tutor in reading and writing. I also tutor English Language Learners as well. In my spare time, l love to read, draw, shop, go to the movies/concerts, and spend time with my family. 

Gabby Bibus, writing tutor, graduated from Stockton University in May 2021 with a double major in Literature and Languages & Culture Studies and a minor in French. For the 2022-2023 school year, she lived in northern France where she worked as an English Language Assistant. Now that she's back in the US, she works as a substitute teacher at a technical high school while tutoring for ACCC on the weekends. She also writes articles for Fandom Spotlite. Her hobbies include watching anime, listening to music, and reading. Lastly and most importantly, she lives on a farm with over 80 goats!

From 2017 - 2020, I attended Stockton University, where I was a peer writing tutor and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Literature. Since then, I developed an interest in higher education and started my career at Stockton University in 2021. As of 2023, I am pursuing a Master's degree in Instructional Technology and hope to continue expanding my career in higher education. I am a writing tutor with Atlantic Cape and, in my free time, enjoy playing video games and spoiling my cat.

I enjoy art to the fullest. I have a tattoo shop where I work in that medium, a studio there where I do side projects which include sculpting, painting, and as outlandish things such as making prosthetics for movies. I graduated from Atlantic Cape with a dual degree in Studio Arts and Digital Design. I am working towards my bachelors and will be looking to work as an instructor online for college art.  I have worked for several comic companies, tattoo shops, magazines and have done advertising and marketing in the past. I tutor art appreciation, interpersonal communication as well as visual communication. 

I am currently working on movie props for a local horror/sci-fi movie being produced, and am trying to balance that between work, school and tutoring! I know things are hectic, but I’m always here to help!

I am Carol Lott, and I have been a Writing Tutor at the college for many years both on campus and online, and I enjoy working with students in both settings.  When we began to offer online classes several years ago, the concept was rather new, and the college wanted to provide online students with the same services as the students who attended classes on campus. With many changes in life circumstances, I transitioned to online tutoring only, and I continue to enjoy my interactions with the students I meet online.  My family consists of my husband and two adult children who live out of the area.  I received my degree in Sociology with a Gerontology concentration from Stockton College.  I found that knowledge helpful as I cared for my mother with Parkinson's for ten years.The knowledge we acquire can be used both in a career and daily life.  When I am not tutoring, I enjoy reading, cooking and traveling.  I am always up for quick day trips to  the Philadelphia area, exploring New Jersey and New York.   A change of scenery does wonders for one's perspective on life. 

My name is Nanette Stuart and I am happy to be starting my second year as an Atlantic Cape Community College Tutor. I came to ACCC in March 2023 following my retirement from the educational arena after 29 years of service.  Prior to retirement, I worked as an administrator (Vice-Principal then Principal) for 16 years in the Pleasantville Public School District.  My administrative experience came primarily from working with middle and high school populations, though I did service all grade levels as a district administrator for 5 years. I also taught English Language Arts to middle school students for 10 years while simultaneously working in the evenings for 5 of those years to provide ESL instruction to adults.  Given my background, I am confident that I bring a wealth of knowledge that can assist any student; though I would particularly be able to service those learners who need help in the areas of English Language Arts and Writing.  If you need help and think I might be the right person to offer guidance and provide support when working on those college level assignments, please seek me out!
During my free time I enjoy concerts, traveling, the theater (both watching and being on stage), using my creative talents, and spending time with my young daughter and family.  When it’s all said and done, it’s enjoying doing things you love that make all of life’s experiences worthwhile!

Hello world! I graduated from ACCC with an Engineering A.S. degree in 2019 and started tutoring the same semester. Currently, I am working towards an Electrical Engineering B.S. degree in Arizona State University's online program. My studies are concentrated in electric power and energy systems, meaning power generation, distribution, and utilization. 

I love all things mechanical, like old cars and clocks! I have spent the past number of years, blood, sweat, and tears, slowly rebuilding a disheveled Jeep TJ. For a few years, I worked at a small delicatessen in Brigantine where I had an opportunity to operate and maintain a plethora of interesting machines like slicers, grinders, and saws. I also love gardening and the resulting fruits of labor. And, yes the beautiful sunflowers are from my garden.

I am available to provide assistance with courses in mathematics, physics, engineering, and programming in C++. Feel free to reach out any time!

Academic Support Services recently held a staff training as we kicked off the fall semester. Eleven part time library staff who represent all three of the campus libraries attended. Each of the full-time staff reviewed procedures and services including information about the textbook reserve collection, interlibrary loan, opening and closing procedures, referring students to a librarian, privacy and confidentiality, tutoring services, annual goals, and customer service. With staff working at different locations, and some having evening and weekend hours, it was a great opportunity for staff to get to know each other better.

The library website has been redeveloped to improve the user experience for faculty, students, staff and community members. The url hasn't changed (atlanticcape.edu/library) but the look has. When you have a chance, take a peek!

For the fall semester, we adjusted hours at the Atlantic City and Cape May campus libraries. It’s important for us to be open for students and we believe the hours accommodate student needs. Library hours can be found in the About the Libraries drop down on the website homepage.

Over the summer we had some fun with College Relations when they filmed in the library to create a short video about library and tutoring services. None of us are aspiring actors but we think we got the message across about library and tutoring services. 

The Atlantic Cape Libraries are expanding the Textbooks on Reserve collection this coming academic year thanks to a recently awarded grant from LibraryLinkNJ, a New Jersey library cooperative funded by the New Jersey State Library. The Textbooks on Reserve collection contains textbooks currently used in Atlantic Cape courses. Students can use the textbooks in the library to complete assignments and course readings. Students cannot take these textbooks home, but many students find that using a reserve textbook in one of the library’s study rooms is an effective way to study course material and save a significant amount of money.

The $5,000 grant is part of LibraryLinkNJ’s Level Up Your Library mini-grant program which seeks to improve existing programs and activities in New Jersey’s public, academic, and school libraries. The Atlantic Cape Libraries’ proposal to use grant funds to acquire textbooks that are often too expensive for the library to obtain was selected for funding from over 100 submitted applications. The cash infusion enabled the library to expand their textbook coverage from 80 textbook titles serving 92 different courses to 115 titles serving 135 courses. Many of the newly added textbooks included some of the most expensive textbooks used on campus that had long been outside of the libraries’ financial means.

The Textbooks on Reserve collection is one of the most popular collections in the Atlantic Cape Libraries accounting for more than 10% of the libraries’ overall circulation. The collection serves as another way that Atlantic Cape is knocking down barriers and making education affordable for its students.

To see a list of available titles, visit: tinyurl.com/AtlanticCapeReserves

Questions? Stop in the library or email us at library@atlanticcape.edu