Ocean County Library November 7 Delayed Opening

TOMS RIVER – All branches of the Ocean County Library will open at 1 p.m. Friday, November 7 to accommodate the library’s annual Staff In-Service Training.

Library patrons are welcome to use OCL’s online resources, databases, eMagazines, eBooks, video and audio streams, and digital classes at theoceancountylibrary.org.

OCL turns 100 this year and you’re why we’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

“A Local Tale of Legendary Hessian Island” Coming to Plumsted Library

PLUMSTED – Fans of local history will not want to miss “A Local Tale of Legendary Hessian Island” at 12 p.m. Saturday, November 8 at the Plumsted Branch of the Ocean County Library.

Local author William J. Lewis will tell this tale from his bestselling book South Jersey Legends & Lore: Tales from the Pine Barrens and Beyond, making it an afternoon of American Revolutionary marvels, pine robber pirates, and a hunt for buried treasure. Lewis’s books will be available for purchase at this event.

This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Plumsted Library.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/HessianOCL, call 609-758-7888, or visit the branch at 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt.

OCL turns 100 this year and you’re why we’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

Get to Know the Bear Facts at the Toms River Library

TOMS RIVER – Did you know that black bears have been sighted in all 21 counties in New Jersey? Do you know what to do if you encounter a bear in the wild? Children and families are invited to attend “Know the Bear Facts: Black Bears in New Jersey” at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, November 8 at the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish and Wildlife will provide an overview of the natural history and biology of bears in the Garden State. They will provide practical information and tips for coexisting with bears so that bears do not become a nuisance in the neighborhood.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/BearsOCL, call 732-349-6200, or visit the branch at 101 Washington Street. Registration opens October 25. Please register each child individually, and ages 6 to 12 with their families.

OCL turns 100 this year and you’re why we’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

Ocean County Library’s 8th Annual Autism Resources Fair Coming to Lacey Branch

FORKED RIVER – The Ocean County Library will be hosting its 8th Annual Autism Resources Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 8 at its Lacey Branch.

Families affected by autism and other developmental disabilities will be able to meet representatives of state, county, and local organizations. This event will focus on groups that serve teens and adults.

Learn about the programs whose mission is to support your loved ones as they navigate adulthood. Support coordination agencies, residential services, day programs, employment assistance programs, and other agencies will be available. The Fair will also include an appearance by balloon artist Debby Pease, therapy dogs, a coloring activity, and light refreshments.

The Ocean County Library’s Autism Resources Fair is generously sponsored by the Ocean County Library Foundation.

This program is free and does not require registration to attend.

OCL turns 100 this year and you’re why we’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

Learn How to Play the Ukulele at the Ocean County Library

TOMS RIVER – Have you ever had an interest in learning the ukulele? Now is your chance to receive a free introductory course. The Ocean County Library will host “Uke Can Do It” beginner-friendly ukulele courses designed for seniors at multiple OCL branches.

This program will take place at the following dates and locations:

• Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. – Lacey Branch, 10 East Lacey Rd., Forked River, 609-693-8566
• Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. – Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, 732-349-6200
• Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. – Berkeley Branch, 30 Station Road, 732-369-2144

Whether you are new to music or looking to pick up a new hobby, music teacher Joe Brausam will guide you step-by-step through the basics of playing the ukulele, including simple chords, strumming techniques, and easy songs to get you started.

Registration is required for these free programs. To register, visit tinyurl.com/UkeOCL, or call or visit the OCL branch of your choice.

OCL turns 100 this year and you’re why we’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

“Fun with Magic for Adults with Special Challenges” Coming to Ocean County Library Toms River Branch

TOMS RIVER – Join us for an exciting, interactive magic show filled with colorful comedy and surprises! The Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library will host “Fun with Magic for Adults with Special Challenges” at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 5.

This lively performance will combine laughter and fun while highlighting the library, the magic of books, and the power of reading. Come enjoy a magical experience that entertains and inspires.

This program is sponsored by the Ocean County Library’s Serving Adults with Special Challenges Workgroup.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/MagicFunOCL, call 732-349-6200, or visit the branch at 101 Washington Street. Registration opens October 22.

OCL turns 100 this year and you’re why we’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

Find Bereavement Support at the Ocean County Library Brick Branch

BRICK – The holidays can be an immensely difficult time for those experiencing the loss of a loved one. Join an Affinity Care social worker at the Brick Branch of the Ocean County Library for a four-part bereavement group centered around coping with grief and loss during the holiday and winter season. The sessions will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 12, 19, and December 3.

The goal of these sessions is to create a warm, safe space for sharing and to provide educational opportunities related to normalizing the grieving process.

Registration is required once for this free four-week session. To register, visit tinyurl.com/BereavementBrickOCL, call 732-477-4513, or stop by the branch at 301 Chambers Bridge Road.

OCL turns 100 this year and you’re why we’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

“Understanding Medicare Part D” Coming to LBI Library

SURF CITY – Medicare can be complex and confusing. This is why the Long Beach Island Branch of the Ocean County Library will host “Understanding Medicare Part D” at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 5.

Join us for a special session where a Medicare expert from the Ocean County Office of Senior Services will clarify all the ins and outs of Medicare Part D. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Island Library.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/MedicareLBI, call 609-494-2480, or visit the branch at 217 S. Central Ave., Surf City.

OCL turns 100 this year and you’re why we’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and www.theoceancountylibrary.org. 

Experience Redhawk Native American Song and Dance at the Ocean County Library

TOMS RIVER – Experience Indigenous dance, music, storytelling, and traditional arts this November at the Ocean County Library. “Redhawk Native American Song and Dance” will take place at multiple OCL branches in honor of American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.

This program will take place at the following dates and locations:

• Monday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. – Mayo Park Center, 501 Beacon Ave, Beachwood, 732-244-4573
• Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. – Long Beach Island Branch, 217 S. Central Ave., Surf City, 609-494-2480
• Monday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. – Point Pleasant Beach Branch, 710 McLean Ave., 732-892-4575
• Thursday, Nov. 13  at 7 p.m. – Manchester Branch, 21 Colonial Drive, 732-657-7600

Through sharing traditional performances and art, this program seeks to educate its audience about the history of Indigenous cultures and who they are today. Join us for an engaging performance that helps break stereotypes and allow for a greater understanding of the diverse traditions of Indigenous people.

Registration is required for these free programs. To register, visit tinyurl.com/RedhawkOCL, or call or visit the branch of your choice.

OCL turns 100 this year and you’re why we’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity with Award-Winning Journalist Joseph Lee

TOMS RIVER – You’re invited to learn from journalist and author Joseph Lee as he chats about his stirring memoir, Nothing More of This Land: Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity, during a virtual author talk at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 5.

Nothing More of This Land explores Indigenous identity in proximity to land that serves as an iconic vacationing spot for the wealthy – the “island paradise” Martha’s Vineyard. Starting with the story of his own tribe, which is from the iconic Martha’s Vineyard, Lee tackles key questions around Indigenous identity and the stubborn legacy of colonialism.

Lee weaves his own story – and that of his family – with conversations with Indigenous leaders, artists, and scholars from around the world. About everything from culture and language to climate change and the politics of belonging. As he unpacks the meaning of Indigenous identity, Lee grants us a new understanding of our nation and what a better community might look like.

Nothing More of This Land is available to Ocean County Library cardholders for free in various formats. Visit tinyurl.com/NothingMoreOCL to request a copy today.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/JosephLeeOCL, call 732-349-6200, or visit your local OCL branch.

OCL turns 100 this year and you’re why we’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and www.theoceancountylibrary.org.