Plumsted’s 3-day FOL booksale

When the doors opened on November 7 for the Plumsted Township Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, more than 75 people were waiting in line to take advantage of the bargains inside.   More than 10,000 books, puzzles, videos and DVD’s were neatly arranged on tables in the New Egypt High School cafeteria.  The sale took place  Nov. 7  and Nov. 8.  In addition to the Friday and Saturday hours a “Kids Only” event was held on Thursday evening.  At that time only children’s books, puzzles and videos were sold.  Adults had to be accompanied by a child to gain admittance. The sale is the FOL’s only fund raiser.  Proceeds from the sale are used to fund scholarships for middle and high school students and to support the programs of the Plumsted Township library.

Ocean County Library Is Collecting Books For Kids!

Ocean County Library will make the holidays a special time for children in the community through its “Books For Kids” program.

All 21 locations of the Ocean County Library will accept new book donations from the community through Dec. 1. All books collected are distributed to disadvantaged children in Ocean County.

Last year, the Ocean County Library teamed up with many community groups and distributed more than 4,000 books.

“Books for Kids” is a statewide program sponsored by the New Jersey Library Association’s Children’s Services Section. The program started in 1991.

This project was undertaken with hope that all children in New Jersey will able to experience the joy of reading their own book.

For information, call the Ocean County Library at (732) 349-6200.

Lakewood community dinner

The Lakewood branch hosted a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for the community Thursday, Nov. 20.  More than 100 people attended, said Chris Surbrug.  Food was donated by branch staff, Shop Rite, and Stop ‘n Shop grocery stores.

This was the first time the branch held a community Thanksgiving dinner, she added.

LEH Celebrates Thanksgiving with Puppet Show

Donna Majchrzak and June Engel performed a Thanksgiving Puppet show for a big crowd at the Little Egg Harbor branch.

Out and About with the Little Egg Harbor branch

Donna Majchrzak brought a story-time outreach program to the Little Egg Harbor Preschool. The children enjoyed listening to some Thanksgiving Day themed stories.

“Culinary Queen” Crowned at Upper Shores

The Upper Shores branch held a brand new bake-off on November 14 to crown their first ever Culinary Queen. Participants brought in deserts to share with patrons and staff.

Laura Meeker-Korch she ran away with the crown in a very close contest with her Icebox Cake! Sixty-nine patrons participated as the Upper Shores very willing judges. In second place and just nudged out was a, “Walnut Fudge Brownie Cake” by Carol Koolidge. We had “Aunt Janis’s Party Cake” a close third, baked by last year’s “Cheesecake Queen”, Virginia Berkman, “Sweet Potato Cake with Roasted Pecan Cream Cheese Frosting” by June Schneider, “Blackberry Citrus Tea Cake” by Patricia Gates and last but not least a “Carrot Cake” by Dorothy Sinko.

While the voting was underway, the talented sisters Juliet and Jacqueline Taylor played the piano.

Special thanks to Alma Perez-Neary for sharing this!

Barnegat celebrates Veteran’s Day

The Barnegat branch of the Ocean County Library held the “War Lore: Living History From Local Veterans” program on November 11, 2008. This special program featured local veterans sharing their stories and experiences of serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Thanks to Lisa Taylor for sharing this!

An evening of music at the Point Boro branch with Richard Anzivino

photo submitted by Karen Monahan

The Point Pleasant Borough branch enjoyed a fun-filled evening with vocal entertainer Richard Anzivino. The audience enjoyed listening and singing along to the classic songs of Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones and more.

You can find out more information about Richard here.

Little Egg Harbor Outreach

 

Arlene Stinziano helps out with the Outreach to Pre-K classes at the George J. Mitchell Elementary School by sharing Caps for Sale and The Little Red Hen.

Let them eat cake; er, cheesecake!

On Monday, November 11 visitors to the Little Egg Harbor branch walked into a tasty surprise–the branch’s first annual cheesecake contest!

LEH staff made 11 different types of cheesecakes, ranging from Kelly-Ann Pennell’s traditional New York Cheesecake to Sandy Gizzi’s Heart of Darkness cheesecake. Barbara Herbert made two cheesecakes for the contest; Paula’s NY Style Cheesecake and a Brownie Cheesecake.

Fifty seven library customers happily took part in the cheesecake challenge.

Cheryl Smith’s traditional cheesecake took first place honors, with 15 votes.

Maggie Penk’s cherry New York Cheesecake came in at second with 10 votes. 

The real winners were the LEH customers, who were treated to a day full of cheesecake!