Stafford Mayor and Ocean County Library Commissioners Celebrate Stafford Branch Re-Opening

Assisting with the ribbon cutting at the re-opening of the recently renovated Stafford Branch of the Ocean County Library were: Anne Bungo (President, Friends of the Stafford Library); Chris Rodas (Stafford Branch Manager); Susan Quinn (Ocean County Library Director); John Spodofora (Stafford Township Mayor); Henry Mancini (Stafford Township Councilman and Ocean County Library Commissioner); and Sal Baglio (Ocean County Library Commissioner)

 

Commissioners Henry Mancini and Sal Baglio in a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the recently refurbished Stafford Branch of the Ocean County Library. The event, co-sponsored by the Friends of the Stafford Branch, took place at the library on Saturday, June 25^th.

The branch had been closed for two weeks during the remodeling that included  installation of new carpeting, repainting of all public and office spaces, and electrical improvements to accommodate increasing laptop users.

The public is invited to drop by to see the “new” library” during the summer hours of Monday 9 am – 9 pm, Tue 9 am – 5 pm, Wed 9 am – 9 pm, Thurs 9 am – 9 pm, Fri 9 am – 5 pm and Sat 9 am – 5 pm.

You can view more pictures from the opening here.

Richard Prestholdt presents Lewis & Clark

Historian Richard Prestholdt opened the Ocean County Library’s “Lewis and Clark and the Indian Country” program series Saturday with a discussion of the Corps of Discovery’s importance and his personal stories from the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, Mo.

Prestholdt is Vice President of the Lewis and Clark National Heritage Trail.  He was dressed as George Gibson, one of the Corps’ enlisted soldiers and one of the “nine men from Kentucky” who first signed on.

The Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, Mo. recreated the four-year long Lewis and Clark expedition with its own four-year journey using copies of the boats the original Corps of Discovery used.  Each night the St. Charles group would set up camp just above the riverbank.

“The campsites were primitive with modern conveniences,” he said.

The St. Charles expedition launched its party August 31, 2003 in Pittsburgh.  It ended in Astoria, Oregon.  Prestholdt participated in their trip a total of 40 weeks.

During its four year journey the St. Charles group visited about 440 towns and participated in their anniversary programs that marked the original expedition’s layovers.  Along the way the St. Charles group spoke to about 2 million school children, telling them about Lewis and Clark.

Ocean County Library is also sponsoring more than a dozen other Corps of Discovery related programs over the next eight weeks.  The programs are free and open to the public.

Ocean County Library is one of only 23 libraries across the country to host the exhibit.  The exhibit, organized by the Newberry Library and the American Library Association Public Programs Office, has toured the country since October 2007 and will end its national tour this coming April.

The exhibit was made possible by a major gran from the National Endowment for the Humanities.  Additional Support for the program came from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, Ruth C. Ruggles and the National Park Service.  The lead corporate sponsor was the Sara Lee Foundation.

Photos from Saturday’s program can be viewed here.

Dee Payne retires from OCL

After 22 1/2 years with Ocean County Library, 20 of them at the Toms River branch, Dee Payne is retiring.

Dee has spent the last 13 years as a supervisor and has work in all the library departments but one, and many of the branches, too.

She has also served as a shop steward for 22 years.

Dee will be missed, but as she says, she only lives 1 1/2 miles away so we can expect to see her visiting often.

Best wishes Dee.

Photos of her farewell gathering can be seen here.

Playtivity at the Little Egg Harbor branch

Playtivity performed at Little Egg Harbor Library on Monday, June 27^th.  Children and adults participated by playing drums, rhythm egg shakers, tambourines and many other percussion instruments.  Children were encouraged to play various rhythms, dance the Conga, sing songs from Africa and conduct the group.  It was a great musical adventure for all. You can view more photos from the event here.

Three Press Releases from Stafford branch

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Francine Everson (609) 597-3381
feverson@theoceancountylibrary.org

CREATIVE WRITING GROUP

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library’s Creative Writing Group will meet on Wednesday, July 20th from 1:00 – 2:30 PM. What is creative writing? It’s an expression of the writer’s thoughts and emotions, rather than merely conveying information. If you love to write in any form – fiction, screenplays, etc., – this is a chance to meet others with the same passion. Share ideas and information, with the option of bringing in a one-page sample of your work with some copies for others to read. The group is limited to five participants so register early.

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 branch at (609) 597-3381, or online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org. If you have any questions, call the branch for specific information.

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Francine Everson, 609-597-3381 June 24, 2011
feverson@theoceancountylibrary.org

TECH. BUDDIES: ELECTRONIC DEVICES DEMYSTIFIED

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library will host the program – Tech. Buddies: Electronic Devices Demystified, on Tuesday, July 19th, and Thursday, July 21st from 1:00 – 3:00 PM each day. Is your smartphone, I-Pad, e-reader, etc., leaving you baffled? Don’t know how to upload your photo onto Facebook? Team up with a teen volunteer who will help with these questions so that you can feel more comfortable and confident with your device. Don’t forget to bring it with you.

The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main St. in Manahawkin. This program is free and open to the public. If you have questions, feel free to call the Stafford branch. Please register either in person, or call the branch at (609) 597-3381, or visit our website at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Francine Everson, 609-597-3381 June 24, 2011
feverson@theoceancountylibrary.org

POETRY WITH GEMMA

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library is hosting the program: Poetry with Gemma on Thursday, July 14th 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 http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org

Beat the drum and dance with Playtivity

Eleven branches of the Ocean County Library will host “Playtivity” for children as part of its annual Summer Reading Program.

 

The Summer Reading Program encourages students and adults to read during the summer.  This year’s theme of recommended titles in the program is “One World, Many Stories.”

 

Playtivity is for children of all ages and their families are welcome to attend. 

 

Children will learn listening skills, feel great about themselves as they develop self-confidence from performing on instruments from different cultures, and hearing stories about their world.

 

Created by Craig Norton and Virginia Anderson, the program utilizes performance to inspire creativity in everyone who participates.

 

The programs are free but registration is required.  Contact the branch to register, or go to the library’s Website www.theoceancountylibrary.org to register.

 

The program will be held at the following branches:

Monday, June 27, 1 p.m. Lakewood

Monday, June 27, 4 p.m. Little Egg Harbor

Monday, June 27, 6:30 p.m. Stafford

Tuesday, June 28, 10:30 a.m.  Manchester

Tuesday, June 28, 2 p.m.  Berkeley

Tuesday, June 28, 4 p.m. Lacey

Wednesday, June 29, 1 p.m. Upper Shores (Lavallette)

Wednesday, June 29, 3 p.m. Pt. Pleasant Boro

Wednesday, June 29, 7 p.m. Toms River

Thursday, June 30, 10 a.m. Jackson

Thursday, June 30, 2 p.m. Barnegat

Minimalist cooking author at TR branch

When two Australian mothers wrote a cookbook to save themselves time and money, and get them OUT of the kitchen, they had no idea that it would make them international bestsellers!

Cookbook author Kim McCosker, sans her co-author Rachael Bermingham, was at the Toms River branch Thursday June 23 discussing and sharing food samples from their book, “4 Ingredients.”

It has sold more than 2 million copies and consistently sits near the top of the bestseller lists in both Australia and the UK.

The pair has said their cookbook’s success rides on people relating to the four ingredient concept.  It helps people get great food on their table fast, it doesn’t compromise on taste, and it used ingredients that are already found in most kitchen cabinets or refrigerators.

They are the first to admit that they are not professional chefs but everyday people, career women, mothers and wives who try to be the best they can be for the people they love.

Their book contains more than 400 recipes that range from breakfast, to lunch, to dinner and everything in between.

A slideshow of photos from the event can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceancountylibrary/sets/72157627037162172/show/

Four Press Release from Manchester branch

PRESS RELEASE

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

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY TO SHOW
“NO STRINGS ATTACHED”

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Branch Library will screen the film, “No Strings Attached” on Wednesday, July 13, at 2:00 p.m. and again at 6:00 p.m. See this popular romantic comedy on a large screen without paying the admission fee of a movie theater!

Adam (Ashton Kutcher) and Emma (Natalie Portman) casual friends from summer camp 15 years ago enter into a strictly physical relationship, but it’s not long before they start wanting something more. This story takes up the age old question; can playing around lead to love?

This R-rated movie is part of the library’s Feature Film Series and is 108 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 Twp. Call 732-657-7600 for more information or go online to theoceancountylibrary.org.

PRESS RELEASE

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

KNITTERS/CROCHETERS GROUP TO HOLD MEETINGS
AT THE MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY

MANCHESTER – The “Chicks with Sticks” knitting and crocheting group meets at the Manchester Branch Library on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 2 pm and additionally, every Wednesday night at 7 pm. It is open to all levels of expertise. Join us to share ideas and patterns as we work on projects, assist one another and form friendships.

Beginners are welcome. There are always experienced people willing to teach! Just bring a pair of #8 straight needles and a ball of yarn to learn knitting. To learn crocheting, bring an H or J hook plus a ball of yarn.

No registration is required for this free program. Call 732-657-7600 for more information. Ask for Joanne Lefand.

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

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Wendi Smolowitz, (732) 657-7600, ext. 4113
wsmolowitz@theoceancountylibrary.org

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY CHESS CLUB TO MEET

MANCHESTER – On Friday, July 15, the Manchester Branch Library will hold a meeting of their newly formed Chess Club at 12:00 noon. Players of all levels are invited to play in the relaxed uncompetitive atmosphere of the library. You will be able to meet others who share your love for the game and teach your skills to beginners. Membership is free. Just bring your chess board!

Please register in advance for this adult program! Call (732) 657-7600 or go online to http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

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

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Sandi Stark, 732.657.7600
sstark@theoceancountylibrary.org

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY TO OFFER
BRAIN JOGGERS PROGRAM

MANCHESTER, NJ – On Monday, July 18, the Brain Joggers class will hold their monthly meeting at the Manchester Library from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Have fun while exercising your brain with our all new games and puzzles!

This program is open to the adult public, free of charge. Please register online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org or call 732.657.7600.

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

Four Press Releases from Stafford branch

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Courtney Nieddu, 609-597-3381
cnieddu@theoceancountylibrary.org

Teen Art Pavilion

MANAHAWKIN – On Tuesday, July 5th, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm, the Stafford Branch invites teen artists to our Art Pavilion. Paint or draw, meet other artists and watch short instructional art videos. We’ll supply paint, brushes, pencils and paper. Please dress appropriately for a potentially messy project
This program is free and open to teens ages 12 to 18. Please register. To register, or for information about the event, visit our website at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org or call us at 609-597-3381. The Stafford Branch is located at 129 N. Main Street in Manahawkin.

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Courtney Nieddu, 609-597-3381
cnieddu@theoceancountylibrary.org

Teen Journaling Workshop

MANAHAWKIN – On Friday, July 1st, from 3 to 4:30 pm, the Stafford Branch is having a journaling workshop for teens. Bring your notebook, journal or diary and your favorite pen and enjoy the relaxing and creative atmosphere of the library as you write the story of you! If you want to journal but need inspiration, we will provide prompts and ideas to get you started.
This program is free and open to teens ages 12 to 18. No registration is necessary. The Stafford Branch is located at 129 N. Main Street in Manahawkin. Information about the event can be found online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org or by phone at 609-597-3381.

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Courtney Nieddu, 609-597-3381
cnieddu@theoceancountylibrary.org

Teen Advisory Board Meeting

MANAHAWKIN – On Thursday, July 7th, the Teen Advisory Board of the Stafford branch is holding its monthly meeting at 6 pm. We will discuss upcoming programs, practice leadership skills, enjoy snacks and have a great time!
The Teen Advisory Board is free and open to teens ages 12-18. No registration is necessary, although an application must be submitted if you decide to join. The Stafford branch is located at 129 N. Main Street in Manahawkin. Information about the event can be found online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org or by phone at 609-597-3381.

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Courtney Nieddu, 609-597-3381
cnieddu@theoceancountylibrary.org

Mother-Daughter Tee-Shirt Reconstruction

MANAHAWKIN – On Friday, July 8th, from 12 to 2:30 pm, the Stafford Branch is presenting a workshop on tee-shirt reconstruction. We will demonstrate a few easy ways to get a unique look while reviving an old tee-shirt. Bring in an old tee-shirt (or a few old tee-shirts!) – we will provide basic sewing supplies as well as materials to help remake your tee. If you have extra fabric, buttons, zippers or other fun craft accessories at home, feel free to bring them in to use along with the supplies we’ll have here.
This program is free and open to teens ages 12 to 18 and their parent or guardian. No sewing skills are necessary. Please register. To register, or for information about the event, visit our website at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org or call us at 609-597-3381. The Stafford Branch is located at 129 N. Main Street in Manahawkin.

Four Press Releases from Manchester branch

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Wendi Smolowitz, (732) 657-7600, ext. 4113
wsmolowitz@theoceancountylibrary.org

WRITER’S CIRCLE TO HOLD MEETINGS
AT THE MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY

MANCHESTER –The Manchester Branch Library’s Writer’s Circle will be holding their semi-monthly meetings on Tuesdays, July 5 and 19 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. During our meetings, we critique each other’s works and discuss issues pertinent to authorship. Participants can receive answers to questions about the writing and publication processes. Learn the steps involved in copyrighting a written work and how to go about finding an agent. Find out how others cope with writer’s block and get feedback on your manuscript before sending it to a publisher.

This program is open to the adult public, free of charge. No need to register in advance.

The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Twp. For more information call 732.657.7600 or go online to http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

PRESS RELEASE

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

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY TO SHOW
“SOMEWHERE”

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

Johnny Marco (Stephen Dorff), a hard-living Hollywood actor re-examines his life after his 11-year-old daughter (Elle Fanning) surprises him with a visit at the legendary Chateau Marmont hotel in Hollywood where he has been living comfortably numbed by a steady supply of drugs and women.

This R-rated movie is part of the library’s Feature Film Series and is 98 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 Twp. Call 732-657-7600 for more information or go online to theoceancountylibrary.org.

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Wendi Smolowitz, (732) 657-7600, ext. 4113
wsmolowitz@theoceancountylibrary.org

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY TO DEMONSTRATE
THE BEST TRAVEL WEBSITES

MANCHESTER – On Monday, July 11 at 11:00 am, the Manchester Branch Library will offer a lecture to show you the most reputable travel websites and teach you how to use them to find fun destinations as well as good deals on airlines, hotels, and more!

This class is being held as part of the travel themed state-wide Adult Summer Reading program, “Novel Destinations.” It is open to individuals already possessing basic online skills. Call (732) 657-7600 or go online to http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org for more information and to register.

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

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Maria Colon, 732.657.7600 Ext. 4524
mcolon@theoceancountylibrary.org

MANCHESTER BRANCH LIBRARY TO RECAP
THE FIRST HALF OF THE 2011 BASEBALL SEASON

MANCHESTER, NJ – On Monday, July 11 at 2:00 pm, connect with fellow baseball fans at the Manchester Branch Library to recap the 2011 Major League Baseball season so far. We will review the predictions we made back in April and debate our predictions as to what the rest of the season will bring and which team will become the next world champions!

Join us as we discuss burning questions like: Will Granderson win MVP? Is Cliff Lee worth the money that Philadelphia is paying him? And, can the Mets survive with Wilpon as the owner?

This program is open to teens and adults, free of charge. Please go online to http://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.