February Newsletter

An announcement from our Library Director, Tonya Garcia:

Dear Community Members,

It’s been a few years since the Long Branch community voted by a significant majority to approve the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act. This historic action allowed libraries (including our own) to seek matching grants to renovate aging buildings or construct new ones. Fortunately, our library was selected as a recipient thus allowing us a major renovation that will include a beautiful new local history room, vibrant teen space, energy-efficient HVAC system, water-proofing system, emergency generator, and much more.

Because of the scope of work to be done, the Main Library will close on May 1st. I am aware that closing the Main Library is a real—albeit temporary—disruption. I know that you depend on us. Therefore, we have planned to ameliorate the loss of familiar routines for the duration of the renovation - by planning with you in mind!

I am excited to announce that we have arranged to relocate many services to a temporary location at the New Health and Technology Center located on 3rd Avenue, expand our Elberon Branch hours, and launch an extensive Community Outreach initiative.

For Library Director Tonya Garcia's full statement, click here.

Shore Sights by Cornelius Williams

On display all of February - Main Library

Stop by the Main Library to view a special photography collection of Jersey Seascapes by local photographer Cornelius Williams. Join him for a special artist reception on the Community Floor Level of the Main Library on Friday, Feb. 17th starting at 3pm. All are welcome!

Contact lkelly@longbranchlib.org with any questions.

Computer Essentials: Facebook Basics

Wednesday, February 8th at 2pm - Main Library

Learn about profiles, messages, posts and adding content to Facebook in this introductory class. During the optional second hour, library staff will help you set up or update your Facebook page.

Contact mservellon@longbranchlib.org with any questions.

Winter Art Show by Anthony Russo

Saturday, February 11th at 7pm - Elberon Branch

Join us at the Elberon Branch Library on Saturday, February 11th at 7pm for a special Winter Art Show Reception! Artwork displayed is by local artist Anthony Russo. 

Contact tsullivan@longbranchlib.org with any questions.

Teddy Bear Workshop

Tuesday, February 14th at 4pm - Main Library

For this special event, children will be given a teddy bear that they will be able to stuff themselves! Please only register if you have not yet attended a teddy bear stuffing event in the past. This event is sponsored by Amerigroup.

Contact Ms. Nekesha at nmarshall@longbranchlib.org to register.

Frederick Douglass Day Celebration

Tuesday, February 14th at 6:30pm - Main Library (in-person) & via Zoom

Join us for a special celebration to honor the most prominent
19th century African-American civil rights figure. Dr. DeRosa will talk about Frederick Douglass’ life and accomplishments. He will then show slides of the Emancipation Monument, a controversial statue, and invite members of the audience to discuss the controversy. The lecture will be followed by refreshments, including a birthday cake which will be set up in the library boardroom.

This event will take place at the Main Library on 328 Broadway.

Contact jbirckhead@longbranchlib.org with any questions.

Thursday, February 16th at 1:30pm - Main Library/Hybrid

A riveting and essential new book, The Ground Breaking not only tells the long-suppressed story of the notorious Tulsa race massacre. It also unearths the lost history of how the massacre was covered up, and of the courageous individuals who fought to keep the story alive. Most important, it recounts the ongoing archaeological saga and the search for the unmarked graves of the victims of the massacre, and of the fight to win restitution for the survivors and their families.

We will be hosting this meeting in person and via Zoom.

Contact jbirckhead@longbranchlib.org with any questions.

February Movie Showtimes

Beauty and the Beast (G) Family Film Day
Saturday, February 4th at 2:30pm

Join brave, independent Belle on an adventure of a lifetime as she sets out to rescue her father--and discovers the enchanted castle of a mysterious beast.
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Roman Holiday (G) Classic Movie Monday
Monday, February 13th at 2:30pm

Overwhelmed by her suffocating schedule, touring European princess Ann takes off for a night while in Rome. And falls asleep on a park bench next to an American reporter.
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Frederick Douglass - A Documentary (Not Rated)
Tuesday, February 14th at 2pm

This inspiring biography chronicles Douglass's remarkable life, from his childhood in slavery to his crucial work on behalf of formerly enslaved people following the Civil War. 
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Contact lkelly@longbranchlib.org with any questions.

Recurring Programs (All Age Groups)

Elberon Writing Group - Virtual
Every second Wednesday of the Month at 6:30pm

Join our Elberon Writing Group, hosted by our Elberon Branch Manager Tara if you enjoy writing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, short stories...or anything! Contact tsullivan@longbranchlib.org for more info.
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Super Smash Bros Tournament - Main Library
Every last Wednesday of the Month at 6pm

See if you have what it takes to be the best in the knockout Super Smash Bros tournament! The winner will receive a prize. Register here.

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Children's Chess Club - Main Library
Every Monday at 4pm

Children's Chess Club is open to children and teens between the ages of 5 and 17 who wish to practice their skills against other students. 
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Toddler Time with Miss Nekesha - Main Library
Every Tuesday at 11am

Each Toddler Time consists of 2 stories, music and a take home craft. Please join us in the Children's Department of the Main Library.
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Story Time with Miss Tara - Elberon Branch
Every Wednesday at 4:30pm

Join Miss Tara at the Elberon Branch for stories and fun for children. Family and friends are welcome as well!
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Craft and Story with Miss Nekesha - Main Library
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4pm

Every Tuesday and Thursday in our Children's Department, build a craft and read a story with Miss Nekesha.
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Toddler Time with Miss Tara - Elberon Branch
Every Friday at 10am

Join Miss Tara at the Elberon Branch for stories and fun for younger children. Family and friends are welcome as well!
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Teen Programs - Main Library
Every Friday at 3pm

On Fridays each week, teens will have the opportunity to meet up together with Miss Nekesha and create a new craft they may take home.
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Spanish Story Time with Miss Cristina
Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the Month at 12pm

Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, join Miss Cristina for a special Spanish story time and a take-home craft!
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Craft and Story with Miss Yanique - Main Library
Every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the Month at 12pm

Every 2nd and 4th Saturday in our Children's Department, build a craft and read a story with Miss Yanique!