Online programs & info from South Plainfield Library

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Visit our website for a regularly updated schedule of all our online programs!
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For your convenience, we’ve compiled links to essential COVID-19 resources on one page of our website. Just go to our homepage at http://www.southplainfield.lib.nj.us/ and click on “COVID-19 INFO & RESOURCES”! http://www.southplainfield.lib.nj.us/covid.htm

Updated 11/2/20

Coronavirus Tips & Resources for Parents, Children, Educators & Others

Prevent Child Abuse America offers a collection of resources to help you deal cope with the pandemic, including Tips for Staying Connected, Tips for Staying Active & Engaged as a Family, Tips to Manage Stress & Anxiety, and more: https://preventchildabuse.org/resources/coronavirus-tips-resources-for-parents-children-educators-others/
==> Additional parenting resources: http://www.southplainfield.lib.nj.us/useful/parent.htm

Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents

All PostsThis publication from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) offers activity ideas to parents and caregivers whose families are sheltering in place, social distancing, and homeschooling due to school closures amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. Includes activities with or without screentime, calming activities, and activities that require limited supplies:
https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/simple_activities_for_children_and_adolescents_4.pdf
==> More fun things to do with kids: http://www.southplainfield.lib.nj.us/useful/parent.htm#todo

Utility scams & Weather Emergencies

Winter often brings the blues, but when it brings Arctic blasts, burst pipes, power outages, and even icicles indoors, scammers aren’t far behind…
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/02/utility-scams-are-snow-joke
==> Free winter weather emergency tips from the FTC: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/02/free-winter-weather-emergency-tips-ftc
==> More disaster prep & recovery resources: https://southplainfieldlibrary.wordpress.com/2020/05/26/disasters/

Social Security, Cost-of-Living Adjustment, and Taxes

Did you know that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 70 million Americans will increase in 2021? This adjustment ensures that the benefits provided match the rise in the cost of living… Also in 2021, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax will increase to $142,800. https://www.benefits.gov/news/article/418
==> More federal & state tax resources: http://www.southplainfield.lib.nj.us/useful/taxes.htm

NJ COVID-19 Jobs Hiring Portal

Did you lose your job or have your hours reduced as a result of COVID-19? Businesses across New Jersey need thousands of workers for immediate hire. Learn more about who is hiring in your community: https://jobs.covid19.nj.gov/
==> Guide to Coronavirus Pandemic Job Search (by Susan P. Joyce):
https://www.job-hunt.org/coronavirus/covid19-job-search.shtml
=> More employment resources:
https://southplainfieldlibrary.wordpress.com/category/jobs-2/
http://www.southplainfield.lib.nj.us/useful/jobs.htm

Valentine’s Day Fun

“Valentine’s Day is coming! Whether or not you are among the 51% of Americans who celebrate Valentine’s Day (it does have a rather interesting origin story), this midwinter chance to stop and focus on love is a sweet moment to celebrate with kids—and one we really want to lean into this year!”
https://tinkergarten.com/blog/4-valentines-nature-craft-ideas-that-teach-the-love-to-kids
==> Free Valentine’s Day Coloring Pages: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/free-valentine-coloring-pages-1358218
==> Lovely DIYs for Valentine’s Day Decor:
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/valentines-day-decor-to-diy-1103865
==> More Valentine’s Day crafts & printables for all ages: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/valentines-day-crafts-4162977

COVID-19 Mental Health resources

Toll-free hotlines & helplines:
https://www.nj211.org/covid-19-and-mental-health
==> More mental health resources: http://www.southplainfield.lib.nj.us/useful/health.htm#Mental

NJ Free Tax Assistance Locations

This year, VITA tax preparation programs around the state will be handled differently. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, many of VITA volunteers are either working remotely or limiting their in-person availability. You must have an appointment to receive assistance at a VITA site this year. No walk-ins are permitted. This page provides a list of VITA sites that are actively helping clients this year.
https://www.nj211.org/nj-free-tax-assistance-locations
==> More tax info: http://www.southplainfield.lib.nj.us/useful/taxes.htm

NJ Earned Income Tax Credits

Many New Jersey Taxpayers Are Eligible For Tax Year 2020 Earned Income Tax Credits! New for this year, the age limit has been lowered to 21 and the NJEITC has been expanded so you may qualify even if you do not have a qualifying child or receive a federal credit!
https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/eitc/eitcinfo.shtml
==> Get the most out of your Federal tax refund in 2021: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/get-the-most-out-of-your-tax-refund-in-2021/
==> More tax info: http://www.southplainfield.lib.nj.us/useful/taxes.htm

Avoid COVID-19 vaccine scams

With every passing day, the news on COVID-19 vaccine distribution seems to change. One reason is that distribution varies by state and territory. And scammers, always at the ready, are taking advantage of the confusion. Besides a big dose of patience, here are some tips to help you avoid a vaccine-related scam, no matter where you live:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/01/scammers-cash-covid-19-vaccination-confusion