Tap into Your Creative Side with “Art for the Non-Artist” at the Jackson Branch of the Ocean County Library

JACKSON – Have you always wanted to draw but never knew where to start? Learn foundational drawing skills and techniques with Jenny Santa Maria from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Jackson Branch of the Ocean County Library.

This session will provide a supportive, step-by-step environment where everyone is guided to create with confidence. It will equip you with foundational observational drawing skills and leave you with a stunning, realistic feather drawing you will be proud to showcase. Using Prismacolor pencils, you’ll learn techniques to bring depth and detail to your work in a supportive and encouraging environment – even if you’ve never taken an art class before.

Jenny Santa Maria is a Teaching Artist and Art Coach who specializes in creative empowerment workshops designed to awaken artistic confidence in people of all backgrounds and abilities. With a Master’s Degree in Special Education and over a decade of experience in arts education, Jenny brings a warm, accessible approach to drawing, folk arts, and meditative practices.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/NonArtistJA, visit the branch at 2 Jackson Drive, or call 732-928-4400.

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

Be Well-Bred in Bread: “Is Sourdough Enough” at the Ocean County Library LBI Branch

SURF CITY – The health benefits of sourdough bread attest to its popularity. But how can you be sure that the loaf you’re buying is the real thing? Join internationally renowned artisan baker Rafael Morillo for “Is Sourdough Enough?” at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch, 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7.

Sourdough bread is often cited for its digestive advantages, high B-vitamin count, low gluten and glycemic content and support of healthy joints and skin. However, broad regulatory boundaries mean variable levels of quality and nutritional value.

Rafael Morillo, technical baker for trade-based MKT Eatery and Agnello’s Café in Manahawkin, Harvey Cedars and Barnegat Light, will help you to be a better-informed consumer, penetrate label hyperbole and get sourdough’s full nutritional advantages.

Through Rafael’s combination of science and craft, you’ll become aware of the sourdough baking method’s benefits and also of significant points to keep in mind when choosing bread for yourself and your family.

Please register at tinyurl.com/SourdoughLBI to attend this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL LBI Branch, 217 South Centeral Ave., Surf City, call 609-494-2480, or visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events.

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

Out of Sight Alpacas Coming to the Lakewood Branch of the Ocean County Library

LAKEWOOD – The Lakewood Branch of the Ocean County Library is excited to host a program by Out of Sight Alpacas at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3.

Out of Sight Alpacas will bring live animals to teach all about alpacas and other animals one could see at their farm. In addition to alpacas, they also raise pigs, emus, rabbits, and turkeys. This engaging program is sure to captivate the entire family.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/AlpacasLAK, visit the branch at 301 Lexington Road, or call 732-363-1465. Registration opens September 15.

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

Learn the Importance of Employment for Teens and Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disability at Ocean County College

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library is proud to present “Employment and an Overview of the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities” at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 at Ocean County College in the Larson Student Center during the college’s Disability Job and Employment Resource Fair.

During this workshop, you will learn how the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (NJ DDD) can prepare intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals to enter the workforce. The presenter will provide an overview of the various employment-related services that the NJ DDD offers. The workshop will be led by Alyssa Lacey, Transition and Employment Specialist, Office of Transition to Adult Life and Employment, NJ DDD, Northern Regional Office.

This event is sponsored by the Ocean County Library, Ocean County College, Ocean County Department of Human Services, and Waters & Sims Supported Employment Services.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/EmploymentNJDDD, or call 732-349-6200.

This program is part of the “Navigating Life with Intellectual and Developmental Disability: Teen and Adult Services Series.” Other upcoming programs in this series include:

“Let’s Talk Friendships and Dating!” 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street

“Community College for Students with Disabilities” 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street

In addition to these programs, the Ocean County Library will be hosting its Autism Resources Fair: Spotlight on Teen and Adult Services from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Lacey Branch, 10 East Lacey Road, 609-693-8566. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet representatives of support coordination agencies, day programs, and other organizations. Registration is not required to attend.

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

Learn About Employment Services for Disabled Individuals at Ocean County College

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library is proud to present “Employment: an Overview of Services Provided by the NJ DVRS” at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 at Ocean County College in the Larson Student Center during the college’s Disability Job and Employment Resource Fair.

This workshop will provide an overview of the employment assistance services that the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (NJ DVRS) offers disabled individuals. Learn how vocational rehabilitation counselors can assist you with preparing for and obtaining employment. It will be presented by Kathleen Space, Manager, NJ DVRS.

This event is sponsored by the Ocean County Library, Ocean County College, Ocean County Department of Human Services, and Waters & Sims Supported Employment Services.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/EmploymentNJDVRS, or call 732-349-6200.

This program is part of the “Navigating Life with Intellectual and Developmental Disability: Teen and Adult Services Series.” Other upcoming programs in this series include:

• “Let’s Talk Friendships and Dating!” 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street
• “Community College for Students with Disabilities” 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street

In addition to these programs, the Ocean County Library will be hosting its Autism Resources Fair: Spotlight on Teen and Adult Services from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Lacey Branch, 10 East Lacey Road, 609-693-8566. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet representatives of support coordination agencies, day programs, and other organizations. Registration is not required to attend.

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 How Verdi Revolutionized Opera at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch

SURF CITY – In one amazing two-year burst of inspiration, Giuseppe Verdi composed three of the world’s most beloved operas that set a new path for the art form and secured his place in the opera pantheon. Maestro Robert Butts will discuss “Verdi’s Trilogy: Il Trovatore, Rigoletto and La Traviata,” 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 8 at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch.

Maestro Butts will discuss the importance of these masterpieces to Verdi’s career and to the international opera world. The discussion of these pivotal works is a worthy introduction to the worldwide 2026 celebrations of Verdi’s life and career.

Debuting between 1851 and 1853, Verdi’s works quickly became audience favorites for their individual feelings, settings, characterizations, and aesthetics. To this day, their popularity remains as strong as it was 170 years ago.

Il Trovatore is rooted in the bel canto traditions popularized by Bellini and Donizetti. Rigoletto captures the romantic fervor of the 19th century. La Traviata is an early example of the growing trend towards realism. Maestro Butts has conducted Il Trovatore in Constanta, Romania and he conducted Rigoletto and La Traviata here in New Jersey, in concert and staged productions.

Please register at tinyurl.com/VerdiLBI to attend this free program sponsored by the Italian Cultural Society of LBI.

For more information, visit the OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, or call (609) 494-2480. See the full schedule of Library programs in the online Calendar of Events.

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

Decades of Dance for Adults with Special Challenges: Celebrating 100 Years of the Ocean County Library

TOMS RIVER – Adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers are invited to the Toms River Branch to celebrate the Ocean County Library’s 100th Anniversary through dance at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sep. 30.

DJ DanceMaur will guide participants as they dance through the decades and rock out with crafts, trivia, and decade-themed fun.

Space will be provided for those who wish to bring their own bagged lunches. Light snacks and refreshments will also be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be aware of potential food allergens.

This program is part of our system-wide 100th Anniversary Celebration sponsored by the Ocean County Library Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization now in its 24th year of enhancing services and opportunities to all Library users. Members raise funds and seek grants to support non-traditional Library programs and services.

Participants must sign a waiver in order to participate.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/DecadesDanceTR, 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.

Achieve Financial Fitness at the Jackson Branch of the Ocean County Library

JACKSON – Looking to organize your finances? The Jackson Branch of the Ocean County Library will host “Achieving Financial Fitness” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6.

Join Laura Reeves, Certified Financial Planner, Certified Retirement Planning Counselor, and local business owner for this fun and interactive program. Helpful topics and tools will include maintaining and removing obsolete documents and avoiding being a victim of fraud.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/FinancialJA, visit the branch at 2 Jackson Drive, or call 732-928-4400.

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

Victorian Tea Fundraiser for the Friends of the Upper Shores Branch of the Ocean County Library

TOMS RIVER – Join the Friends of the Upper Shores Branch at the Mathis House in Toms River for an afternoon tea from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sep. 24. Proceeds from this ticketed event will benefit the Friends of the Upper Shores Branch.

The ticket cost is $50 and includes a cup of soup, garden salad, warm scones with clotted cream and lemon curd, an assortment of tea sandwiches, a plate of miniature desserts, and a full pot of gourmet tea per person. A complimentary glass of champagne will be provided with each seat. Wear your best hat for a change to win lunch at the Mathis House.

Attendees must register in person at the Upper Shores Branch with exact change or a check made out to the Friends of the Upper Shores Branch. The branch is located at 112 Jersey City Ave., Lavallette, 732-793-3996. Mathis House is located at 600 Main Street, Toms River, 732-818-7580.

The Library Friends are a vital community resource that provides local support for Ocean County Library’s branches. Friends groups fundraise with book sales, dine to donate programs, bling sales, bus trips, and other activities. Funds are used to expand programming at branches and support ongoing projects. Our members advocate within their communities for the library by attending community and civic events and supporting the public library mission for Freedom to Read and Access to Information.

Are you interested in becoming a Friend and supporting your local library? Visit theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends/membership to fill out a membership form today.

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

Get a Lesson in Roman Dining at the Ocean County Library

SURF CITY – You are invited to take a culinary adventure back in time and enter the world of ancient roman food and dining. The Long Beach Island Branch of the Ocean County Library will host “Have a Seat at Caesar’s Table: A Lesson in Roman Dining” at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sep. 24. Explore recent fascinating food finds from Pompeii and learn about Apicius, the famed Roman gourmand.

Colleen Boueil, a retired high school Latin teacher and classicist, will provide interesting insight into the ancient Roman table and dining protocols. A Jersey Shore native, Colleen Boueil holds two degrees in classical languages, resided in France for six years and spent 26 years teaching high school Latin.

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

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