January Library Newsletter 📚 ❄

January Newsletter

January is here, bringing a fresh start, quieter days, and the perfect opportunity to turn the page on a new year. As winter settles in, the Library remains a warm and welcoming space to learn, reflect, and reconnect with stories, ideas, and one another.

Our staff at the Library wish you a very Happy New Year. This year marks the 250th Anniversary of America, and as the first established library in Monmouth County, we are especially proud to be part of this historic milestone. Throughout the year, we will be offering a variety of programs, events, and displays that celebrate this significant anniversary, and we look forward to sharing them with our community!

Curious about which book titles were checked out the most in 2025 at our Library? Click the link here to see if you missed any of our most popular reads. While you are exploring, be sure to check out our list of 2025 Staff Favorites, which you can also find by clicking here—perfect inspiration for your next great read.

As always, we have a full calendar of programs and events planned for January, so scroll down to see what’s coming up and start the year with us at the Library!

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NEW DATABASE - Craft & Hobby

Craft & Hobby provides instructional videos for crafts and hobbies including sewing, knitting, fitness, and more! Learn at your own pace with on-demand step-by-step tutorials in 20 different creative interests. Videos are also available in Spanish.

Questions? Contact Molly Sullivan at msullivan@longbranchlib.org.

Learn More Here

NEW JERSEY's REVOLUTIONARY RIVALRY: The Untold Story of Colonel Tye and Joshua Huddy

Wednesday, Jan. 28th at 6:30pm

Kick off our Twelve Months of Semiquincentennial History series with historian Rick Geffken, author of Revolutionary Rivalry in Monmouth County. He explores post–Battle of Monmouth conflicts between local militias and Loyalists, focusing on rebel Captain Joshua Huddy and his rival, Colonel Tye, a formerly enslaved man fighting for the British. Their deadly feud culminated in Huddy’s murder at Sandy Hook, triggering international outrage that threatened peace talks in Paris. Discover how this local rivalry had global consequences and helped shape the nation’s path to independence.

Learn More Here

THE NAKED GUN - Tuesday, Jan. 6th at 5:30pm

In this comedy action movie, Lieutenant Frank Drebin Jr becomes a police officer like his legendary father and must save the police department from shutting down by solving a case. Rated PG13.

SINGING IN THE RAIN - Friday, Jan. 9th at 2:30pm

A joyful blend of romance and spectacle as a Hollywood star faces the rocky transition to sound films through unforgettable songs, humor, and dazzling dance numbers. Rated G.

MR SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON - Monday, Jan. 12th at 2:30pm

An idealistic small-town senator challenges corruption in Washington, risking everything to defend democracy and his own moral compass. Not Rated.

SUPERMAN (2025) - Tuesday, Jan. 13th at 5:30pm

Superman, a journalist in Metropolis, embarks on a journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent. Rated PG13.

THE HUNGER GAMES - Saturday, Jan. 17th at 1:30pm

Katniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games. She has little to rely on, other than her hunting skills and sharp instincts, in an arena where she must weigh survival against love. Rated PG13.

TRON: ARES - Tuesday, Jan 20th at 5:30pm

In this sequel to Tron: Legacy, mankind encounters AI beings for the first time when a highly sophisticated programme, Ares, leaves the digital world for a dangerous mission in the real world. Rated PG13.

THE ZONE OF INTEREST - Tuesday, Jan. 27th at 2:30pm

A haunting and thought provoking film set in 1940s Poland that follows the family of Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss living just beyond the camp walls. Through the lens of ordinary domestic life—garden parties, children, and daily routines—the film exposes the psychological horror of proximity to mass atrocity. Viewer discretion advised. Rated PG13.

FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS - Tuesday, Jan. 27th at 5:30pm

Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, the Fantastic Four must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer. Rated PG13.

View All Movie Showings

RESUME WORKSHOP - Wednesday, Jan. 7th at 4:30pm

Do you need help applying to jobs? Is your resume up to date? Resumes are used for job, leadership positions, scholarship, and grant applications. Come join Ms. Karime on this basic first steps workshop on building your resume and making sure you stand out on your applications! Click here for more info.

2026 VISION BOARDS - Thursday, Jan. 8th at 4:30pm

A vision board is not only a fun way to gain clarity about your dreams, but also a way to turn those dreams into reality! Many people, including Oprah, Beyoncé, and Kellan Lutz use vision boards. Join us for a fun time creating you own. Click here for more info.

PICTURE FRAME GLASS PAINTING - Wednesday, Jan. 14th at 4:30pm

Enhance your artistic and creative skills by joining us for a fun and creative painting class. Take home a master piece that all will be envious of. Click here for more info.

YARN WRAPPED LETTERS - Thursday, Jan 15th at 4:30pm

Create your own personalize Letter decoration for your bedroom or locker! Join this yarn-tastic event! Click here for more info.

ANIMAL BEADED KEYCHAIN - Wednesday, Jan. 21st at 4:30pm

Join Ms. Karime and learn how to create a beaded animal keychain. Add a bold look to your keys or backpack! Click here for more info.

TEEN BOOK CLUB & SCAVENGER HUNT - Saturday, Jan 24th at 2pm

FREE Copies of the graphic novel "New Kid," by Jerry Craft will be avaliable to pick up at the library! Read the book and meet Ms. Karime on January 24th to discuss the book and right after begin the scavenger hunt in the Library! Click here for more info.

SUPER SMASH BROS. TOURNAMENT - Saturday, Jan. 24th at 4pm

Join us in person for a Super Smash Bros. Tournament at the Main Library! Please bring your own controllers. Click here for more info.

PICASSO LINE DRAWING - NEON ART - Wednesday, Jan. 28th at 4:30pm

Channel your inner artist and explore the magic of neon electroluminescent wire with the Picasso Line Drawing: Neon Art Kit. Design dazzling artwork in the style of Picasso’s famous continuous line drawings while learning the science behind electroluminescence, the technology that makes the wire glow. Click here for more info.

MINDFUL DOODLING - Thursday, Jan. 29th at 4:30pm

Relax and let your mind let loose on doodling away your worries and stress! No artisic expertise needed or required!

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

View All Teen Programs

WISE: WELLNESS INITIATIVE FOR SENIOR EDUCATION -

6 dates: Wednesdays from Jan. 7th to Feb. 11th - 11am

Family & Children’s Services of Monmouth County offers this free, 6‑week workshop series for older adults to promote healthy aging and overall well‑being. Each session will explore topics such as understanding how medications and alcohol affect the aging body, nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, fall prevention, and strategies for maintaining strong social connections. Click here for more info.

BLOCKUS AND BATTLESHIP BOARD GAME NIGHT -

Wednesday, Jan. 14th at 6:30pm

Put your strategic skills to the test and enjoy an evening of gamesmanship at our Board Game Night! Challenge friends or make new ones. This event is for ages 15 and up. Click here for more info.

NONFICTION BOOK CLUB: The Many Lives of Mama Love -

Thursday, January 15th at 1:30pm

This is Lara Love Hardin's raw and unforgettable memoir where you will learn about how she survived addiction, incarceration, and profound loss, only to reinvent herself through resilience, grit, and unexpected compassion. It is a powerful exploration of redemption and the many ways a life can be rebuilt after hitting rock bottom. Click here for more info.

COMPUTER CLASS - Saturday, Jan. 17th at 3pm

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. The presenter speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese. Click here for more info.

DOMESTIC WORKER'S BILL OF RIGHTS VIRTUAL PROGRAM -

Tuesday, Jan. 20th at 6pm - via Zoom

Join us for this informative, virtual program discussing the Domestic Worker's Bill of Rights. You will learn who domestic workers are, what the Bill of Rights is, and steps to take if your rights are being violated. This program will be offered in English and Spanish. This event will be presented by the NJ Department of Labor. Click here for the Zoom Registration Link.

AN AFTERNOON OF SILENT READING - Saturday, Jan. 24th at 3pm

Kick off the New Year by treating yourself to a cozy, relaxing escape! Join us for Silent Reading, a drop-in program designed for the quiet enjoyment of reading at your own pace. Bring your favorite book or explore our library’s collection, enjoy light refreshments, and settle into a welcoming space where you can unwind, recharge, and nurture a new reading habit. Click here for more info.

ONLINE AUTHOR TALK: LIZ MOORE - Wednesday, Jan. 28th at 7pm

We are thrilled to welcome Liz Moore to discuss her latest work, The God of the Woods, an instant New York Times bestseller and one of NPR’s 2024 “Books We Love” highlights. Join us in conversation with Liz as we embark on a tale of thrilling twists and disturbing disappearances. Click here to register today to “enter the woods,” if you dare!

BOOK DISCUSSION: THE DUTCH HOUSE -

Two times: Thursday Jan. 29th at 2pm and 7pm

Kick off our Semiquincentennial series with Ann Patchett’s celebrated bestselling novel, The Dutch House, set in the suburbs of Pennsylvania. Spanning decades of American life, it follows siblings Danny and Maeve Conroy as they navigate the influence of a grand family home that shapes their fortunes, memories, and bonds. Click here for more infomation.

View All Adult Programs

Recurring Programs (All Age Groups)

Conversation Class
Starts again on Monday, Jan 26th 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. Contact Marcela at mromero@longbranchlib.org.
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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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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