Prom dress donation just in time

Toms River South student Chris J. Nolze and his non-profit organization “Chris’s Fight for a Cure” donated 17 dresses to the Prom Dress Giveaway. 

After Hurricane Sandy, Chris began collecting dresses to give away for his Christmas Gift Drive.  The dresses were meant to be donated to those affected by the hurricane so they could attend winter formals, proms, dances, and holiday events.

Chris’ generosity will add to our large collection of prom dresses available at the upcoming Prom Dress Giveaway taking place at the following branches:

Jackson Branch: Saturday, March 9th, 10am – 4pm

Lakewood Branch: Saturday, March 23rd, 10am – 4pm

Barnegat Branch: Saturday, April 6th, 11am – 4pm

Toms River Branch: Monday, April 8th & Tuesday, April 9th, 4pm – 8pm

For more information on the Prom Dress Giveaway, please contact Erin Gorski at the Lakewood branch at (732) 363-1435 ext. 2118 or Erin DeLucia at the Jackson branch at (732) 928-4400 ext. 3833.

Lakewood reaches out to Calvary Academy 6th graders

Teen Librarian Erin Gorski and Senior Library Assistant Elias Vazquez kicked off the first book discussion with Calvary Academy’s 6^th grade class Tuesday January 22^nd.  25 students and 2 teachers read Gary Paulsen’s The Hatchet” and took part in fun survival related activities based around the book.  Students discussed how the main character, Brian, learned to survive; took a “Woods Safety Quiz;” and then took to the outdoors to simulate what they would do if they were lost in the woods.

The librarians returned on Tuesday February 26^th to host a discussion on Edward Bloor’s “Tangerine. Students discussed the main character Paul’s vision impairment, his family and school life; looked over copies of braille books owned by OCL; and took part in a blindfolded soccer game using a tangerine as the ball.

 

Navigating the path to US citizenship, beginning at the library

 

Attorney Daniel Weiss addresses a group at the Lakewood library branch.

On Monday, Nov. 7th the second “Navigating the Path to US Citizenship” was held at the Lakewood branch and was sponsored by the Ocean County Library Diversity Committee, Focus Group – Libros y Más.  Thirty-five participants from several countries including Mexico, Venezuela, Italy, Philippines, and the Czech Republic attended this presentation with guest speaker, founder and principle attorney of the Law Offices of Daniel L. Weiss, LLC.  Weiss specializes in Immigration Law. 

The program was bilingual in nature, informative, and interactive. Many people had an opportunity to have their immigration questions addressed.

The Lakewood branch will conduct U.S. Citizenship Preparation Classes in March and April, 2012.  Several attendees expressed interest in this future learning opportunity.

Teen Success Camp @ Lakewood a great success!

The Lakewood branch of the Ocean County Library hosted 50 people for its 7-hour Teen Success Camp Saturday, May 7th.   

The Teen Success Camp prepared teens for future success and greatness.  The rule of conduct for tomorrow’s success is to prepare for it today.  The Teen Success Camp helped teens acquire the knowledge necessary to achieve their dreams.  Teens learned the rules for success; gained greater self-esteem; became more self-confident; learned to occupy their dreams; and took part in a book-writing project that will be published.  Our special guests were Will Horton and Dr. Loretta Long.  Will Horton is the author and editor of more than 20 books on success and greatness.  Dr. Loretta Long is a dynamic actress, role model, mentor to children and adolescents from elementary school to college, and is best known for her role she has created as “Susan” on Sesame Street.

A slideshow of photos from the camp can be viewed on our Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceancountylibrary/sets/72157626587339895/show/

Man to Man: Face 2 Face continues in Lakewood

The Lakewood branch hosted the fourth session in its ”Man to Man: Face 2 Face/The Law & You” program Monday, April 18th.  30 people attended.

Our presenters were Sgt. Milton Alexander; Senior Correction Officer A. Booker; and Senior Correction Officer W. Booker from Rahway Prison.  

In both photos Sgt. Milton Alexander is standing in the center;  SCO A. Booker is the other man on the left and SCO W. Booker is the woman on the right. 

The presenters gave a “Scared Straight” type of program and explained what life in jail is exactly life.

Lakewood’s Kids & Teens Have Talent

Lakewood’s Kid & Teen Talent Show was held on Wednesday, April 6th.  45 people attended and kids and teens played instruments, danced, and performed magic tricks.  Winners recieved BlueClaws tickets, movie tickets, and free passes to bowl at Ocean Lanes.

Man2Man/The Law & You

The Lakewood branch held the second installment of “Man to Man: Face 2 Face/The Law & You” this past Monday, March 21st.  We had about 25 people attend.  The first speaker was Juanita Cherry, who is a Senior Parole Officer for the NJ State Parole Board. The second speaker was Ronni Bright, an attorney at Hendrickson & Edelstein.

A slideshow of five photos from the event can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceancountylibrary/sets/72157626334581306/show/

Sojourner Truth

American Historical Theatre presented actress Daisy Century as Sojourner Truth at several branches this year.  The programs brought to life Truth’s steadfast committment to her fight for the rights of women and African Americans.  The programs were funded by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.

Here are two photos of her final performance for the year, at the Lakewood branch.

Lakewood’s 2nd annual prom dress giveaway

 Lakewood branch’s second annual Prom Dress Giveaway was held on Saturday, March 12th.  We gave away about 45 dresses, doubled from last year!  And girls came from all over: Lakewood, Manalapan, Jackson, Old Bridge, Howell, New Egypt, and Manchester.    Girls were from middle school, high school, and homeschooled.  Everyone left with that special dress!  

Lakewood teaches teens cooking skills

On Saturday, January 22nd the teens and kids cooked Macaroni Au Gratin with Miss Yoseline at the Lakewood branch.  Macaroni Au Gratin is a Haitian specialty.  Creamy and comforting mac and cheese is made particularly homey in this baked casserole that layers lots of cheddar cheese flavor into the mix.