Special taxes program for Seniors at Manchester

On Monday, March 30th, about 80 seniors turned out at the Manchester Branch to meet with a representative from the NJ Division of Taxation. He explained and offered assistance in filing for the Senior Freeze and Homestead Rebate. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and talk directly with someone about their state tax issues. 

UP hosts quilting artist Resseque

Artists around the world share a common visual language even when words may not be understood.  Local quilters and crafters joined in to welcome artistic quilter, Rusudan Resseque, whose extraordinary creations have been on exhibit this month at the Upper Shores Branch.   A crowd of more than 40 people (including others from the small, culture-rich country which shares borders with Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia) enjoyed meeting the Republic of Georgia born artist, hearing of her unusual quilting techniques & stories of her native land.  The afternoon turned into a multicultural celebration of art, music, food, & customs. The history of Georgia can be traced back to the Stone Age, and it was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity as an official religion early in the 4^th century. It was also the first country to make wine! The photo with the singular quilt signifies the importance of wine to Georgians and also honors its matriarchal culture.

Debbie Macomber – Third anual Mancini Authors Program

After entertaining the crowd at the Captains Inn in Forked River, Debbie Macomber concluded her visit to Ocean County speaking before a packed house at the third annual Mancini Authors Program at the Toms River branch. The audience was entertained by her true to life stories that she has used to base many of her books. She stayed late into the evening to signed books, pose for pictures and met with every audience member that came from near and far to see the author.

 

Debbi Macomber luncheon

Debbie Macomber visited the Captain’s Inn Restaurant on March 25.  The luncheon was sponsored by the LEH & UP Friends and it was a packed house, completely sold out.  Debbie gave an entertaining, down to earth talk about how she became an overnight success that took 20 years.  The friends presented Debbie with a plaque making her an honorary member of the FOL.  A good time was had by all.

Treasured Angels Preschool art show

On March 25, 2009, the Barnegat branch hosted a reception for the artists from the Treasured Angels Preschool community.  More than 100 people attended the reception for the artists featured in the week-long exhibit.  Art from children and their parents was displayed for the general public and refreshments were served.  The Barnegat Branch is a community partner with the Treasured Angels Preschool in the New Jersey Strengthening Families Initiative (SFI), an approach to preventing child abuse and neglect by strengthening families through early care and education. The show continues until Friday, March 27.

 

Point Pleasant Borough’s Sewing Club

On March 24, the Point Pleasant branch held a special meeting of their Sewing Club for teens. Young Adult librarian Megan Pehanick ran the program.

Air Force pilot speaks at LEH

Air Force Captain Maureen Fuehl gave an excellent presentation about being an Air Force pilot at the Little Egg Harbor branch as part of the branch’s celebration of women’s history month. 

Captain Muehl is a KC-10 with the 32nd ARS. Thanks to Donna M. for sending this in!

“Our Stories” Scrapbooking Event

Mike Bobish from the Berkeley Branch sent us this update. On Tuesday, March 24th, the Berkeley branch hosted the “Our Stories” scrapbooking event.

This Women’s History Month program allowed teens and their families to create scrapbooks commemorating the important women in their lives.

Scrapbookers enjoyed craft materials and pizza provided by the Berkeley Branch, and a good time was had by all.

It’s your lucky day!

The Beachwood Branch was full of Irish spirit for the St. Patrick’s Day storytime held on March 17. After listening to stories, we searched high and low throughout the library for the shamrocks hidden by the Library Leprechaun. In the end, we found the pot o’ gold (and other treats)! It was quite a lucky day!

Anime @ Barnegat

On March 21st the Barnegat Anime/Manga Club hosted the 2nd annual Cherry Blossom Anime Marathon featuring the entire anime series FLCL. Several dozen teens from across southern Ocean County came to watch the show, party, and partake in traditional Japanese snacks. Food was provided for by the Friends of the Library. Big thanks to Karla Ivarson for sending members of the Lacey anime club to help!