February Newsletter

Greetings from the Long Branch Free Public Library! This month we are excited to shine a spotlight on Learning Express, an invaluable resource for our patrons seeking career preparation.

With your library card, you gain access to a treasure trove of practice exams, including those for Cosmetology, Electrician, Nursing, Hospitality, Military, and a variety of other fields. Whether you're on a career path or exploring new opportunities, we are here to support you on your journey! Click here to learn more.
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February brings a vibrant celebration of Black History Month to the Library! Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history with a virtual discussion on the Harlem Renaissance. Additionally, the City of Long Branch will be celebrating Black History Through Art at the Arts & Cultural Center. For our readers, please check out our Black History Month eBooks, thoughtfully compiled by our library assistant, Yeymi.

Programs & Events

Friday, February 16th from 6pm to 8pm - Arts & Cultural Center

It was a television broadcast that changed the world. On February 9, 1964, the Beatles made their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, giving most Americans their first chance to see and hear the band from Liverpool that was quickly becoming a global phenomenon. The show was seen by over 73 million viewers and is regarded as a cultural watershed that launched “Beatlemania” and everything that we associate with the 1960s. Ken Womack, Ph.D., Professor of English and Poplar Music at Monmouth University, will talk about this seismic cultural event as we enjoy a pizza party and listen to our favorite Beatles songs! 

Questions? Contact Lisa Kelly at lkelly@longbranchlib.org.

Thursday, February 22nd at 1:30pm - Elberon Branch Library

Join Janet Birckhead and the Nonfiction Book Club in a discussion about Men We Reaped: A Memoir by Jesmyn Ward.

In five years, Jesmyn Ward lost five young men in her life to drugs, accidents, suicide, and the bad luck that can follow people who live in poverty, particularly Black men. Dealing with these losses, one after another, made Jesmyn ask the question: Why? And as she began to write about the experience of living through all the dying, she realized the truth - and it took her breath away. Her brother and her friends all died because of who they were and where they were from, because they lived with a history of racism and economic struggle that fostered drug addiction and the dissolution of family and relationships.

Questions? Contact Janet Birckhead at jbirckhead@longbranchlib.org.

Sábado 24 de febrero a 3pm - Elberon Branch Library

¿Alguna vez has empezado a leer un libro pero no puedes pasar de la primera página? Te invitamos a compartir en un nuevo programa mensual de una hora para adultos hispanohablantes, lectores y escritores. Dirigido por Michelle Servellon, leeremos y discutiremos cuentos en español y luego terminaremos con una reflexión escrita. ¡Inspírate con las historias que leemos para escribir las historias en tu mente!

Contacto Michelle Servellon a mservellon@longbranchlib.org.

Monday, February 26th at 7pm via Zoom

Join us for a captivating exploration of the Harlem Renaissance! A panel of professors will delve into the art, literature, and music that defined this transformative era. Discover the social conditions that inspired African-American creatives and experience the rhythmic beats that shaped the period. This free program is presented by Monmouth University Professors Jonathan McElroy, Ph.D., Corey Dzenko, Ph.D., Abha Sood, Ph.D, and University of Massachussets Boston Professor Hettie Williams, Ph.D.

Questions? Contact Janet Birckhead at jbirckhead@longbranchlib.org.

Wednesday, February 28th at 7pm - Elberon Branch Library

Join Lisa Kelly at the Elberon Branch Library for a discussion of the book Bel Canto by Ann Patchett.

Somewhere in South America, at the home of the country's vice president, a lavish birthday party is being held in honor of a powerful businessman. Roxane Coss, opera's most revered soprano, has mesmerized the international guests with her singing. It is a perfect evening—until a band of gun-wielding terrorists takes the entire party hostage. But what begins as a panicked, life-threatening scenario slowly evolves into something quite different, a moment of great beauty, as terrorists and hostages forge unexpected bonds and people from different continents become compatriots, intimate friends, and lovers. Loosely based on real events, this is a lyrical story you won't forget.

Questions? Contact Lisa Kelly at lkelly@longbranchlib.org.

Thursday, February 15th at 8am - Arts & Cultural Center - 577 Broadway

Join the Mayor and City Council for breakfast with coffee, tea and pastries. Stay informed on projects taking place in City of Long Branch including updates on the Senior Center, Health, Wellness & Technology Center, the Fire & History Museum, and the Long Branch Free Public Library!

Questions? Contact Margaret Fischer at mfischer@longbranch.org.

Opening Reception - February 22nd from 6pm to 8pm
Arts & Cultural Center - 577 Broadway

The Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center is celebrating Black History through art! Visit from February 6th through February 29th to view the work of artists including Tino Cook, Carla Cornick, Booker Johnson, Vanessa Marshall, LaTuya Morris, Cornelius Williams, Qualeesha Wood and Long Branch High School students!

The Opening Reception takes place on February 22nd at 6pm and will feature entertainment by DJ Skillz, song by Choyce & Morgan Holley, spoken word by Lacey Feeney & Tarik Callaway, and poetry by Joel Gray.
There will be free food and live entertainment! Admission is free.

Questions? Contact Margaret Fischer at mfischer@longbranch.org.

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 - Elberon Branch

**** PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN LOCATION ****

Due to the cooler weather, Story Times and Toddler Times with Ms. Nekesha will take place indoors at the Elberon Branch Library. Join us 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!