Study for U.S. Citizenship at the Ocean County Library Lakewood Branch

LAKEWOOD TOWNSHIP – People who have emigrated to the United States and wish to become citizens may be eligible for free classes at the Ocean County Library Lakewood Branch, designed to help in passing their naturalization tests.

Registration will begin Thursday, August 1 for classes that will commence Thursday, September 19 and continue each Thursday through November 7. Classes will begin at 6:30 PM and end at 8:30 PM.

To be eligible for the classes, registrants must be qualified immigrants at least 18 years of age. Attendance at all sessions is required. Class size is limited.

For more information or to register for this free series, visit the OCL Lakewood Branch, 301 Lexington Avenue, call (732) 363-1435, extension 2100. The Branch is open 9 AM until 9 PM Mondays through Thursdays, and 9 AM until 5 PM Fridays and Saturdays.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Look Inside Sea Life, Literally: Squid Dissection for Teens at the Ocean County Library

TOMS RIVER – They’re not flashy and they’re kind of squishy, but squid are beautiful in their own way and provide a valuable food chain link that helps our environment. Explore their anatomy during “Squid Dissection for Teens” at three Ocean County Library branches.

• Barnegat Branch – 1 PM Thursday, August 1, 112 Burr Street, (609) 698-3331.
• Island Heights Branch – 3 PM Monday, August 5, Summit Avenue at Central Avenue, (732) 270-6266.
• Stafford Branch – 3 PM Monday, August 12, 129 North Main Street, Manahawkin, (609) 597-3381.

Roll up your sleeves and join staffers from Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Point Pleasant Beach for a fun lab session featuring this species that supports the life cycles of many fish, marine mammals and sea birds, and is rich in vitamin and mineral content for humans.

The teen-oriented programs will appeal especially to students in STEM and STEAM curricula. Specimens might cause exposure to potential allergens.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclSquid for any one of these three free programs. For more information, stop by or call either participating OCL branch or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Save the Date! Saturday, October 19 Ocean County Library Autumn Autism Resources Fair

LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Did you find the resources you need at the Ocean County Library’s Spring Autism Resources Fair? Did you miss it? Looking for more? We hear you, and we’re here for you. OCL’s Autumn Autism Resources Fair will take place in the Little Egg Harbor Branch, 10 AM to 3 PM Saturday, October 19.

Stop in for information from local, Ocean County, and New Jersey autism-related organizations. Bring the children – we’ll have activities to brighten their day. There will be light refreshments, too.

OCL’s Autism Resources Fairs are sponsored by the Ocean County Library Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that enhances Library services, programs and facilities in support of OCL’s commitment to community engagement.

For more information, stop by the OCL Little Egg Harbor Branch, 290 Mathistown Road, call (609) 294-1197 or visit https://theoceancountylibrary.org/autism.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Swing into ‘A Night at the Copa’ at Ocean County Library Jackson Branch

JACKSON TOWNSHIP – Travel back to the era of fashionable night spots and memorable music. Join the versatile duo of singer Deb Lyons and pianist John Bianculli for “A Night at the Copa: Swinging Songs of the ‘60s” at the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch, 6:30 PM Thursday, August 1.

The duo will perform “The Man That Got Away,” “That’s Life,” “I Love Being Here With You,” and more classics made famous by Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, and others in the pop music pantheon.

Deb Lyons is familiar to theatergoers for her starring role in the Broadway and West End productions of Smokey Joe’s Café, her portrayal of “Lucy” in the first national tour of Jekyll & Hyde, and roles in Hairspray, Side by Side by Sondheim, and many others.

She toured as a member of The Mamas & The Papas with founders John Phillips and Denny Doherty, has sung with the Ottawa Symphony, and has performed alongside Rick Springfield, Carrie Underwood, The Chieftains, Martha Reeves, and many others. Her CD Dream a Little is available on iTunes and deblyonsmusic.com.

Pianist John Bianculli, founder of the New Brunswick Jazz Collective, scored the film Lit’l Boy Grown. He has opened for Céline Dion and has accompanied jazz stars such as Jeanie Bryson, Steve Nelson, Regina Belle, Bobby Watson, and Cassandra Wilson.

John appeared in United Nations concerts honoring Lionel Richie and PBS’s Judy Woodruff, and has filled clubs including the Blue Note, Jazzmania, and the Rainbow Room in New York, as well as Washington D.C.’s One Step Down and Blues Alley.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclJACopa for this free program, sponsored by Jackson Friends of the Library.

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through programs, fundraisers and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Applications can be found at all OCL branches and reading centers and at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends.

For more information, visit the OCL Jackson Branch, 2 Jackson Drive, call (732) 928-4400 or visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Be a Super Sleuth: “Gotham Detective for Teens” at The Ocean County Library

TOMS RIVER – There’s a notorious criminal on the loose! Can you piece together the evidence to stop the nefarious mastermind? Dig into “Forensic Science: Gotham Detective for Teens,” Tuesday, August 6 at three Ocean County Library branches.

• Lakewood Branch – 10 AM, 301 Lexington Avenue, (732) 363-1435. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclLakLsc. 
• Point Pleasant Beach Branch – 2 PM, 710 McLean Avenue, (732) 892-4575. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclPLsc .
• Brick Branch – 4:30 PM, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, (732) 477-4513. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclBrickLsc.

Staffers of the Liberty Science Center will guide you through the “investigation.” Spot and collect evidence, harness technology to analyze your findings, and build your case to foil the “criminal” before it’s too late!

Liberty Science Center, in Jersey City’s Liberty State Park, features programs that bring fun to the study of biology, technology, marine life, animation, archaeology, engineering and more.

This free program will appeal especially to teens in STEM and STEAM curricula. To learn more, stop by or call a participating OCL branch or visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

See & Hear True WWII Saga at the Ocean County Library Manchester Branch

MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP – A U.S. Army Air Force crew in World War II faces mortal peril when their B-17 is attacked and plummets into occupied France. It is up to them to avoid capture. A movie plot? No, it’s all true. Join us for “Escape from Behind Enemy Lines” at the Ocean County Library Manchester Branch, 7 PM Monday, August 5.

History teacher and lecturer Rick Feingold will provide the gripping account of the desperation his father, Lieutenant Louis Feingold, and his comrades endured when their bomber was attacked and shot down by seven German fighter planes.

The junior officer, who flew 21 bombing missions for the USAAF, was the navigator aboard the ill-fated aircraft. Rick will re-create his father’s arduous journey to safety using letters, maps, photos and the Lieutenant’s original false identification documents.

During the program you will become familiar with the Shelburne Line, the French Resistance network that located, hid and engineered the transport of 136 downed airmen to England in 1943-44.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclMaEscape for this free program sponsored by the Friends of the Manchester Branch.

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through programs, fundraising and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Application forms are available at all Library branches and reading centers and at https://theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends.

For more information, stop by the OCL Manchester Branch, 21 Colonial Drive, call (732) 657-7600 or visit https://theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Ocean County Library Jackson Branch Closed for HVAC Repairs

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County Library’s Jackson Branch will be temporarily closed due to failure of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system.

The Library anticipates reopening to the public within the next two weeks. There will be updates about the status of the branch available on our website and via social media.

Items awaiting pickup at the Jackson Branch will be transferred as of July 9 to the OCL Manchester Branch, 21 Colonial Drive, (732) 657-7600, or at any branch that a patron wishes to request due to the closure.

All items on hold for customers will be extended through Monday, July 22. Jackson Branch patrons may return borrowed items to on-site drop boxes, or to any OCL branch.
 
Patrons who wish to send their holds to an alternate location or who have general questions may call the Library’s main number, (732) 349-6200.

Patrons of the Jackson branch are welcome to visit our other Library locations to check out books and materials or attend programs. An Ocean County Library card may be used at all OCL locations.

Patrons may also access the Library’s online resources, databases, eBooks, eMagazines, video and audio streams and digital classes, available continuously at https://theoceancountylibrary.org.

Keep up with Library programs and events at https://theoceancountylibrary.org and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Go Around the World in Stories at the Ocean County Library Plumsted Branch

PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP – Travel through places and time without leaving your seat. Enjoy “Multicultural Stories from Around the World” by renowned Storyteller Michelle Washington Wilson at the Ocean County Library Plumsted Branch, 2:30 PM Thursday, August 1.

Bring the family to hear Michelle spin classic and original tales that reflect our world’s diversity and commonalities through folklore and legend. This program for everyone age 2 and up will delight the young and the young at heart.

Now in her fourth decade as a Motivational Storyteller, Michelle Washington Wilson is an active member of the New Jersey Storytelling Network (NJSN) and the National Association of Black Storytellers (NABS).

In 2023, the Newtonville native and Monmouth University alumna was named one of four prominent “Women Who Tell Our Stories” by the Atlantic County Advisory Commission on Women. She is featured in Legendary Locals of the Pine Barrens of New Jersey and Small Towns, Black Lives, available at the Ocean County Library.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclPlStories for this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Plumsted Branch, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, call (609) 758-7888, or visit https://theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Your Future Starts Here! ‘Ready, Set, College’ at the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch

LACEY TOWNSHIP – Teens and adults preparing for higher education can obtain essential, reliable information during “Ready, Set, College” at the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch. Representatives of Ocean County College, Stockton University and Monmouth University will guide you to your next level of learning.

• “Community College for Students with Disabilities” – 3 PM Thursday, August 1. A representative of Ocean County College’s Office of Disability Services will share details about eligibility requirements and how to secure accommodations during transition to OCC. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclOccLacey. 
• “College Application Session” – 6 PM Monday, August 12. A representative of Stockton University will offer an overview of college and financial aid application procedures. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/LaceyOclSU. 
• “Navigating College Financial Aid and the EOF Program” – 3 PM Thursday, August 15. The Assistant Director of Monmouth University’s Undergraduate Admissions will discuss how to apply for college financial aid and New Jersey’s Educational Opportunity Fund. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclMULacey.

For more information about the series, stop by the OCL Lacey Branch, 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River, call (609) 693-8566 or visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

Sample Chef Brian Cook’s Summer Snacks At the Ocean County Library

TOMS RIVER – Want to impress your guests with some new tasty light bites? Learn the art of seasonal summer snack making from Chef Brian Cook during his cooking demonstrations at six Ocean County Library branches:

• Point Pleasant Beach Branch – 2 PM Wednesday, July 24, 710 McLean Avenue, (732) 892-4575. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclPCook. 
• Lacey Branch – 2 PM Wednesday, July 31, 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River, (609) 693-8566. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclLaceyCook. 
• Point Pleasant Borough Branch – 2 PM Thursday, September 5, 834 Beaver Dam Road, (732) 295-1555. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclPXCook. 
• Plumsted Branch – 2 PM Monday, September 9, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, (609) 758-7888. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclPLCook. 
• Lakewood Branch – 2 PM Monday, September 16, 301 Lexington Avenue (732) 363-1435. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclLAKCook. 
• Upper Shores Branch – 2 PM Wednesday, September 25, 112 Jersey City Avenue. Lavallette, (732) 793-3996. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclUPCook.

Watch, learn and taste as Chef Cook conjures up savory snacks with fresh, wholesome seasonal ingredients.  Pick up some clever kitchen hacks. Then try the recipes at home. The ingredients may contain potential allergens.

As Executive Chef of Toms River-based Heavenly Eats Catering, Brian keeps in touch with followers through his blog on the company’s website and Facebook posts and shares recipes on YouTube’s Heavenly Eats TV.

For more information, stop by or call any participating OCL branch, call (732) 349-6200 or visit https://theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.