March is here, bringing with it the arrival of spring, a season of growth, discovery, and celebration. As we honor Women's History Month, the Library offers a welcoming place to explore powerful stories, remarkable legacies, and the joy of reading.

 

In honor of Women's History Month, our Library Assistant Tori has curated a collection of new and popular titles celebrating the voices, achievements, and experiences of women — including a preview of exciting titles coming later this year. You can explore the full list here.

 

This month, we invite our adult patrons to take part in our March Reading Challenge by reading any Literary Fiction title for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Scala's Pizzeria — plus every participant receives a special bookmark just for joining! A curated list of literary fiction recommendations, including four new titles releasing this March, can be found here.

 

As always, March is packed with engaging programs and events for all ages. Scroll down to see what's coming up and join us for a busy and exciting month at the Library!

This special evening celebrates the Elberon Branch Library and the many partners who made its renovation possible. We are honored to welcome Robert Fishman, Professor at the University of Michigan, who will share insights into the history of the Elberon Branch Library in the 1990s and its journey to becoming part of the Long Branch Free Public Library system.

 

If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, please contact Kate Angelo at kangelo@longbranchlib.org or call 732-222-3900 x2300.

We have two exciting online author talks coming up this month, both held via live-stream in partnership with the Long Branch Free Public Library.

 

On Thursday, March 12th, join acclaimed author Kate Quinn as she discusses her latest work, The Astral Library — a fantastical story where books become doors to new worlds and new lives. Click here to register and submit questions for Kate Quinn!

 

On Thursday, March 26th, award-winning author Kate Messner takes us behind the scenes of her beloved Over and Under series, exploring the real science and curiosity that inspired her beautifully illustrated ecosystem stories. Click here to register and submit questions for Kate Messner!

 

Both events are free to attend online.

 

For questions about Online Author Talks, please contact our Digital Services Specialist, Molly Sullivan at msullivan@longbranchlib.org or call 732-222-3900 x2430.

FREAKIER FRIDAY – Tuesday, March 10th at 5:30pm

A new round of chaotic body-swapping forces a blended family to literally walk in each other’s shoes and discover empathy the hard way. Rated PG.

 

GUYS AND DOLLS – Friday, March 13th at 2pm

In a colorful world of gamblers and showgirls, unlikely romance blooms when a smooth-talking gambler makes a bet he never expected to lose—his own heart. Rated G.

 

SINNERS *AFTER HOURS FRIDAY THE 13th MOVIE SHOWING* 

– Friday, March 13th at 5:30pm

Dark secrets and dangerous temptations collide as a group of troubled souls discover that redemption may come at a terrifying cost. Rated R.

 

CATCHING FIRE – Saturday, March 14th at 1:30pm

Victors Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are thrust back into the arena as the Capitol plots a deadly game meant to crush a growing rebellion. Rated PG-13.

 

ETERNITY –  Tuesday, March 17th at 5:30pm

Love and destiny intertwine across lifetimes as characters confront whether some bonds are powerful enough to outlast time itself. Rated PG-13.

 

VERDI'S LA TRAVIATA – Saturday, March 21st at 2pm

In Giuseppe Verdi’s beloved opera, a glamorous courtesan risks everything for true love in a story of passion, sacrifice, and heartbreaking fate. Not Rated.

 

THE WAY WE WERE – Monday, March 23rd at 2:30pm
Experience the unforgettable romance of The Way We Were, where Barbra Streisand delivers a powerful performance in a sweeping love story about two people whose deep connection is tested by politics, passion, and the changing times of 20th-century America. Rated PG.

 

M3GAN 2.0 – Tuesday, March 24th at 5:30pm

The deadly AI doll returns—smarter, stronger, and far more dangerous—as humanity learns the hard way that some technology should never be upgraded. PG-13.

 

A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN – Thursday, March 26th at 2:30pm
During World War II, a scrappy group of women proves they belong on the diamond in a groundbreaking baseball league that changes the game forever. PG.

 

DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE – Tuesday, March 31st at 5:30pm
The Crawley family faces new beginnings and final farewells as the beloved saga of Downton Abbey reaches its elegant and emotional conclusion. PG.

HISTORYTIME- WOMEN'S HISTORY: - Saturday, March 28th at 2pm

Welcome to HiStoryTime, where we celebrate our nation's 250th birthday! We'll read stories each week and then do fun crafts and activities. In March, we'll celebrate Women's History by reading biographies of Katherine Johnson and Ida B. Wells. We'll celebrate their accomplishments with some astronomy and jounalism activities!  Learn more here.

CODING WORKSHOP – Saturday, March 7th at 2pm

Come join us for our last event of Teen Tech Week 2026! Learn the basics of coding with Codeacademy and Code.org in this session with Karime and our Technology Assistant Marcela! Click here for more info.

 
FELT CRAFTS: BOOKMARKS & BOOKENDS – Wednesday March 11th at 4:30pm

Make your very own felt bookmarks or bookends and add your personal touch and get creative! You'll have a stylish and fun bookmark for your books! Click here for more info.

 
ST. PATRICKS DAY CRAFT & SCAVENGER HUNT – Thursday, March 12th at 4:30pm 

Join Miss Karime to create your very own lucky shamrock and search for the lepruchan's pot of gold in the library! Click here for more info.

 
JOURNAL DECORATING – Wednesday, March 18th at 4:30pm

Get creative and decorate your very own journal! Add your own personal touch and have a place for all your thoughts and ideas for 2026! Click here for more info.

 
PAPER QUILLING - KANDINSKY CIRCLES – Thursday, March 19th at 4:30pm 

This engaging STEAM craft kit allows you to roll, loop, twist, and curl paper strips into stunning works of art. Inspired by Kandinsky's abstract masterpiece! Click here for more info.

 
SCRATCH CODING AND MAKEY-MAKEY CIRCUITS – Saturday, March 21st at 3pm

To celebrate NJ STEM Month and Maker's Day, we'll be kicking off a 4-session series of STEAM learning. Participants will learn about how circuits work, will build their own computer-based circuits with Makey-Makey kits, will try their hands at drag-and-drop Scratch coding, and will build their own musical instruments that really play music through coding they write. Open to ages 8 - 13. Registration is limited. Click here for more info.

 
DIY REFRIGERATOR MAGNETS SESSION 1 – Wednesday, March 25th at 4:30pm

Come join Miss Karime in creating your own refrigerator magnets! A bunch of blueberries, bannana slices, or even a bowl of spagetti! In this session we'll create, shape our magnet, and paint it! Registration required. Open to Teens in grades 6th-12th. Click here to register.

 
DIY REFRIGERATOR MAGNETS SESSION 2 – Wednesday, March 26th at 4:30pm

In this session we'll add finishing touches, finish painting, add modge podge and the magnet onto the backs. Registration required. Open to Teens in grades 6th-12th. Click here to register.

 
TEEN BOOK CLUB & SCAVENGER HUNT - THE HUNGER GAMES – Saturday, March 28th at 2pm

Teens will have one month to read, "The Hunger Games," by Suzanne Collins. Read the book and meet on March 28th to discuss it, then we'll begin the scavenger hunt in the Library! Click here for more information.

 
SUPER SMASH BROS. TOURNAMENT – Saturday, March 28th at 3:00pm

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

FUNDAMENTOS DE LA COMPUTADORA – Mondays: March 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th at 4pm

¡Aprende los fundamentos del uso de una computadora en nuestra nueva clase para principiantes! Desde encender una computadora hasta conectarse a internet, te ayudaremos a desarrollar confianza con la tecnología cotidiana. La instructora habla inglés y español. Contacta a Michelle al 732-222-3900 ext. 2270

 
SPRING CLEAN YOUR TECH – Saturdays: March 14th and March 21st 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. She can be reached at 732-222-3900 x2420 or mromero@longbranchlib.org. Click here to register.

 
THE SCHUYLER SISTERS AND THE HAMILTON MUSICAL – Wednesday, March 18th at 6:30pm

Four daughters of wealthy General Philip Schuyler ran away to elope with rich men, yet Elizabeth Schuyler married Alexander Hamilton, a penniless orphan immigrant, for love. We will read the love letters Hamilton sent to Eliza during their courtship, then meet two other women — Angelica Schuyler Church and Maria Reynolds — who were also after Alexander. This program features music from the Broadway show, Hamilton: An American Musical, including "The Schuyler Sisters," "Helpless," "Satisfied," and "It’s Quiet Uptown." Presented by Rick Feingold. Click here for more info.

 

 
PAINTED ROCK PARTY – Wednesday, March 25th at 6:30pm

Celebrate the luck of the Irish and welcome the arrival of spring at our creative Painted Rock Program! Whether you’re dreaming of shamrocks and rainbows or flowers and fluttering butterflies, you’ll have everything you need to turn an ordinary stone into a tiny masterpiece. Click here for more info.

 
NONFICTION BOOK CLUB: THE LAST CASTLE BY DENISE KIERNAN – Thursday, March 26th at 1:30pm

This book is a sweeping narrative that tells the true story of George and Edith Vanderbilt’s creation and stewardship of the Biltmore Estate, the largest and most opulent private home in America. Kiernan weaves love, loss, ambition, and resilience into an intimate yet epic chronicle of American royalty, architectural grandeur, and the enduring legacy of a family and its grand “castle.” Click here for more info. Download the eBook TODAY on Libby by clicking here!

 

ENGLISH CONVERASATION CLASS - Mondays at 5:30pm
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.