July Newsletter

🌞 Summer Reading Has Begun! 🌞

July is finally here! We are thrilled to announce that today our Summer Reading Program has begun and lasts until the end of August. Each book read and recorded in our READsquared app counts as an entry to win one of seven Amazon Fire Tablets, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library. This contest is for readers of all ages.

Readers of all ages can sign up today by clicking here or by downloading the READsquared app on your mobile device.

For children and teens, there are fun and exciting prizes to be won just for reading. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to explore new worlds through books and win great rewards! Contact Ms. Nekesha at nmarshall@longbranchlib.org for more info.

Programs & Events

Wednesday, July 3rd at 4:30pm  - Elberon Branch Library

Friday, July 5th at 4pm - Elberon Branch Library

Friday, July 19th at 4pm - Elberon Branch Library

Wednesday, July 10th at 10:30am - Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center

Eryka will present a beginner Zumba class for those who would like to try this fun form of dance exercise! Bring a towel. Water will be provided. You must be 18 to participate. Registration is limited to the first 25 who sign up.

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

Wednesday, July 10th at 4:30pm  - Elberon Branch Library

Join Ms. Tara at the Elberon Branch Library where you will decorate pith helmets, read about adventures, and have a scavenger hunt! Let’s embark on a journey filled with fun and discovery together!

Questions? Contact Tara Sullivan at tsullivan@longbranchlib.org.

Monday, July 15th at 6:30pm - Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center

Awaken your creativity with soothing sound bowls, perfect for relaxed, intuitive doodling. This program enhances your artistic expression in a serene environment. No experience needed. Please bring a mat or towel to lay upon for the sound bowl portion of the program. Space is limited to the first 25 to register.

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

Wednesday, July 17th at 4pm - Temporary Library

This empowering teen program will guide you through creating your very own affirmation jars. We'll provide all the supplies and lead you in a relaxing meditation. Discover how to transform worries and negative thoughts into positive affirmations with our self-care tools. Don't miss out on this opportunity to nurture your self-love and well-being!

Questions? Contact Nekesha Marshall at nmarshall@longbranchlib.org.

Wednesday, July 17th at 4:30pm - Elberon Branch Library

Experience the joy of music with engaging original songs, lively performances, and fun activities that spark creativity and learning. This program is perfect for young children!

Questions? Contact Tara Sullivan at tsullivan@longbranchlib.org.

Thursday, July 18th at 2pm  - Elberon Branch Library

Read "The Magician's Nephew" by C.S. Lewis and join our Staff Book Club discussion. If you didn’t read the “Chronicles of Narnia” when you were a kid, you don’t know what you missed! C.S. Lewis’ Narnia books are for people, from age eight to eighty (and beyond) who love well-written books and enjoy fantasy. As part of the Staff Book Club, Adult Services Librarian Janet Birckhead invites you to read The Magician’s Nephew to find out how the land of Narnia came to be and then join her at the Elberon Branch on July 18 at 2:00 p.m. to talk about this book, about what Lewis called “the true magic,” and what fantasy reveals to its readers about our own ordinary lives.

Librarian Janet Birckhead will be leading the discussion.

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

Wednesday, July 24th at 11am - Elberon Branch Library

Adventure begins at your library with our Daring Adventure Show. This interactive read-aloud program has children up and moving while entertained by great books! Kids will enjoy snippets of well-loved stories followed by activities & games.

Questions? Contact Tara Sullivan at tsullivan@longbranchlib.org.

Wednesday, July 24th at 4:30pm - Elberon Branch Library

Join us for a thrilling adventure in the jungle as we watch Disney's "Tarzan" at our library! Swing by for a fun movie experience suitable for the whole family. Don't miss out on the excitement—see you there!

Questions? Contact Tara Sullivan at tsullivan@longbranchlib.org.

Wednesday, July 31st at 7pm - Zoom

180 Turning Lives Around has served as the lead domestic-violence and sexual-assault agency for Monmouth County for the last 50 years. 180 Turning Lives Around offers free and confidential counseling to individuals and their children, legal assistance, and a safe home for those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. Please join us for an interactive Zoom presentation to gain a better understanding of domestic violence, barriers to those experiencing abuse, and how we as a community can support those impacted.

For more information, please email Lisa at lkelly@longbranchlib.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 - Temporary Library

Story Times and Toddler Times with Ms. Nekesha will take place outdoors at the Temporary Library. Join us for stories, music and a take-home craft!

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

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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ESL Conversation Class
Every Tuesday at 7pm - Temporary Library

A once-per-week, upper level ESL class, focusing on conversation and simple reading. Contact Sal Romero at sromero@longbranchlib.org.
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Story Time with Miss Tara
Every Wednesday at 4:30pm - Elberon Branch

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
Every Friday at 10am - Elberon Branch

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 Story Time with Miss Cristina
Every 1st and 3rd Saturday at 11am - 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 11am - Temporary Library

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