November Library Newsletter :books: :fallen

November Newsletter

November is here! The crisp autumn air is settling in, leaves are painting the streets in warm shades, and the Library is ready to help you transition from the spooky fun of October into the cozy, reflective season of giving. :maple_leaf::books:

This month, we also celebrate National Native American Heritage Month, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the country. Our Library Assistant, Tori, has put together a special reading list to help you explore and learn more about Indigenous stories and voices.

As the season of gratitude approaches, we have plenty of programs and events to inspire, entertain, and bring the community together—scroll down to see what’s happening!

Please note the Library will be closed on November 11th for Veteran’s Day and November 27th and 28th for Thanksgiving.

Programs & Events

Money Concepts for Teens - Wednesday, November 5th at 4:30pm

Teens join us for a Free Financial Program with Sterling Nowka from First Atlantic FCU! It's not too early for teens to start developing a strong financial foundation!

Zine Workshop - Wednesday, November 12th at 4:30pm

Zine! ZEYE-N? ZEEN? Zine! Zines are independently made, creative works that encourage self-expression, making them the perfect medium for teens to share their own stories. Zines are whatever you want ‘em to be & that’s kind of the beauty of it!

IRL Instagram & Pinterest - Wednesday, November 19th at 4:30pm

Take a break from scrolling and posting online to build your own scrapbook of memories and art! Starting to make your own scrapbook can hold memories for a lifetime from travels, concerts or family/friends events! Bringing your own physical photos or favorite mementos is encouraged.

Teen Book Club and Scavenger Hunt - Saturday, November 22nd at 2pm

Teens have one month to read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak—copies available at the library! Follow Liesel Meminger in Nazi Germany as she learns to read, becomes a book thief, and discovers the power of words. Miss Karime will lead a discussion, followed by a fun library scavenger hunt!

Questions? Contact Miss Karime at krojas-tepepa@longbranchlib.org.

Friday, November 7th & Saturday, November 8th - All Day - Main Library

Costume Fun: On Wednesday, November 6th, 4–5 PM, kids are invited to dress as their favorite book characters! Staff will be joining in too—come see your library heroes come to life!
Creative Covers: On Thursday, November 7th, 3–4 PM, children can design their own cover for their favorite book—let your imagination shine!

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

Saturday, November 8th at 2pm - Main Library

Join us for this wellness-promoting workshop where you'll experience ancient healthy frequencies and learn about their wonderful benefits for your body, mind, & spirit. After hearing and seeing healthy frequencies, relax and enjoy a Mini Sound-Bath focused on 2 ancient frequencies, one of which will be selected using participants' feedback. A variety of live instruments and high-quality recordings will harmoniously immerse you in the two selected ancient healthy frequencies.

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

Monday, November 10th at 2:30pm - Classic Movie Monday: Rebecca

Experience Alfred Hitchcock’s 1940 classic Rebecca, starring Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine, where a young bride grapples with the haunting shadow of her husband’s first wife. A suspenseful gothic tale of intrigue and psychological drama. Not Rated.

Friday, November 14th at 2:30pm - Modern Movie Classics: Little Women

Greta Gerwig’s Little Women (2019, PG) brings the March sisters to life with warmth, wit, and heart, featuring Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet, and Meryl Streep. A heartfelt modern classic about family, love, and enduring bonds. 135 minutes.

Monday, November 17th at 2:30pm - Missed It At The Movies: The Phoenician Scheme

Don’t miss Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme (PG-13, 100 min), starring Benicio Del Toro, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, and Scarlett Johansson. An offbeat mystery of betrayal, intrigue, and family legacy that keeps you guessing until the very end.

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

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Wednesday, November 12th at 6:30pm - Main Library

Join us this November for a special program in recognition of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month as author Anthony P. Mauro Sr. shares his heartfelt book, Caring for Carol by Caring for Me. Mauro recounts his journey caring for his wife through Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD), reflecting with honesty and compassion on love, loss, and resilience. This touching tribute offers insight, encouragement, and understanding for families facing similar challenges.

Questions? Contact Lisa at lkelly@longbranchlib.org.

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Multiple Dates all at 4pm — Main Library

For Kids and Teens!

Join us for a special art series with Ms. Kelly!

The dates are as follows:

Nov. 13th, Nov. 20th, Dec. 4th, Dec. 11th, and Dec. 18th at 4pm.

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

Thursday, November 13th at 2pm - Main Library

Join us for a thoughtful discussion of The Berry Pickers, Amanda Peters’ moving debut novel. Set against the backdrop of Maine and New England, this powerful story follows the disappearance of a young Mi’kmaq girl in the 1960s and the reverberations it has across two very different families. Blending family drama, cultural history, and the search for identity, our November selection offers a poignant tale of loss, resilience, and belonging that will spark meaningful conversation.

Questions? Contact Lisa at lkelly@longbranchlib.org.

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Saturday, November 15th at 3pm - Main Library

Learn the essentials of using a computer in our new beginner-friendly class! From browsing the web to creating documents in Microsoft Word, we’ll help you build confidence with everyday technology.

Questions? Contact Marcela at mromero@longbranchlib.org.

Thursday, November 13th at 6:30pm - Zoom

Confused about your Medicare options? Get clear, reliable guidance during Medicare Open Enrollment with trained SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselors from Family & Children’s Services of Monmouth County. They’ll explain coverage options, compare plans, review costs, and answer your questions—helping you make confident, informed health care decisions. Click on the button below to register and receive the Zoom link.

Questions? Contact Lisa at lkelly@longbranchlib.org

Thursday, November 20th at 1:30pm - Main Library

Explore how today’s tech-driven childhood is fueling anxiety, depression, and disconnection in Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on how social media, smartphones, and modern culture affect youth mental health—and what we can do to help.

Questions? Contact Anya at awells@longbranchlib.org

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Thursday, November 20th at 6:30pm - Main Library

Join us for an empowering workshop with Ivonne Nieves as she explores practical steps to building lasting wealth for yourself and future generations. Drawing on the principles of financial discipline, Ivonne will focus on key topics including real estate investment, the importance of health and family, and understanding debt as a first step toward financial freedom. She’ll also highlight why generational wealth is often overlooked—especially in Latino households—and how shifting the conversation from immediate needs to long-term planning can transform lives. Resources and guidance from the Hispanic Wealth Project will also be shared. The presentation will be offered in English and Spanish.

Questions? Contact Lisa Kelly at lkelly@longbranchlib.org

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Saturday, November 22nd at 2pm - Main Library

Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of soulful roots music with Italo “Tal” Naccarato, master of folk, blues, and Americana. Born in Calabria, Italy, and raised in Brooklyn, Tal blends his Italian roots with the spirit of the American South. A virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, he brings original songs and classic covers to life with his signature “bluesy swing.” Don’t miss this intimate solo acoustic performance—an inspiring journey through time and tradition.

Questions? Contact Lisa at lkelly@longbranchlib.org

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Recurring Programs (All Age Groups)

Conversation Class
Every Monday at 5:30pm - Main Library

This is an advanced ESL class focusing on conversations and simple readings in English. Students will practice their skills, connect with other community members, and further explore their identity as Long Branch/Monmouth County residents. Register here!
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Chess Club for Teens & Children
Every Monday at 4pm - Main Library

Every Friday from 3pm to 5pm - Main Library

Chess club is open to children and teens ages 5 through 17 who wish to practice their skills against other students. A chess teacher will be available. All levels are welcome.
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Toddler Time with Ms. Nekesha
Every Tuesday at 11am - Main Library

Join Ms. Nekesha for stories, music and a take-home craft in our Children's Department!

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Basic English Class
Class A is on Tuesday, Class B is on Thursday - 5:30pm

Join us in a safe, welcoming space designed to support English language learners in our community. This free class is perfect for beginners with little to no English experience and will focus on practical language skills to help you confidently navigate life in Long Branch and the U.S. Registration is limited to 12 students so please register ahead.

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Story Time with Miss Tara
Every Wednesday at 4:30pm - Main Library

Join Miss Tara 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 - Main Library

Join Miss Tara 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 - Main Library

Join us at our Main Library's Children's Department where kids and their families can read a story with Ms. Yanique and make a craft!

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Spanish Story Time with Ms. Sara * New Recurring Program!
Every Saturday at 10am - Main Library

Ms. Sara will read stories on various topics in Spanish, then our listeners will create participate in a fun activity or craft!

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