Ocean County Library Refines Online Language Learning Menu

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library announces that effective Monday, June 30, Rosetta Stone, the web-based language learning platform, will be removed from its free online service offerings.

“While OCL has recently made the decision to discontinue its subscription to Rosetta Stone, patrons will still have the opportunity to practice their language learning through two robust and comprehensive language learning platforms,” said Librarian Christi Aldellizzi, supervisor of the OCL Collections Department.

Patrons are welcome to explore two high quality language resources, free for OCL cardholders and accessible at https://theoceancountylibrary.org:

• Mango Languages – Offering a conversation approach that teaches practical and useful communication skills in every lesson and activity. In addition to instruction in more than 70 languages, English learning, curated vocabulary cards and videos, Mango Languages now incorporates American Sign Language (ASL) into the platform. Self-paced courses are designed to meet individual learning speeds. The Magic Mirror feature enables instant visual comparison for accurate sign modeling. Mango Languages can be access in any OCL branch, remotely, or even on the go with the Mango Languages mobile app.
   
• Pronunciator – Offering instruction in 315 different languages and 144 home languages, personalized learning, real-time interactive linguistics tools and dynamic practice with progress tracking. The Pronunciator website and mobile app contain 6 million hours of audio lessons, support for the visually impaired and those at basic literacy levels, and all learning styles – auditory, visual and kinesthetic.

Free Ocean County Library cards are available for Ocean County residents, business owners, teachers, librarians and students. OCL also extends access to Burlington and Monmouth County residents through reciprocal borrowing agreements with its neighboring library systems. Application forms are available at all 21 Library branches and reading centers and on the OCL website.

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.

NJ Gay Men’s Chorus to Perform Pride Month Concert at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library is pleased to celebrate Pride Month with a special concert by the New Jersey Gay Men’s Chorus in the Toms River Branch, 2 PM Saturday, June 28.

The acclaimed group will reach into its repertoire for a scintillating selection of well-known pop songs, classic favorites and new tunes.

The New Jersey Gay Men’s Chorus is an inclusive, volunteer 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization representing communities in New Jersey and the surrounding region. Its mission is to “inspire pride, empowerment, equality, and acceptance to all through extraordinary music and actions.”

NJMGC connects with fans and followers through YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X.

This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Ocean County Library – Toms River. The volunteer Friends 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 on the OCL website.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/TRNJGMC to attend this free program. For more information, please visit or call the OCL Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, (732) 349-6200. 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 www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

Indoor Foliage TLC: ‘Houseplant Hospital’ at the Ocean County Library Brick Branch

BRICK TOWNSHIP – If a struggling house plant isn’t responding to your loving touch, the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Ocean County can help. Get quality care for your potted predicament in the Houseplant Hospital at the Ocean County Library Brick Branch this summer. There will be two sessions:

• Friday, June 27, 11 AM to 1 PM
• Friday, August 8, 11 AM to 1 PM

Rely on the Master Gardeners to examine the specimen, pinpoint the problems and recommend remedies. The 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.

These free programs require no registration and are open to the public. For more information, stop by or call the OCL Brick Branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, (732) 477-4513. 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 www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

Knit & Chat with the Waretown Woolies at the Ocean County Library Waretown Branch

WARETOWN – Would you like some convivial company while you work on your latest yarn project? Are you looking for patterns you have not tried? Would you like to learn from experienced knitters and make new friends? Grab your sticks and skeins and join the Waretown Woolies Knitting Group in the Ocean County Library Waretown Branch, every month in 2025.

The group gathers on select days from 1 PM until 3 PM. In addition, they conduct special one-on-one instruction from 3 PM until 4 PM. To register for instruction, please call the Branch, (609) 693-5133. The Waretown Woolies’ meeting schedule is:

• Friday, June 20
• Friday, July 18
• Monday, August 25
• Monday, September 29
• Friday, October 31
• Monday, November 17
• Friday, December 19

It is open to all ages and experience levels. We will supply the yarn and needles, or you are welcome to bring your own. Relax and enjoy friendly chitchat while you create your newest knit, crochet or fiber-related piece, and swap patterns for fresh ideas.

Registration is not required. Anyone wishing to take individual lessons should visit or call the OCL Waretown Branch, 112 Main Street, (609) 693-5133. See the group’s schedule at https://tinyurl.com/OclWWoolies. 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 www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

Find the Diabetes-Heart Connection at the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch

LACEY TOWNSHIP – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of heart disease is twice as much for people with diabetes as it is for others, and the chances increase the longer that diabetes is present. Learn how to manage symptoms during “Diabetes and Cardiac Education” at the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch, 2 PM Monday, June 23.

Ocean County Health Department nutritionist Matthew Holland will explain dietary and lifestyle habits that contribute to symptoms and will offer valuable tips for measuring and controlling the condition to avoid cardiac complications.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclOCHD to attend this free program. For more information, please visit or call the OCL Lacey Branch, 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River, (609) 693-8566.  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 www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

Learn Korean Conflict’s Lasting Impacts at the Ocean County Library Brick Branch

BRICK TOWNSHIP – This year marks the 75th anniversary of the start of the Korean Conflict, which cost tens of thousands of American military members their lives and altered the course of East-West global relations. Join us for “The Korean Conflict: America’s Forgotten War” at the Ocean County Library Brick Branch, 11 AM Wednesday, June 25.

Historian and author Paul Zigo, Director of the World War II Era Studies Institute, will conduct the presentation on the anniversary of the date that hostilities reached boiling point.

On June 25, 1950, more than 90,000 North Korean troops trained by the Soviet Union poured over the 38th Parallel. Three brutal years of battle led to the deaths of more than 54,000 Americans who tried to stop Communism from engulfing the peninsula. Learn about the many aspects of this war and the Armistice that ended it, a pact that is still in place today.

Colonel Paul Zigo (USA, Ret.) followed 30 years of military service by creating more than 20 presentations of global warfare and politics from World War I to the Vietnam conflict. He is the author of several books including When Men Have to Die: Harry J. Whittinghill’s Memoir of the Bataan Death March and Unconditional Surrender: Witnessing History – May 1945, available at the Ocean County Library.

Paul also produced and narrated the 2001-2004 cable network series Triumphant Spirit: America’s World War II Generation Speaks. He is a founding sponsor of the National Museum of the U.S. Army, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

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

Reading & Entertainment Bargains Galore at Jackson Friends’ Annual Fundraising Book Sale

JACKSON TOWNSHIP – Want to freshen your reading, viewing, or listening collection while being gentle to your budget? Stock up and save during the Jackson Friends of the Library Annual Fundraising Book Sale in the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch, Friday, June 27 through Wednesday, July 2. Become a Friend and get a sneak peek, Thursday, June 26.

The sale will take place within normal Branch operating hours:

• Thursday, June 26 – Sneak peek, 4:30 ‘til 8:30 PM. Free admission for Friends members. Join the Friends for $10 and take part in this exclusive event.
• Friday & Saturday, June 27-28 – 9:30 AM ‘til 4:30 PM
• Sunday, June 29 – 1:30 PM ‘til 4:30 PM
• Monday, June 30, Tuesday July 1 & Wednesday, July 2 – 9:30 AM ‘til 8:30 PM

Browse among our gently used hardcover and paperback books, DVD movies and programs and music compact discs for popular titles and rarities, too. Proceeds from each cash transaction will help the Friends support and sponsor activities at the OCL Jackson Branch.

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through fundraisers, programs and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Application forms are available at the Library’s 21 branches and reading centers and on the OCL website.

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

Ocean County Library Lacey Branch to Feature Carol Nace Group Art Exhibit in June

LACEY TOWNSHIP – Step into a world of color throughout the month of June at the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch. See a captivating display of watercolors created by local artist Carol Nace and a select group of five artists studying under her direction.

The exhibition celebrates the beauty of collaboration, creativity and the vibrant expressions of each painter’s unique perspective, united through the fluid elegance of watercolor.

Enjoy Carol’s striking images alongside vibrant works by Louise Ciaburri, Joyce Ecohard, Kathleen Leschke, Michael McDowell and Elizabeth Schlesinger.

Carol belongs to the nonprofit New Jersey Watercolor Society, and most recently participated in its 2024 Signature Members Exhibition.

The exhibit is free and open to the public during normal Branch operating hours. For more information, visit or call the OCL Lacey Branch, 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River NJ, (609) 693-8566. 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 www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

DASH to a Healthy Heart at the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch

LACEY TOWNSHIP – Many people who aim to lower their cholesterol counts and blood pressure rates and improve their overall heart health are familiar with DASH. How about you? Join us for “Heart Healthy with DASH and the Mediterranean Diet” at the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch, 2 PM Wednesday, June 18.

Tonja Werkman, MS, Registered Dietitian of Hackensack Meridian Health, will explain the concepts and procedures of DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and the Mediterranean diet. She will share advice about foods that can help you care for your cardio and create a healthful, nutritious lifestyle.

The Mediterranean diet concept emphasizes natural, minimally processed foods including fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and olive oil, with minor amounts of dairy, fish, red meat and eggs.
 
Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclLaDASH to attend this free program. For more information, visit or call the OCL Lacey Branch, 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River, (609) 693-8566.  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.

Ocean County Library’s Autism Resources Fair Keynote Now Featured on YouTube

TOMS RIVER – If you missed Toms River attorney Christine Matus’s absorbing, information-packed keynote address during the Ocean County Library’s Spring Autism Resources Fair, you can see it in full anytime, wherever you need to be, on OCL’s YouTube channel.

Entitled “Guardianship and Special Needs Planning,” Christine’s presentation provides a foundation for building futures free of uncertainty. “My goal is to give you some actionable items so that you can help form some protections, some type of plan,” she said, elaborating in depth on trusts, guardianships, Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Parenting a youngster with Down syndrome, recently diagnosed as autistic, helped Christine determine the direction of her Matus Law Group, Toms River. “I decided to dedicate a large portion to helping families in my shoes…making sure we give them the best life possible,” she said.

She offered details about three types of special needs trusts, their benefits and limitations, qualification criteria for Medicaid and SSI, guardianship components and responsibilities, and newer money management tools such as ABLE savings accounts with plans and programs that vary by state.
 
To view the presentation, please visit https://tinyurl.com/OclMatus. Discover more videos and resource-filled databases for individuals on the spectrum and caregivers, Sensory Space information and more in OCL’s online Autism Resources Center and see OCL videos for all ages on YouTube. 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.