Teens, Expand Your Horizons in Ocean County Library’s 2024 S.A.I.L. Program

TOMS RIVER – Attention teens: The perfect opportunity to share your talents, broaden your knowledge and help your community is here. Beginning May 1, the Ocean County Library will accept applications for the 2024 Service and Achievement in the Library (S.A.I.L.) program.

S.A.I.L is open to teens who are entering eighth grade and older. You’ll learn library functions, take part in projects, and develop your people skills. S.A.I.L. is a great way to earn community service hours and a terrific addition to your résumé or CV.

Positions are limited in number and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Virtual options will be at the discretion of each branch teen services librarian. Please contact your local branch teen services librarian with your questions and concerns.

Applications at https://theoceancountylibrary.org/teens/SAIL go live at 9 AM Wednesday, May 1. To register, complete and submit the form by your local branch’s deadline. See all about it on YouTube.

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

Celebrate India’s History and Culture at the Ocean County Library Berkeley Branch

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP – Take part in a unique interactive showcase of India’s diverse and vibrant culture. Join us for “Celebrate India: Past and Present” at the Ocean County Library Berkeley Branch, 2 PM Saturday, May 18.

The fun, all-ages presentation by New Jersey-based Enjoy Explore India highlights colorful, distinctive art, apparel, music and dance for a culturally uplifting experience.

View a vivid display of richly textured fabric wall hangings that represent various Indian states. Let the unique folk art inspire you to create a beautiful craft with authentic Indian art materials.

Try on exquisite, brilliant traditional costumes and jewelry while you enjoy a dance demonstration to the rhythm of Bollywood music. Dress up like a Bollywood celebrity, then capture your memorable experience with family and friends in a fun photo booth.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclBerkeleyIndia for this free program, generously sponsored by the Ocean County Library Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 organization that raises funds to support and enhance services for Library patrons.

For more information, stop by the OCL Berkeley Branch, 30 Station Road, Bayville, call (732) 269-2144, or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

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Say Cheese! Become a Fromage Aficionado at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP – Cheese is much more than a dairy staple or garnish. Each variety has its own traits, and serving it well is an art. Become a turophile during “Shred, Crumble and Grind: Cheese with Chef Andreas” at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch, 10 AM Wednesday, May 1.

Chef Andreas of Mensa in Long Beach will create an unforgettable experience, describing various flavor profiles and textures that give each type its own distinctive qualities.

You’ll become familiar with ways to create perfect pairings and you’ll have an opportunity to sample an array of delectable cheesy treats. Please note that samples contain dairy components including lactose.

Mensa is approaching its first anniversary as “The Only 100% Gluten-Free Restaurant on Long Beach Island.” Chef Andreas earned his Culinary Arts degree at Penn State’s Pennsylvania College of Technology and became a caterer in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York before founding the restaurant with his brothers.

The chef says that he loves his work and his surroundings. “I practice pulling and stretching mozzarella in the shop in my free time,” he said. When he’s not creating treats, “I enjoy riding my bike when it’s sunny,” he added, “and I do enjoy art, kinda like food.”

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclStaffordAndreas for this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Stafford Branch, 129 North Main Street, Manahawkin, call (609) 597-3381 or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

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Ocean County Library Announces Closure for Staff Development Day

TOMS RIVER – All branches and reading centers of the Ocean County Library will be closed Friday, May 10, for the Library’s annual Staff Development Day.

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

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

Experience Elvis’s Skyrocket to Stardom at the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch

LACEY TOWNSHIP – Few entertainers can rival Elvis Presley’s three-year meteoric rise from a raw, rowdy rocker to a global superstar. Watch as Elvis tribute performer Ruben Castillo brings this remarkable era to life in “Elvistory: The King of Rock & Roll 1956-1959” at the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch, 2 PM Saturday, May 18.

Ruben will bring the social and political context of the time to his presentation which will highlight Elvis’s films Loving You, Jailhouse Rock and Kid Creole.

Elvis took America by storm, snaring a prized spot on Ed Sullivan’s television show, appearing on numerous other variety programs, and diving headlong into film acting.

As he captivated audiences, the world changed. America emerged from its “Leave It to Beaver” age to face crises such as the rise of communism in Cuba and simmering racial tensions in Southern states that neared the boiling point.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclLaceyElvis for this free program for all ages, sponsored by the Friends of the Lacey Library.

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

For more information, stop by the OCL Lacey Branch, 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River, call (609) 698-8566, or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

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Discover Gratitude’s Quiet Joys at the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch

JACKSON TOWNSHIP – If life seems like an uphill struggle, pause to count your blessings and feel an uplifting difference by taking part in “Mindfulness Meditation: On Gratitude” at the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch, 10:30 AM Saturday, May 18.

Instructor Shazia Zaman, CMMT, CMT-P, will lead this contemplative session with informational teachings, guided meditation and simply sitting in shared silence A question-and-answer session will follow the exercise.

Shazia is certified in Mindfulness Meditation and Reiki Master and a Master Level Crystal Bowl Practitioner. She has completed courses in Mindful Self-Compassion and Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness.

The exercise is open to new and experienced meditation practitioners and enthusiasts and is an ideal introduction for anyone interested in knowing more about tapping into calmness and empathy.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclJacksonShazia to take part in this free program, sponsored by Jackson Friends of the Library.

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through programs, fundraising and advocacy. New members are welcome. Applications can be found at https://www.theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends and at any OCL branch.

For more information, stop by the OCL Jackson Branch, 2 Jackson Drive, call (732) 938-4400, or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

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Family Fun! First Responders Day at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP – Meet the local people who protect us and learn about the equipment they use during First Responders Day at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch, 10 AM Saturday, May 18.
 
Everyone will gather in the Library parking lot where a fire truck, EMS vehicle, and police cruiser will be on display.
 
Community Policing Officer Anthony Vincent will demonstrate features of police vehicles and tools that are used in police work. Youngsters will also have a chance to meet firefighters and emergency medical technicians, and get a close look at their vehicles.
 
No registration is required for this free program, open to all ages. First Responders Day is weather permitting. No rain date is scheduled.

For more information, stop by the OCL Stafford Branch, 129 North Main Street, Manahawkin, visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events, or call (609) 597-3381.

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Enjoy Mother’s Day Melodies at the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch

JACKSON TOWNSHIP – This year marks the 110th anniversary of Mother’s Day across America. Let Fred Lehotay and The Ragtimers whisk you back to the holiday’s early times in a concert at the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch, 2 PM Saturday, May 11.

Enjoy tunes from the Roaring ‘20s such as “Baby Your Mother,” “Second Hand Rose,” “My Little Margie,” “Sweet Georgia Brown” and a host of other melodies that are sure to fill you heart with love, nostalgia, and mirth.

Saxophonist Fred Lehotay, guitarist Bob Estler, banjoist Tom Rittenhouse and bassist Gary Nokes have performed rousing ragtime and sentimental favorites throughout the tri-state area since 1968. Fans view the group’s videos on YouTube.
 
Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclJacksonLehotay for this free program, sponsored by Jackson Friends of the Library.

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through programs, fundraising and advocacy. New members are welcome. Applications can be found at any OCL branch or at https://www.theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends.

For more information, stop by the OCL Jackson Branch, 2 Jackson Drive, call (732) 928-4400, or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

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

‘Thyme’ to Learn About Herbs at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP –  What better way to add zest to meals than with herbs that you grow right at home? Learn how to raise, harvest and store them when Ocean County Master Gardener Cheryl Clearo presents “Thyme to Learn about Herbs” at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch, 10:30 AM Monday, May 13.

Cheryl will describe methods for growing herbs indoors and outdoors, in the ground and in containers, and offer tips about drying, preserving, and freezing them for future use.

The Master Gardeners of Ocean County are trained, certified volunteers who assist the Rutgers Cooperative Extension staff in providing research-based information on sustainable horticulture to county residents.

Cheryl, in her sixth year as Master Gardener, volunteers in the Community Garden at Ocean County Park where food is grown and donated to nearby food pantries. She also co-chairs the Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s Homegrown Garden initiative, teaching vegetable gardening techniques to new interns in the Master Gardener program.

Please register at http://tinyurl.com/OclStaffordHerbs for this free program. Bring along your plant and soil questions and samples to the free “Ask a Master Gardener @ Stafford” diagnostic clinic, 10 AM until 12 PM starting May 13 and continuing on the second and fourth Monday of each month through September, except Memorial Day.

For more information, stop by the OCL Stafford Branch, 129 North Main Street, Manahawkin, visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events, or call (609) 597-3381.

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Ocean County Library Brick Branch to Present ‘The Hindenburg Experience’

BRICK TOWNSHIP – When airships ruled the skies, the Hindenburg reigned supreme – until it crashed in a stunning fireball 87 years ago in Lakehurst, NJ. Navy Lakehurst Historical Society member Bill Schmidt will describe its final flight in “The Hindenburg Experience” at the Ocean County Library Brick Branch, 2:30 PM Wednesday, May 15.

Measuring nearly 804 feet in length, the Hindenburg was the largest aircraft ever to fly, carrying hundreds of passengers and traveling thousands of miles. What triggered the disaster of May 6, 1937? What was the cost in human lives? How did it alter the future of global air travel? Bill Schmidt will dig into the details.

The Navy Lakehurst Historical Society maintains a museum of artifacts salvaged from the dirigible and a reconstruction of its bridge on the grounds of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, within view of the spot of the devastation which is marked by a plaque.

Please register at http://tinyurl.com/OclBrickHindenburg to attend this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Brick Branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, call (732) 477-4513, or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

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