Save the Date! Cops & Crayons, Ocean County Library Little Egg Harbor Branch

LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Hey kids, meet and have fun with the grownups who protect us. Join the excitement of “Cops & Crayons” at the Ocean County Library Little Egg Harbor Branch, 10 AM or 11:30 AM Saturday, March 9.

Sit down and color with officers of the Little Egg Harbor Police Department. Then, meet an Ocean County Sheriff’s K-9 team and watch how officers and their furry partners train.

The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department will distribute Child Identification Cards through the national CHILD Network.

This program is made possible through generous donations by the Little Egg Harbor Municipal Alliance Committee, Walmart Supercenter of Little Egg Harbor, and Little Egg Harbor Dollar General. Volunteer assistance is provided by the Little Egg Harbor Police Junior Recruits / Great Bay Regional Police Athletic League and the Little Egg Harbor Township Education Association (LEHTEA).

Please register at http://tinyurl.com/LEHCopsandCrayons for one of the two sessions. For more information, stop by the OCL Little Egg Harbor Branch, 290 Mathistown Road, visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events, or call (609) 294-1197.

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Discover New Jersey’s ‘Dollar Princesses’ at the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch

LACEY TOWNSHIP – Are you obsessed with the Gilded Age? See how American heiresses and European nobles wrote a key chapter in its history. In honor of Women’s History Month, the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch will present “American Women and Titled Marriages: New Jersey’s Dollar Princesses,” 3:30 PM Thursday, March 21.

Monmouth University Professor Melissa Ziobro, M.A., will illustrate how marriage into the European upper class elevated the social status of “new money” American families often ignored by the nation’s elite and preserved the cushy lifestyles enjoyed for generations by titled foreign families with waning fortunes.

As Specialist Professor of Public History at Monmouth University, Melissa Ziobro has spoken extensively about American heiresses of the Gilded Age. A select number of her engaging presentations are preserved in video and text formats on the Monmouth University, New Jersey State Park Service and New Jersey Studies websites.

Please register at https://bit.ly/OclLaceyPrincess to attend this free program, sponsored by the Friends of the Lacey Branch.

The Friends are volunteers who support the library through programs, fundraising, and donations. New members are always welcome. Applications can be found at https://www.theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends.

For more information, stop by the OCL Lacey Branch, 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River, call (609) 693-8566, or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

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Master Falconer Bob Glass Recalls ‘Hawk Visit’ at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch

TOMS RIVER – Remember the hawk that lodged briefly in the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch in November 2022? It is one fond memory among 40 years’ worth for Master Falconer Bob Glass, who returned our feathered friend to the great outdoors. On Saturday, February 10, Glass visited the OCL Toms River Branch to discuss the many adventures contained in his book, A Journey with Red-Tails.

Displaying stunning photos that highlighted his most notable falconry encounters, Bob revealed that the Library episode isn’t an isolated occurrence. In the not-too-distant past he also was sought to coax a hawk from the recently-closed Nestlé plant in Freehold.

Bob’s audience was spellbound as he introduced a live red-tail hawk during the presentation. After a lively question-and-answer session, Glass signed copies of his book, which will soon be available for borrowing at the Ocean County Library.

The outdoorsman confides that writing a book was not a long-term plan, but in his affinity for the feathered raptors he began chronicling their amazing exploits and their sometimes-unusual habits.

The Baltimore, MD native has called New Jersey home for the past 50 years, pursuing his passion for birdwatching and falconry in the Garden State. Bob has devoted more than half of his nearly 40 years as a falconer to hunting with red-tailed hawks. He is active in the New Jersey Falconry Club, is a past Secretary of the North American Falconers Association, and garnered several New Jersey state championships in skeet shooting.

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Ocean County Library Stafford Branch to Present ‘Claude Monet: Grand Old Man of Impressionism’

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP – Determined to reproduce on canvas nature as he perceived it, Claude Monet revolutionized art and founded an entire genre. Find out how it all came about during a Pine Shores Art History Lecture, “Claude Monet: Grand Old Man of Impressionism,” at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch, 7 PM Tuesday, March 19.

Stockton University Professor Kate Ogden will offer a Powerpoint presentation detailing the artist’s life and times, from his beginnings as a poor young painter to his final years in France as the world-renowned leader of the Impressionist movement.

The program is presented by the Pine Shores Art Association of Stafford and Tuckerton. Professor Ogden has conducted informational programs for PSAA since 1992, a year after arriving at Stockton, specializing in 19th- and 20th-century American and European art and the history of photography.

She is the author of numerous published essays about art and cultural history and also of the book Yosemite, which chronicles the majestic region’s cultural past.

Registrants who arrive prior to the 90-minute program can enjoy light refreshments from 6:30 PM until 7 PM.

Please register at http://tinyurl.com/OclStaffordMonet for this free program. 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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Nina Totenberg on the Power of Friendships: Ocean County Library Virtual Author Talk

TOMS RIVER – A phone call from a young reporter to a fiery lawyer began a relationship of nearly a half-century as both kicked open opportunity’s door for women. Celebrated correspondent Nina Totenberg will discuss her association with late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her book Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships in an Ocean County Library Virtual Author Talk, 4 PM Wednesday, March 6.

Dinners with Ruth, available in print, eBook and audiobook versions at the Ocean County Library, is Totenberg’s warm look back at the comradeship that grew from their professional acquaintance. It also contains vivid recollections of colleagues including Cokie Roberts, Linda Wertheimer, many Beltway luminaries, and her family.

Their story began in the early 1970s when Nina, then of The National Observer, asked Ruth about her plea to the U.S. Supreme Court to declare unconstitutional a law that discriminated “on the basis of sex.” The inquiry, and the reasoned explanation, set the foundation of mutual admiration.

In ensuing years, they shared personal and family joys and sorrows and grew to understand each other’s character and integrity through loss, infirmity, and widowhood.

Please register at https://libraryc.org/theoceancountylibrary to attend this free program, to view the upcoming schedule, and to view previous talks. Registrants will receive links to the program by email and may submit questions for the author when signing up.

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On the Ides of March, Enter Caesar’s Realm at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch

SURF CITY – The Ides of March became infamous in 44 BCE, when Roman Emperor Julius Caesar’s assassination changed the course of world history. Explore his life and legacy during “The Ides of March: A Caesar Retrospective” in the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch, 10 AM Friday, March 15.

Colleen Boueil, a retired high school Latin teacher and classicist, will offer enlightening details about this enigmatic soldier-turned-statesman’s beginnings, conquests, political maneuvers, rivals, wives and lasting impacts.

Please register at http://tinyurl.com/OclLbiIdes to attend this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events, or call (609) 494-2480.

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Ocean County Library Jackson Branch to Close During Carpet Installation

JACKSON TOWNSHIP – The Ocean County Library Jackson Branch will soon feature brand-new carpeting. To accommodate the installation, the Branch will close beginning Monday, March 4, and reopen on or about Monday, March 18.

Jackson Branch patrons may return borrowed items to on-site drop boxes, or to any OCL branch. Items awaiting pickup at the Jackson Branch will be transferred as of March 4 to the OCL Manchester Branch, 21 Colonial Drive, (732) 657-7600, or at any branch that a patron wishes to request prior to the closure.

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. Telephones in the Jackson Branch will be unavailable during the closure.

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

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Plant Problem? ‘Ask a Master Gardener @ Stafford’ at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP – Spring is nearly here. Have questions about your planting plans? Just “Ask a Master Gardener @ Stafford.” Diagnostic clinics at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch will take place 10 AM until 12 PM on the second and fourth Monday of each month through September except Memorial Day starting March 11.

The clinic schedule is: March 11, March 25, April 8, April 22, May 13, May 20, June 10, June 24, July 8, July 22, August 12, August 26, September 9, September 23.

The Master Gardeners of Ocean County will answer any gardening questions. You’re encouraged to bring photos or specimens of insects, plants, shrubs and trees for identifications, diagnoses and recommendations.

Master Gardeners are trained, certified volunteers who assist the Rutgers Cooperative Extension staff in providing research-based information on sustainable horticulture to Ocean County residents. They also will present lectures on the second Monday of each month through September: April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12 and September 9.

Additionally, attendees of Dr. S. Ann Earon’s April 8 discourse on shade-favorable plants will receive protective glasses to view the rare full solar eclipse that will take place the same day.

The goggles are in full compliance with safety criteria set by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Adults age 18 and older must sign waivers stating that the glasses are for their personal use, or for those under the signer’s supervision.

Please register at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events for these free programs. For more details, stop by the OCL Stafford Branch, 129 North Main Street, Manahawkin, or call (609) 597-3387.

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Looping, Linking & Purling Pleasure: ‘Knit Happens’ at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch

SURF CITY – Looking for a convivial group for swapping yarns and working with yarn? Pull up a seat for “Knit Happens” in the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch, 3:30 PM Saturday, March 16.

Bring your yarn, needles, and hooks and become acquainted with members of the casual knitting circle, open to all ages, children through adults, and all skill levels.

Please register at http://tinyurl.com/OclLbiKnit for this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events, or call (609) 494-2480.

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‘The Titanic: A Special Anniversary Presentation’ Coming to Two Ocean County Library Branches

TOMS RIVER – One of the most tragic civilian seagoing catastrophes of the 20th Century will be discussed in detail during historian Greg Caggiano’s exciting program “The Titanic: A Special Anniversary Presentation,” at two Ocean County Library branches.

• Brick Branch – 301 Chambers Bridge Road, (732) 477-4513, 2 PM Wednesday, April 3. Please register at https://bit.ly/OclBrickTitanic.
• Toms River Branch – 101 Washington Street, (732) 349-6200, 6 PM Monday, April 15. Please register at https://bit.ly/OclTitanicTR.

Join Greg as he explores the reasons why the luxury liner, one of the largest and most opulent of its time, and all its human drama remain relevant 112 years after vanishing below the surface of the Atlantic near Newfoundland.

The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, before completing its maiden voyage. An estimated 1,500 lives were lost after a collision with an iceberg tore through its hull.

Greg will examine the ship’s construction, daily life for its passengers, and the factors that contributed to its demise. As an avid food blogger, Greg will also discuss the cuisine that was prepared for each passenger class, which for many was their last meal.

The award-winning historian is familiar to OCL Toms River Branch visitors for his dissertations on the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and New Jersey’s “Haunted History.”

The Monmouth County historian has served on the boards of the Proprietary House, Perth Amboy, and also the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society, housed in the Strauss Mansion.

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