August Newsletter

On July 17th, our library received the IMLS National Medal at the White House from First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. This is the nation’s highest federal honor for libraries and museums.

We are incredibly proud and thankful to all of our hardworking staff, our Board of Trustees, our Mayor, Congressman Pallone, Senator Booker, our Friends of the Library, and of course, our Director Tonya Garcia. Most importantly, we want to thank our beloved library users who make this now nationally-recognized library the center of their community. Thank YOU for believing in us throughout the years, for coming to our story times, checking out our books, using our contact free services during the pandemic, attending our programs and growing with us.

Receiving this honor has been a thrilling experience. You can depend on our library to continue to provide you with outstanding service for the years to come!

Programs & Events

Red Cross Pillowcase Project

Wednesday, August 9th at 4:30pm - Elberon Branch Library

Join us at the Elberon Branch Library for a preparedness education program for grades 3 through 5 that teaches students about personal and family preparedness and safety skills, local hazards, and basic coping skills. Red Cross volunteers will lead students through a "Learn, Practice, Share" framework to engage them in disaster preparedness and survival skills. Upon completion, students receive a sturdy pillowcase in which to build their personal emergency supplies kit!

Contact nmarshall@longbranchlib.org for more info.

Library Staff Book Club

Thursday, August 10th at 1:30pm - Elberon Branch Library

Please join our librarian Janet Birckhead for a discussion on "Destiny of the Republic" by Candice Millard. 

James A. Garfield may have been the most extraordinary man ever elected president. Born into abject poverty, he rose to become a wunderkind scholar, a Civil War hero, and a renowned and admired reformist congressman. Nominated for president against his will, he engaged in a fierce battle with the corrupt political establishment. 

Contact lkelly@longbranchlib.org for more info.

Absolute Beginner's Yoga

Tuesday, August 15th at 7:15pm - Jnana Yoga Studio

104 Brighton Ave - Long Branch

Always wanted to try yoga but not sure if it was for you? Worried about "keeping up" or understanding the poses?  This class is for you!

We will focus on some very simple breathing and very basic poses.  We'll work on coming in and out of the poses safely and securely. Be ready to have a little fun and enjoy moving and stretching your body, and leave feeling relaxed,  with a reduction in stress and stiffness.   

Please feel free to bring your own mat if you have one.  We do have a limited number of mats if you need one or forget to bring yours. Other than that, just bring yourself, and some clothing that is easy to move in.

Nicole Nelson, owner of Jnana Yoga, has  over 17 years of yoga teaching experience. Originally born and raised in Long Branch,she was inspired to travel and learn yoga and meditation directly from the source, India. She is a devotee of yoga history, philosophy and meditation studies, including many retreats in Thailand and Myanmar. 

Nicole’s classes are an amalgamation of her background in many disciplines, and generally focus on breath and alignment.  Be ready to laugh, feel joy and let go!

Contact lkelly@longbranchlib.org for more info.

Outdoor Movie Night - "Toy Story"

Wednesday, August 16th at 8:30pm - Elberon Branch Library

Join Miss Tara at our Elberon Branch Library for an outdoor showing of the classic Disney Pixar movie "Toy Story" starring Tom Hanks and Tim Allen!

Taking place in a world where toys come to life when humans are not present, the plot of "Toy Story" focuses on the relationship between an old-fashioned pull-string cowboy doll named Woody and a modern space cadet action figure, Buzz Lightyear, as Woody develops jealousy towards Buzz when he becomes their owner Andy's favorite toy.

Contact tsullivan@longbranchlib.org with any questions.

Kanopy Film Club - "Into the Wild"

Thursday, August 17th at 7pm - Zoom

Join us for a lively discussion of the 2007 film "Into the Wild", based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Jon Krakauer. This film tells the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who left behind his comfortable life and embarked on a journey of self-discovery across North America, ending up in the Alaskan wilderness.

The film, directed by Sean Penn and starring Emile Hirsch and an all-star cast, explores themes of freedom, adventure, nature, and identity and features stunning cinematography and an acclaimed soundtrack by Eddie Vedder. The program celebrates American Adventures Month, which honors the spirit of exploration and adventure that has shaped the history and culture of the United States.

Whether you are an avid traveler, a nature lover, or a curious soul, you will find something to inspire you in this film. Please watch the film on your own, then join us for the discussion on Zoom. Registration is required. You will be emailed a link to join the Zoom meeting after you register. Borrow a DVD of the film from the library or stream the film for free using the library’s Kanopy service, which offers access to thousands of movies and documentaries with your library card. It is also available on Hoopla. We hope to see you there!

Contact lkelly@longbranchlib.org with any questions.

Dorothy Parker Spoken Word 

Wedesday, August 23rd at 7pm - Elberon Branch

Join us for a spoken word program featuring the works of Dorothy Parker! 

Dorothy Parker was born in Long Branch and is an important part of local history and culture. 

In 1929, she won the O. Henry Award for her autobiographical short story “Big Blonde.” She produced short fiction in the early 1930s, and also began writing drama reviews for the New Yorker. In 1934, Parker married actor-writer Alan Campbell in New Mexico; the couple relocated to Los Angeles and became a highly-paid screenwriting team. They labored for MGM and Paramount, the highlight being an Academy Award nomination for "A Star Is Born" in 1937. They divorced in 1947, and remarried in 1950.

Contact tsullivan@longbranchlib.org with any questions.

Build Your Credit from Scratch!

Tuesday, August 29th at 7pm - Zoom

Build Your Credit from Scratch: A Financial Literacy Program

Credit is your ability to borrow money and repay it on time. Having a good credit score can help you get better interest rates, lower fees, and more options when you need to borrow money. It can also affect your ability to rent an apartment, get a job, or buy insurance.  But how do you build credit if you have none? And how do you avoid common credit mistakes that can hurt your score?

Our program will cover:

·         What is credit and how it works

·         How to build your credit

·         How to avoid credit myths

·         How to develop healthy credit habits

Don’t miss this opportunity to establish a solid credit history and take charge of your finances. Register today and get ready to improve your financial future!

Contact Lisa Kelly at lkelly@longbranchlib.org if you have questions.

Summer Reading Begins!

July 1st through August 31st

Summer Reading has just begun!

Download the READsquared app to get started, or click the button below. Summer Reading is for ALL ages!

This year we are giving away Amazon Fire Tablets, courtesy of the Friends of the Library! These tablets are perfect for our patrons who enjoy reading eBooks via Libby and Hoopla. Amazon Fire Tablets are also perfect for streaming free TV shows and movies via our library app Kanopy. 

The more books you read and record via the READsquared app, the more likely you are to win a prize! 

Children who sign up will recieve badges and are able to get other exciting prizes aside from the Amazon Fire Tablet. 

Contact nmarshall@longbranchlib.org with any questions.

Recurring Programs (All Age Groups)

Chess Club for Teens & Children
Every Monday at 4pm - Bucky James Center

Chess club is open to anyone between 5 and 17 who wishes to practice their skills against other students. A chess teacher will be available. All levels are welcome. Meetings are now at the Bucky James Center which is located at 231 Wilbur Ray Ave.
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Toddler Time with Ms. Nekesha
Every Tuesday at 11am - Temporary Library

Join us on the front lawn of our new Temporary Library on 131 Bath Ave for stories, music and a take home craft!

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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 - Virtual
Every 1st Saturday at 1pm

Please contact Sal Romero at sromero@longbranchlib.org for more info.
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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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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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Spanish Storytime with Miss Cristina
Every 1st and 3rd Saturday at 12pm - Temporary Library

Join Miss Cristina for a special Spanish storytime with a craft you can take home!

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Craft & Story with Ms. Yanique
Every 2nd and 4th Saturday at 12pm - Temporary Library

Join Ms. Yanique to read a story and make a craft you can take home!