Connie Briscoe @ Jackson

OCL’s “Good for the Soul” committee presented New York Times best selling author Connie Briscoe Saturday Oct. 24 at the Jackson branch.

Her debut novel, “Sisters & Lovers” sold over 750,000 copies  Her latest novel, “Sisters & Husbands” was just released and has received strong reviews from the media.

We have a 3 minute video with Connie offering her hints for how to become a writer.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFNv0xA0O5Q  (And yes, I know there are two spots where you hear the rumble of a cart.)

Celebration of Jazz with Derek Pierre & Company in Lakewood

CONTACT: Pat D’Andrea ph 732-363-1435 ext 2511 pdandrea@theoceancountylibrary.org

Margaret Greenan ph 732-363-1435 ext 2512 mgreenan@theoceancountylibrary.org

Lakewood – Jazz, jazz, jazz! On Saturday October 17 at 2pm, join us at the Lakewood branch of the Ocean County Library for an afternoon of jazz with Derek Pierre & Company. Mr. Pierre, an accomplished guitarist, has performed locally in the area. The program is free and registration is not required. The Lakewood branch is located at 301 Lexington Ave, Lakewood NJ. For further information call the branch 732-363-1435 ext 2502.

Gangwise @ Plumsted a great success

We held the GangWise Project program at Plumsted Monday evening (Sept. 28.)  The program was a great success!   Attending were:  The Mayor, Chief of Police, Police Officers, School Principal, Town Council, Guidance Counselor and people from the community.  We had 30 adults & 7 teens prresent.

The audience was totally engaged and everyone felt the program was so valuable.  As always Edwin Torres made a huge plug for Ocean County Partners working together with the library – we are truly unique to the State of NJ and making a difference!

The following deserve so much credit for their efforts in promoting the program:

The Plumsted staff for connecting so well with the community – especially Rachel Lavoie-Dohn!!

Our GangWise Partners

OCL Public Relations (sending letter to Police & Mayors, Connect, Media and more)

All our presenters Edwin Torres (Gang Expert), Rory Wells (OC Asst Prosecutor), Jasmine Long (ex-gang member) & Joanne Schuh from the OC Health Dept.  Jasmine also brought a minister from the Crips in California, now living in Jersey City

Here is a link to photos on Flickr   http://www.flickr.com/photos/43026447@N07/

NOTE:  Our presenter Jasmine Long (ex-gang member) that talks with teens was lucky to attend this program as the previous week she was beaten and “pistol whipped” for her anti-gang efforts in schools, libraries and across the state.  Unbelieveable!

 Again –many thanks to everyone!

Salsa Sensations

The 3^rd annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration @ Upper Shores was wildly successful with salsa lessons from Daniel’s Ballroom, live music by Swing Sabroso, and delicious food from El Familiar   Thanks to the Borough of Seaside Heights, our community partner, for providing free round trip transportation for area residents!  Graduate students from Georgian Court College attended with professor and area school principal, Dr. Gemma MacCarrick, to broaden their awareness of cultural literacy.  Ocean County Library rocks!