January Library Newsletter 📚❄

January Newsletter

Happy New Year from your library staff! ✨

As we welcome 2025, your library staff sends warmest wishes for a joyful new year! We're starting this year with exciting news – our newly renovated library building is complete! While we prepare the building to reopen to the public, our Temporary Library will remain open for your use. We look forward to announcing the date of our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony very soon! As a subscriber to our newsletter, you will be the first to know about the date of our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. We truly appreciate your support as we restore and enhance this historic space for generations to come!

Want to be part of this historic moment? Enter our bookmark design contest for a chance to have your artwork featured at our reopening celebration. Click here to learn more about submitting your design – three winners will be chosen!

We're deeply grateful for your continued support throughout this transformation. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to welcome you back to your renewed library home.

Programs & Events

Wednesdays - January 8th, 15th, 22nd, & 29th from 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Elberon Branch Library

Enhance your strength, flexibility, and mobility with Chair Yoga. Nicole Nelson will offer simple, accessible exercises designed to fit seamlessly into your daily life—whether at home, in the office, or on the move. Ideal for everyone, from beginners to seasoned yoga enthusiasts, you’ll discover practical movements, postures, and breathing techniques that help release tension, improve posture, and boost energy. Walk away feeling taller, more relaxed, and ready to carry these tools with you wherever life takes you. Space is limited to 15; register early!

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

Tuesdays - January 14th, 21st & 28th from 3pm to 4:30pm

Elberon Branch Library

Learn the basics of knitting in this three-session class led by Megan Gilhool! You'll master how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off while creating a cozy scarf. This series is free to attend, but participants must provide their own needles and yarn. Space is limted; register early to reserve your spot. Please bring: 9mm/Size 13 knitting needles and a 220-yard skein of polyester blanket yarn in your favorite color. Perfect for beginners—come craft something warm and wonderful!

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

Thursday, January 16th at 1:30pm - Elberon Branch Library

Everyone is welcome to read and discuss Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. The Grammy-nominated indie rockstar of Japanese Breakfast tells us about growing up mixed-race, Korean food, losing her Korean mother, and forging her own identity in the wake of her loss.

Questions? Contact Anya Wells at awells@longbranchlib.org.

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Saturday, January 18th from 3pm to 4:30pm - Elberon Branch Library

Join us for a creative and relaxing afternoon! Bring your broken bead bracelets and learn how to restring them, or bring loose beads to share and craft an entirely new piece of jewelry. Enjoy a short, calming meditation as we string our beads together. Space is limited to 12 participants. Register early!

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

Thursday, January 23rd at 2pm - Elberon Branch Library

Start 2025 "The Reminders", a heartfelt novel by New Jersey author and actor Val Emmich. Join our Staff Book Club to discuss the story of Gavin, a grieving musician, and Joan, a young girl with an extraordinary memory. The two strike a unique deal: Joan will share her memories of Gavin's late partner, Sydney, if he helps her win a songwriting contest she believes will make her unforgettable. As they embark on this journey together, Joan reveals surprising details about Sydney’s final months, forcing Gavin to question his past and re-evaluate his future. Told in their alternating voices, *The Reminders* is a tender and often humorous exploration of loss, memory, and renewal—perfect for a fresh start to the new year. Tihs discussion is moderated by Lisa Kelly, Programming and Outreach Manager.

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

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Recurring Programs (All Age Groups)

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

Chess club is open to children and teens ages 5 through 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 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 Kate Angelo at kangelo@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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Craft & Story with Ms. Yanique
Every Saturday at 11am - Temporary Library

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

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Long Branch Free Public Library
328 Broadway Long Branch, NJ 07740
Phone: (732) 222-3900