About STELLA
Our history
STELLA is a nonprofit membership organization providing a wide range of services to its member libraries.
Originally established as Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium (LMxAC) in 1986, with 16 founding libraries, we have grown to include 44 member libraries across Middlesex, Monmouth, and Union counties in central New Jersey.
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During an extensive rebranding process in 2024, the organization adopted STELLA as its name and brand identity.
STELLA's primary purpose is to operate a shared automation system for its members and to promote cooperative projects and resource sharing so that a higher quality of library services can be provided to residents within our service area. We also work to offer affordable, cost-effective services to our member libraries.
From the goals of our 2024 strategic planning initiative, STELLA is expanding to support additional value-added services in collection development, continuing education for staff and trustees, marketing, consulting, and state and national library advocacy.
Our Mission:
To create enhanced local library access through sharing and technology.
October 1986
LMxAC Incorporated
The consortium is established in October 1986, with 16 founding libraries.
November 1987
The Office Moves
After operating out of the Old Bridge Public Library for three years, the consortium moves to Middlesex College.
March 1988
Pam Thorton Appointed
Pam Thorton is appointed as the consortium's first Executive Director.
October 1988
Utlas ILS Adopted
Utlas software selected for transitioning the physical card catalog to a modern automated system—a technological milestone for library service.
July 1992
James Kennedy Appointed
Following Pam Thorton's departure, James Kennedy is appointed director.
July 1993
The Office Moves
As the organization grows, our offices are relocated to Avenel.
January 1994
Ellen Parravano Appointed
Following James Kennedy's departure, Ellen Parravano is appointed director.
1996
The Consortium Grows, 1
We expand to 21 member libraries, strengthening regional collaboration and shared access.
June 1998
CARL Web Adopted
The system migrates to CARL Web, which offers our first online catalog for patrons to search from anywhere.
December 1998
The Consortium Expands into Union County
Fanwood joins as the first Union County member library, and 22nd overall.
December 1998
The Consortium Expands into Monmouth County
Matawan Aberdeen becomes the first Monmouth County library and 24th member overall.
June 2005
SirsiDynix ILS Adopted
After a competitive bidding process, we select SirsiDynix's Symphony ILS to provide advanced features and more to libraries and patrons.
2006
The Consortium Grows, 2
We reach 29 member libraries across three counties, greatly increasing shared resources and community impact.
January 2006
ListenNJ Launches
This online service (now eLibraryNJ) offers patrons ebooks, digital audiobooks and—starting in 2021—digital magazines.
August 2006
Eileen M. Palmer Appointed
Following Ellen Parravano's departure, Eileen M. Palmer is appointed director.
January 2012
First Mobile App Launched
The consortium’s first mobile app allowed patrons to search the catalog wherever they were, not just the library!
May 2013
Literacy Champion!
LMxAC is named a Literacy Champion by Literacy Programs of New Jersey at their annual Celebrating Literacy Gala.
2016
The Consortium Grows, 3
We expand to 33 member libraries, continuing our steady growth and collaboration.
June 2016
hoopla Launches
Patrons gain access to ebooks, audiobooks, music, movies, tv shows, and other content through this digital platform.
April 2017
The Office Moves Again
The office relocates to its current home in Edison, NJ.
May 2018
NJLA Award for Public Relations
STELLA wins a Public Relations Award for Information Literature with our Library Card Bingo campaign.
February 2023
Eric Lozauskas Appointed
Following Eileen M. Palmer's departure, Eric Lozauskas is appointed director.
June 2024
Innovative ILS Adopted
The consortium's ILS Task Force recommends Innovative's Polaris ILS and Vega suite of products offering a combination of ILS with room booking, mobile app, events management and marketing platform for a more complete library suite of products. After a rapid migration period, it goes live on June 14, 2024.
June 2024
Rebranding as STELLA
Representing more than a single county, the consortium rebrands as STELLA to continue its work for libraries and patrons.
2026
The Consortium Grows, 4
With 44 member libraries, our consortium has grown into a powerful, connected network serving communities across the region.
June 2026
STELLANJ.org Website Re-launched
A new website is launched that tells our story and helps members connect with their local libraries, discover the wide range of collections and services that they offer, engage with the public, and much more!
Timeline
Our Vision:
STELLA provides a collaborative foundation for cohesive and cost-effective library services to NJ residents.
Branding Guidelines
Our brand is a shared identity that reflects who we are, what we value, and how we serve our membership. Consistent and thoughtful use of our visual elements ensures that our organization is recognizable, professional, and unified across all platforms.
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This section provides the tools needed to represent our brand accurately, including our logo variations, color palette (HEX codes), typography, and supporting visual elements. These assets have been carefully designed to work together as a cohesive system and should always be used as specified.
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When applying our branding, prioritize clarity, consistency, and accessibility. Use only approved logo formats, maintain proper spacing and proportions, and ensure colors and fonts are applied according to these guidelines. Avoid altering, stretching, recoloring, or recreating any brand elements.
Fonts
Fenwick and Avenir are the STELLA brand’s primary typeface families.
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Fenwick Bold is used for titles, Fenwick Light is used for subtitles and section headings, and Avenir / Avenir Light are used for body text.
Canva offers various weights of Avenir in their Canva Pro accounts, but not Fenwick.
Color Palette
Our revised color palette refreshes the brand’s existing colors.
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Denim Blue: #516496
Goldenrod: #ffb100
Pale Blue: #516496 (15% opacity)
Clearspace
Try to leave a minimum clearspace of approximately half the height of the logo between the logo and other elements or margins.
Social Media Icon
When printing smaller images, or printing on products with a limited color palette, use this black and white version without the common thread design.
Simplified Logo
When printing smaller images, or printing on products with a limited color palette, use this black and white version without the common thread design.
Membership Logos
These logos can be used for consortium-wide branding or when referring to the organization.
STELLA Logos
These logos can be used for consortium-wide branding or when referring to the organization.