Ocean County Health Department Vaccine Clinic Coming to Ocean County Library Branches

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Health Department will be offering seasonal influenza (flu) vaccines for for the 2025-26 season to all residents one year and older free of charge at several branches of the Ocean County Library.

Clinics will take place at the following locations and dates:

• Oct. 14, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Berkeley Branch – 30 Station Road, 732-269-2144
• Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Toms River Branch – 101 Washington Street, 732-349-6200
• Nov. 6, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Brick Branch – 301 Chambers Bridge Road, 732-477-4513
• Nov. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Jackson Branch – 2 Jackson Drive, 732-928-4400
• Dec. 2, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Plumsted Branch – 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, 609-758-7888
• Dec. 3, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Lacey Branch – 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River, 609-693-8566

Visit oceancountyhealth.gov for more information and to register for an appointment. Questions about vaccines can be directed to 732-341-9700 x. 7290.

Please be prepared to wait 15 minutes after your vaccine. If you are not feeling well, consider rescheduling your appointment.

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.

Meet Mayor Douglas Vitale at the Point Pleasant Beach Branch of the Ocean County Library

POINT PLEASANT – Residents of Point Pleasant Beach, would you like an opportunity to speak with Mayor Douglas Vitale in an intimate and personal setting? The Point Pleasant Beach Branch of the Ocean County Library will host a “Meet the Mayor” event at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13.

In keeping with his plan to “foster open and transparent communication with the residents, taxpayers, and visitors,” Mayor Vitale will sit down with the community to answer questions, provide updates to town projects, and share information about future town plans.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/PBMayorOct25, visit the branch at 710 McLean Avenue, or call 732-892-4575.

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 “the Dirt on Houseplants” at the Stafford Branch of the Ocean County Library

MANAHAWKIN – Interested in owning your own houseplants? The Stafford Branch of the Ocean County Library will host “The Dirt on Houseplants” at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13.

Dr. S. Ann Earon, certified Rutgers Master Gardener of Ocean County, will discuss the different types of houseplants and which are the most successful. She will also discuss what plants need to survive, potting plants, plant maintenance, propagation, and the most common houseplant problems and trends. Dr. Earon has learned that success in gardening is enhanced with time, money, and the willingness to toss a plant if it does not thrive.

Attendees may bring their own soil, plant samples, and questions as this program takes place during the branch’s biweekly “Ask a Master Gardener” diagnostic clinic, which takes place 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/HouseplantsSTF, visit the branch at 129 North Main Street, Manahawkin, or call 609-597-3381.

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.

Celebrate Day of the Dead at the Waretown Branch of the Ocean County Library

WARETOWN – Do you know what Day of the Dead is, when it takes place, and where it is celebrated? Find out these tidbits and more at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Waretown Branch of the Ocean County Library.

Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a lively celebration honoring life, blending ancient Aztec and Spanish Catholic traditions. This is the day when families honor their deceased love ones.

Join us for a delightful experience as we immerse ourselves in the stories and images from Oaxaca, explore ofrendas, and taste some pan de muerto (bread of the dead) with hot chocolate. This program is for all ages.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/WaretownDia, visit the branch at 112 Main Street, or call 609-693-5133. Registration opens Sep. 27.

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.

Hear Stories of Latinos and Latinas Who Have Shaped the United States with Smithsonian Educators in Virtual Talk

TOMS RIVER – Join us in a virtual conversation with Smithsonian professionals as they talk about the book Nuestra América and highlight inspiring stories of Latinos throughout US history at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2.

Smithsonian professionals Adrián Aldaba and Emily Key will discuss the incredible contributions of these Latinos to the cultural, social, and political character of the United States. The stories in Nuestra América: 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States cover each figure’s cultural background and childhood, and their contributions to American history.

Featuring beautifully illustrated portraits by Gloria Felix, this is a book that children and adults will page through and learn from again and again. A must have for every school and home library to help students understand the American story.

Adrián Aldaba is the national programs manager for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino. Emily Key is the assistant director of Learning and Public Engagement at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino.

Nustra América is available for free for Ocean County Library cardholders through our catalog. Visit tinyurl.com/NuestraOCL  to request a copy.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/NuestraAmericaOCL, or visit or call your local Ocean County Library branch.

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

What Skills Can You Teach Your Child with Autism? Find Out at the Ocean County Library!

TOMS RIVER – Parents of children with autism can face many challenges throughout their child’s development. You may wonder what can you, as a parent and caregiver, do to increase their progress. Find out during the program, “What Skills Can YOU Teach Your Child with Autism?” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library.

Learn how you can work with your child and determine which skills are the most important to work on with Joanna Scialabba. Scialabba, Special Education Teacher, BCBA, and Owner of Coastal Kids Learning Center, will address these questions during this workshop geared toward parents of young children. Learn how you can be your child’s most influential teacher during this pivotal time of their life.

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

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

Discover the Magic of Lionel Toy Trains at the Stafford Branch of the Ocean County Library

MANAHAWKIN – The American Historical Theater’s Neill Hartley will portray Joshua Lionel Cowen for you to experience the magic of toy trains during the program, “Friend’s Adventure: The Magic of Lionel” at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9.

Neill Hartley is Joshua Lionel Cowen in this magical one-man show about the founding and history of one of the greatest toy companies ever created. Follow his climb to the top of the toy industry, as he creates Lionel Toy Trains, one of the most beloved and successful toy companies of all time. Experience the magic of toy trains and the timeless pleasure of model railroading. Learn about Joshua Lionel Cowen’s incredible skill at marketing with indelible images that have helped sell over 50 million train sets and more than 300 miles of track each year.

Neill Hartley has presented his one-man shows for hundreds of groups. Fully-staged presentations are sure to delight and entertain audiences of all ages. Hartley also performs as Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, P.T. Barnum, Charles Lindbergh, and more.

This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Stafford Library. Friends are volunteers who support the Library through programs, fundraisers and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Application forms are available at all OCL branches and on the OCL website.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/LionelSTF, visit the branch at 129 North Main Street, Manahawkin, or call 609-597-3381.

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

Hear Travel Tales, Insights, and Misadventures at the LBI Branch of the Ocean County Library

SURF CITY – Writer, traveler, and artist Jill DeFelice will share her insights, misadventures and love of travel during “A Battered Suitcase and a Sense of Humor” at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Long Beach Island Branch of the Ocean County Library.

Imagine packing up two toddlers and a barrage of suitcases and moving halfway around the world to a country where no one speaks English and nothing is familiar. Then imagine this crazy adventure for over 20 years! Jill DeFelice will discuss the hilarious and challenging life as an expatriate in China, Russia, and Poland. Questions from the audience will be welcome.

This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Island Library. Friends are volunteers who support the Library through programs, fundraisers and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Application forms are available at all OCL branches and on the OCL website.

Registration is required for this program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/DeFeliceOCL, visit the branch at 217 South Central Ave., Surf City, or call 609-494-2480. Registration opens Sep. 18.

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

Explore Daring Heists and Lovable Outcasts in YA Fantasy Fiction with Leigh Bardugo

TOMS RIVER – Fans of the fantasy genre will not want to miss a virtual author talk by Leigh Bardugo at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, presented by the Ocean County Library.

Since publishing in 2015, Leigh Bardugo’s highly popular Six of Crows has taken the world of YA literature by storm. The complex fantasy setting, thoughtfully structured magic system, and morally grey characters all collide in a world you won’t want to leave. Join us as we pick the brain of the New York Times bestselling author, celebrating the release of Six of Crows (The Dregs Edition).

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction – if they don’t kill each other first.

In celebration of its decade-old status the duology will be rerelease in special Dregs Edition paperback copies featuring beautiful new cover art by Harol Bustos, black stained edges, and updated maps.

Leigh Bardugo is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Familiar, Ninth House and the creator of the Grishaverse (now a Netflix original series) which spans the Shadow and Bone trilogy, the Six of Crows duology, the King of Scars duology, and much more.

Six of Crows is available to Ocean County Library cardholders in various formats for free. Visit tinyurl.com/SixOfCrowsOCL to request a copy.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/BardugoOCL, call 732-349-6200, or visit your local OCL branch. Register today to take part in the adventure.

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