Toms River – The Friends of the Toms River Library will be hitting the road for a trip to view the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the Discovery Times Square Exhibition New York City, Thursday March 22.

See the oldest known texts of the Bible first hand, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and an actual stone from the Western Wall from the Second temple in Jerusalem. Experience the Holy Land traditions and beliefs through the largest collection of artifacts including more than 500 never before displayed items.

The bus departs the Rt. 37 Foodtown parking lot at 8:45 a.m. and returns at approx. 6 p.m. The cost is $90 pp. and includes transportation, gratuities, admission and lunch at S.P.Q.R Italian restaurant in Little Italy.

Deadline for registration is March 1. Registration forms are available at the Ocean County Library Toms River branch, 101 Washington Street. For more information or to register for the trip call Pat (732) 286-7611 or Lynne (732) 240-2736.

Dr. Vargus led off the program.

Over 60 staff and public attended the program African American Family Reunions, History & Genealogy on Jan 25^th in Mancini Hall. 

The program featured five guest speakers: Dr Ione Vargus, faculty from Temple University founder of the Temple University Family Reunion Institute; Sheila Linton, spokesperson for the National Bullock Family; Grace Johnson, Assistant Director of the Office of Multicultural Services @ OCC; Dawn Heyson from the Lacey branch; and Jeannie Collacott from the Toms River branch. 

The program was an opportunity for everyone to learn about the value of family reunions for all families and the unique significance and history of family reunions for African Americans.   

Entertaining and informative, the program was a great mix of first-person narrative and instruction, and it was very well received by all attendees!  Many even said they will make an effort to attend their family reunion, record their family history and dig deeper into their family’s genealogy.   

Photos from the event can be seen at our Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceancountylibrary/sets/72157629031590897/

The Ocean County Library will host a program recognizing her patriotic mettle during four programs in February.

Dancer, poet and performance artist Lorraine Stone will bring Bowser’s story to life and reintroduce this hero to county residents.

Though a free woman, Bowser chose to remain a servant in the Van Lew household, fiercely loyal to the family matriarch, abolitionist and Quaker Elizabeth Van Lew. Miss Van Lew, recognizing Bowser’s educational abilities, sent her to the Quaker School for Negroes in Philadelphia in the late 1850s.

Returning from Philadelphia just before the Civil War began, Bowser was recruited as a spy by Van Lew and found herself working in Confederate President Jefferson Davis’s household as a domestic servant. From there she was able to obtain sensitive information and passed that along to Van Lew.

That information immediately went to Generals Benjamin Butler and Ulysses S. Grant.

Bowser was honored for her work in the Civil War with an induction into the Military Intelligence Corps Hall of Fame in Fort Huachuca, Az. in 1995.

 Lorraine Stone, dressed in clothing patterned from the era, will present Bowser’s story at three library locations:

Upper Shores branch, 112 Jersey City Av., Lavallette Wed. Feb. 1 @ 4 p.m.

Little Egg Harbor branch, 290 Mathistown Road, Thur. Feb. 9 @ 7 p.m.

Lakewood branch, 301 Lexington Av., Mon. Feb. 13 @ 6:30 p.m.

Barnegat branch, 112 Burr St., Thur. Feb. 16 @ 7 p.m.

A similar program will be sponsored by the NAACP. Kati Beddow’s “Eyes of Spies: Women of the Civil War,” will be held in the Toms River branch, 101 Washington St., Sat. Feb. 25 @ 2 p.m. The program will also include a soul-food tasting prepared by NAACP members in honor of Black History Month.

All these programs are offered free and open to the public but registration is required. For more information or to register for any of these programs telephone the operator at (732) 349-6200 or (609) 971-0514, or visit the library Web site www.theoceancountylibrary.org .

Please be aware that some programs may have waiting lists or may be at capacity at the time of your call. Register early.

POETRY CRAFT FOR TEENS SCHEDULED AT
MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY

MANCHESTER– Grades 7 through 12 make your own magnetic poetry set at the Manchester Branch Library on Monday, February 13 starting at 6:00 pm. Create word magnets to stick on your refrigerator or wherever! Arrange and rearrange them to form poems or messages over and over again! While working on this project, we will share poetry by Maya Angelou and other famous African Americans in recognition of Black History Month.

Please register for this free teen program by calling (732) 657-7600 or going online to www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Township.

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Joanne Lefand, (732) 657-7600 ext. 4522
jlefand@theoceancountylibrary.org

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY TO SHOW
“THE PIANO IN A FACTORY”

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Library will screen, “The Piano in a Factory” on Wednesday, February 15 at 2:00 p.m. and again at 6:00 pm. See this popular foreign film on a large screen without paying the admission fee of a movie theater!

When Chen’s estranged wife reappears asking for a divorce and custody of their musician daughter, the girl proclaims she will live with whoever can provide her with a piano. When efforts to borrow money and even steal a piano fail, Chen decides to build a piano from scratch! He persuades a bunch of reluctant, but loyal, misfit friends to help him forge the instrument in a derelict factory from a heap of scrap steel. Though crude in design and tune, the factory piano awaits its first and final performance from his little girl.

The dialogue is in Mandarin with English subtitles and is 105 minutes long. It is part of the library’s monthly Independent Film Series. Registration is not required. This program is open all ages although it is geared toward adults.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Township. Call 732.657.7600 for more information.

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Jolene Smith, 732.657.7600
jsmith@theoceancountylibrary.org

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY TO OFFER
DIABETES SEMINAR WITH COOKING DEMONSTRATION

MANCHESTER, NJ – At the Manchester Branch Library on Thursday, February 16 at 2:00 pm, Jennifer Klein, a registered dietician employed by ShopRite, will talk about controlling blood sugar through diet and exercise with emphasis on meal planning and carbohydrate consistency. Her presentation will include a cooking demonstration with food samples for participants to try.

This program is part of the library’s “Chapters of Health” series. It is open to the adult public, free of charge. Please register online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org or call 732.657.7600.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Twp.

On Saturday, January 21, Dale and Amy’s Silly Song Sing-Along brought in a total of 65 children and adults for an afternoon of fun at the Ocean County Library Little Egg Harbor Branch!

The program was sponsored by the Friends of the Little Egg Harbor Library in memory of Robert Olszewski.  Sparks interacted with Dale and Amy during the program adding to the silly song activities.  Refreshments were also provided by Friends.  Two of the daughters of Robert Olszewski were in attendance and took the Thank You poster that everyone signed.  Everyone had a good time!

MAH JONGG

MANAHAWKIN – Play Mah Jongg at the Stafford Branch of the Ocean County Library on the following Fridays in February: the 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th from 1:00-4:00 PM. Please bring the current year game card, and game sets. Mah Jongg originated in China and has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity. Many people are realizing the intellectual challenge it poses, and are drawn to the beauty and excitement of the game itself. Experience is helpful.

The Stafford Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 129 N. Main St., Manahawkin, New Jersey. This program is free and open to the public. Please register by calling the branch at (609) 597-3381, registering online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org , or in person.

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Francine Everson, 609-597-3381
feverson@theoceancountylibrary.org

EXERCISE FOR ADULTS

MANAHAWKIN – Anna Salibello – a certified fitness instructor with the Arthritis Foundation – will be teaching a series of exercise classes designed especially for adults at the Stafford Branch of the Ocean County Library on three Fridays in February beginning at 9:15 AM: February, 3rd, 17th, and 24th. Maximize your body’s ability to strengthen and heal through non-aerobic exercise while sitting and standing. Increase muscular strength, flexibility, balance, range of motion, self-esteem, stamina and reduce the appearance of aging. These classes benefit anyone interested in staying fit, and will also benefit those with arthritis and osteoporosis.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is free and open to the public. There is no need to register, as the first 25 people will be admitted. If you have any questions, call the library for specific information, (609) 597-3381, or check our website at www.theoceancountylibrary.org

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Francine Everson, 609-597-3381
feverson@theoceancountylibrary.org

POETRY WITH GEMMA

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library is hosting the program: Poetry with Gemma on Thursday, February 9th from 2:30 – 4:00 PM. Published author Gemma, who has written hundreds of poems covering all kinds of topics, will bring her expertise to other poetry enthusiasts. This program welcomes all poets who would like to share their poetry with others for valuable feedback, impressions, and commentary. Please bring in some copies of your work, which will be returned to you before you leave.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is free and open to the public. Please register in person, by calling the Stafford Branch at (609) 597-3381, or visit the library’s website at www.theoceancountylibrary.org

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Francine Everson 609-597-3381
feverson@theoceancountylibrary.org

MOVIES AT THE LIBRARY

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library will be showing the feature film Captain America – The First Avenger on Saturday, February 11th at 2:00 PM. A man volunteers for a top secret project that turns him into a superhero. Rated PG-13.
The family movie Kung Fu Panda 2 is scheduled for Saturday, February 25th at 2:00 PM. Po joins forces with a group of new Kung Fu masters to take on an old enemy. Rated PG.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. These movies are free and open to the public. Call the branch for specific information: (609) 597-3381, or visit our website at www.theoceancountylibrary.org There is no need to register.

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Francine Everson, 609-597-3381
feverson@theoceancountylibrary.org

MASTER GARDENER SERIES :
PRUNING – BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, NATURALLY

MANAHAWKIN – The Master Gardeners of Ocean County will present “Pruning – Best Management Practices, Naturally” at 2:30 at the Stafford Branch of the Ocean County Library on Monday, February 13th. Master Gardener Terry O’Leary will explain why pruning is important, feature hands-on demonstrations of what tools to use, and how to prune different types of trees and shrubs. During the remaining time, the Master Gardener team will address any questions you may have. They will be at the library from 1:30 – 4:30 PM. You may also bring in dying or diseased clippings for plant diagnosis and possible remedies.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is free and open to the public. Please register by calling the branch at (609) 597-3381, registering online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org or in person. If you have any questions, call the library for specific information.

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY TO CELEBRATE
BLACK HISTORY MONTH

MANCHESTER, NJ – On Wednesday, February 1 at 11:30 am the Manchester Branch Library will host a performance in celebration of Black History Month. Students from the OCVTS Performing Arts Academy will honor the artistic contributions of African Americans through a program of acting, dance and music. Their presentation will include spiritual songs, poetry-inspired dances, and skits using puppetry. Light refreshments will be available.

This event is open to all ages, free of charge. Please go online to www.theoceancountylibrary.org or call 732.657.7600 to register.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Twp.

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Joanne Lefand, (732) 657-7600 ext. 4522
jlefand@theoceancountylibrary.org

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY TO SHOW
“THE HELP”

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Branch Library will present an encore screening of the film, “The Help” on Wednesday, February 1, at 2:00 p.m. and again at 6:00 pm. See this popular drama on a large screen without paying the admission fee of a movie theater!

Set in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960s, Eugenia Skeeter Phelan (Emma Stone) is a southern society girl who returns from college determined to become a writer. She decides to write a book detailing the African-American maid’s point of view on the white families for which they work, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis during the civil rights movement.

This PG13-rated movie is part of the library’s Feature Film Series. It is 137 minutes long. Although registration is not required, early arrival is recommended.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Township. Call 732-657-7600 for more information or go online to theoceancountylibrary.org.

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Jolene Smith, 732.657.7600
jsmith@theoceancountylibrary.org

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY TO OFFER
SEMINAR ON HEART HEALTHY COOKING AND NUTRITION

MANCHESTER, NJ – At the Manchester Branch Library on Thursday, February 2 at 2:00 pm, Jennifer Klein, a registered dietician employed by ShopRite, will tell you how to eat to keep your heart healthy. Her presentation will include a cooking demonstration with food samples for participants to try.

This program is part of the library’s “Chapters of Health” series. It is open to the adult public, free of charge. Please register online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org or call 732.657.7600.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Twp.

PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Joanne Lefand, (732) 657-7600 ext. 4522
jlefand@theoceancountylibrary.org

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY TO SHOW
“SARAH’S KEY”

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Branch Library will screen the film, “Sarah’s Key” on Wednesday, February 8, at 2:00 p.m. and again at 6:00 pm. See this popular drama on a large screen without paying the admission fee of a movie theater!

In modern day Paris, a journalist (Kristin Scott Thomas) is assigned to write about the roundup of over 10,000 Jews and their placement in camps by French officials in 1942. When she moves into her father-in-law’s childhood apartment, she realizes it once belonged to the Strazynski family who were torn apart during this dark moment in French history. She finds herself becoming entwined with the life of Strazynski’s young daughter, Sarah (Mélusine Mayance).

This PG13-rated movie is part of the library’s Feature Film Series and is 111 minutes long. Although registration is not required, early arrival is recommended.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Township. Call 732-657-7600 for more information or go online to theoceancountylibrary.org.

While most people think the loudest thing heard at a library is the librarian shushing a high whisper “Loud and Rowdy Tales” definitely breaks that mold.

Pasquale a New Jersey resident has performed ballet, modern dance, Shakespeare, musical theater and was even a clown. Her fast paced and animated performance includes her past experiences certain to get audience members dancing, stomping, moving and shaking.

Professional Story teller Julie Pasquale will perform “Loud and Rowdy Tales” at the following Ocean County Library branches:
Barnegat branch: 112 Burr St; Wednesday February 1 at 4 P.M.
Little Egg Harbor branch: 290 Mathistown Road, Wednesday February 1 at 6:30 P.M.
Manchester branch: 21 Colonial Drive, Saturday Feb. 4 at 2 P.M.
Stafford branch: 129 N. Main St. Manahawkin, Wednesday February 15 at 4 P.M.
Toms River branch: 101Washington St. Wednesday, February 15 at 7P.M.

This program is free and open to the public. Please register online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org or call (732) 349-6200 or (609) 971-0514

Join us for one of our programs celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King

For more information please contact Ocean County Library at www.theoceancountylibrary.org or by telephone at (732) 349-6200 or (609) 971-0514.