MARCH 2015
LIBRARY PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Director's Corner
The library kicks off March with the ever popular Friends Annual Book & Media sale as well as introducing some exciting new programs and services!  Be sure to visit our Friends at the Brunswick Square Mall to browse the hundreds of bargains available for a fraction of the original cost.
Beginning March 2, the library is rolling out a service suggested to us by a very observant customer: the ability to reserve new DVD movies. This new service will be a welcomed addition to our other customer friendly services.  Finally, be sure to visit the library with your family and friends to participate in our very first Maker Fest on Saturday, March 21st!  There will be something for everyone to learn and do on that day.  So shake off those winter blues and come on out to enjoy your public library.
new
What's New at the Library

41st Annual Friends of the Library Book & Media Sale

The 41st Annual Friends of the Library Book & Media Sale will be held from March 2 through March 8 at the Centre Court in the Brunswick Square Mall (755 NJ Route 18, East Brunswick). The sale, which annually draws thousands of people from across the region, is much anticipated by book bargain lovers. Thousands of books, videos, audio books, DVDs, and CDs for all ages and interests will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the East Brunswick Public Library.

An exclusive Preview Sale will be held on Monday, March 2 from 8-9 a.m. The cost is $25 per person at the door. The full Sale opens to the public at 10 a.m. On Tuesday, March 3, there will be a free children's event at 7 p.m. 

NJ Makers Day at the East Brunswick Public Library

Saturday, March 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To celebrate maker culture, the East Brunswick Public Library, an official location of NJ Makers Day, is hosting its first "Maker Fest" on Saturday, March 21st from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NJ Makers Day is designed to be a statewide single-day event that celebrates, promotes, and introduces maker culture, as well as the values associated with making, tinkering, and STEM-based learning. The East Brunswick Public Library is one of over 100 participating sites across the State.

Maker spaces across the state are having a significant impact on education and job skills development by providing access to people, information, resources, and tools that facilitate making to a wide variety of skill levels. Popular equipment in these spaces include 3D printers, single board microcontrollers like Arduino and Raspberry Pi, digital media production, computer programming, textile and handicrafts and more.

The East Brunswick Public Library will offer maker-themed programs, including hands-on electronic and circuitry projects for kids, arm knitting for adults and teens, demonstrations on how to make marshmallows at home, jewelry making, balloon animals, origami, Final Cut Pro training sessions, and much more.

For more information about the East Brunswick Public Library's NJ Makers Day programs and events, visit www.ebpl.org/make, and more about NJ Makers Day at www.njmakersday.org.

2015 Record.Play Film Competition

The East Brunswick Public Library announces its second-annual Record.Play Film Competition and Festival. This year's competition is broadened to accept film submissions in three categories: youth (12 and under); teens (12 to 18); and adults (19 and older).

The 2015 Record.Play Film Competition's theme is Heroes. "The Record.Play committee chose the theme Heroes because it can be interpreted in so many ways and is accessible to the different age groups that have been added to the competition this year. We are very excited to see how our local filmmakers run with it," says Assistant Director Maryann Ralph.

A panel of three judges will select a 1st and 2nd place winners in each age category. All the films entered must be original work. Entries will be evaluated on how they interpret the theme, visual and audio quality, and editing skills. Films must be a minimum of 5 minutes and not exceed 15 minutes in length. The 1st place winner of each age group will receive a prize valued at $100 and 2nd place winner of each age group will receive a prize valued at $50. Additionally, all films will be screened publicly at the 2015 Record.Play Film Festival on Thursday, June 25th at 7:00 p.m.

Submissions must be received no later than Tuesday, May 26th. Rules and complete submission guidelines can be found online at www.ebpl.org/recordplay .

adults
Adult Programs & Events

World Party! Short Story Discussion
Monday, March 9 at 7 p.m.

Join us for a short story discussion with a multicultural focus. This month, we will read, "Black Flower" by Edna O'Brien. All are welcome, and refreshments will be served. Pick up a copy of the story at the Information Desk. Questions? Contact Jill at 732-390-6772 or [email protected].

Food Is Your Medicine: Understanding Foods to Prevent or Manage Diabetes
Wednesday, March 11 at 7 p.m. 

  • Learn how to plan healthy nutritious meals for individual lifestyles.
  • Understand which foods should be included in your everyday diet and how to eat to prevent chronic illness.
  • Develop skills to manage your unique nutritional needs.
  • Become familiar with the signs of diabetes and the components to good blood sugar control


 
Anna Baratta is a registered dietician and certified diabetes educator at the Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Center.

Saturday Stitch: Drop-In Session
Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. 

Bring your favorite needlecraft project and tap into Sandy's expertise to get past those problem spots! Whether you knit, crochet, needlepoint, counted cross stitch, embroider, or other needlework, come drop in at your convenience for tips and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow crafters. There will be a sign-in sheet, and Sandy will give one-on-one advice in order of arrival. All levels welcome. This is an ongoing monthly program held on second Saturdays.  Sponsored by The Friends of The Library

Concert by Makelat HerMercaz, the Jewish Choir of Central New Jersey
Sunday, March 15 at 3 p.m.

Anna West Ott, Cantor
Hazzan Sheldon Levin, Conductor

Makhelat HaMercaz, the Jewish Choir of Central New Jersey, will again present a stirring program, spanning the spectrum of Jewish experience and traditions.

The repertoire includes a wide variety of Psalm settings, from Renaissance polyphony to rock to Gospel, sung in English, Hebrew, Yiddish and Latin.
 

Studio J Theater presents scenes from, "Only in America"

Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m.

By Robert E. Lee and Jerome Lawrence
Directed by Stacy Greenblatt
Performed by students ages 7-16

Based on a true story, "Only in America" follows a New York Jew who moves to North Carolina in the 1950s and through his experiences, helps to desegregate the schools. The play explores social justice with great humor and wit.

Cooking Easy Ethnic Cuisine: Thailand

Tuesday, March 24 at 7 p.m.

Librarian Melissa will take you to Thailand with a few quick and easy dishes with no daunting ingredients. You will sit down to share the meal afterwards. All ingredients and equipment are included. The event is limited to 8 participants. Register here.

Please note that food items may contain: gluten, nuts, dairy, eggs, meat, and other allergens. Knives and hot equipment will be used, so only adults may participate.
 

xchange
Library Xchange for 20- to 30-somethings

Table Top Game Night
Thursday, March 26 at 6 p.m. 

A night of fantastic table top gaming exclusively for 20- and 30-somethings! Bring your own game or play one provided by the Library. Snacks will be provided. RSVP at tinyurl.com/libraryxchange.

teens
Teen Programs & Events

Teen Super Smash 4 Tournament

Tuesday, March 3 at 4 p.m.

Compete in the first EBPL Teen Super Smash 4 Wii U Tournament! Attendees MUST register before attending. Spectators are welcome to come and cheer you on! A bracket starting with 20 players will be created. Friendly 1v1 matches will also be going on, as well as the tournament bracket and spectators are welcome to play when no other games are going on. Snacks and drinks will be provided! Register at: http://tinyurl.com/ebplsmash

Digital Filmmaking Series, Session One: Screenwriting
Saturday, March 7 at 10 a.m.

A crash course for teens on how to tell a story for the screen, starting with crafting a concept and leaving participants ready to begin writing. The focus will be on character-driven narratives that utilize want and conflict as the building blocks of drama.

This workshop is taught by Zack Morrison. Zack Morrison is an award-winning writer, director, and cinematographer, currently pursuing his Master of Fine Art degree in screenwriting and directing at Columbia University. He has created many short films, both fiction and documentary, that have screened at festivals in New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Cannes.  Register here.

Digital Filmmaking Series, Session Two: Film Composition
Saturday, March 14 at 10 a.m.

Learn the language of film. This program will cover the basics of shot composition and show you how to turn your ideas into a digital film. Learn how to avoid common mistakes and build a foundation for successful filmmaking.

This class is taught by Paul D'Amico.  Paul D'Amico is a digital filmmaker and teacher with a number of network television and film credits. Register here.

youth
Youth Programs & Events
 

Early Literacy iPad Lending Program

The Youth Services Department is celebrating the anniversary of its Early Literacy iPad Lending Program this spring. This program allows parents with children ages 2-6 to check out one of the library's Early Literacy iPads to take home and use for two weeks at no cost. Each iPad comes preloaded with nearly 40 different apps selected by youth services librarians to encourage the development of important literacy skills. The apps include Endless ABC that encourages letter recognition; Make it Pop which teaches children colors and shapes; iTrace which helps with fine motor coordination; and Don't Let the Pigeon Run this App, which enhances and re-imagines Mo Willem's popular Pigeon series. These and other apps can be found on the department's iPads, which can be reserved by following this link and by clicking "Request Item," or by searching for "Early Literacy iPad" in the library's catalog. 

PARCC Testing Resources

For students and parents preparing for the upcoming PARCC standardized tests, the Library is ready to assist you. The most comprehensive way to study for the PARCC exam is to use the online test preparation service provided by Lumos Learning. The website includes study guides, videos, and practice tests which will be automatically scored to help students focus on areas that may need further study. This service requires an EBPL library card to accessed via this link on the children's home page.

computers
Computer Training Class Schedule

The Library offers computer training classes for those who want to learn the newest versions of software or want to gain basic skills using computers.

All introductory classes are free, upper-level courses are $10 for EBPL cardholders, or $15 for non-cardholders.

You must register for a course to participate. Below is a list of the upcoming classes. We hope to see you there.
 

films
Film Festivals

Spring International Film Festival

Le Chef (PG-13)
Tuesday, March 10 at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Veteran chef Alexandre Lagarde faces a trendy young competitor in a fight to save his Michelin three-star restaurant in this comedy directed by Daniel Cohen and starring Jean Reno. [France (2012), 84 minutes]
 

Popular Film Festival
The Theory of Everything (PG-13)
Tuesday, March 24 at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. 

Astrophysicist Stephen Hawking breaks new ground in science while battling a debilitating disease with the support of his wife Jane.  Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones give award-worthy performances in this inspirational drama directed by James Marsh. [USA (2014), 123 minutes]

discussion
Book Discussion Group

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, by Gabrielle Zevin
Thursday, March 19 at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Copies of the book are available at the Information Services desk one month before each meeting. The discussion leader is Adult Services Librarian Claudia Link. Call 732-390-6767 for details.

"Gabrielle Zevin's enchanting novel is a love letter to the world of books--and booksellers--that changes our lives by giving us the stories that open our hearts and enlighten our minds. On the faded Island Books sign hanging over the porch of the Victorian cottage is the motto "No Man Is an Island; Every Book Is a World." A. J. Fikry, the irascible owner, is about to discover just what that truly means. A. J. Fikry's life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. " Sponsored by The Friends of the Library 

esl
English as a Second Language
The Library has a growing ESL collection that can help with language learning and advanced communication skills. Check out our materials for tutors, pronunciation and accent help, study guides for the TOEFL and IELTS, and much more! Ask a librarian for more details.


Make a difference in someone's life! Literacy NJ is hosting tutor training in March. Please contact the LNJ office to receive your tutor registration package. Contact Melissa Bernstein or Ivette Yu at [email protected], [email protected] or 732-906-5456.
match
match+book
Try EBPL's match+book service - free customized reading suggestions from librarians. Finished everything by Baldacci? Waiting for the next installment in your favorite series? Sick of binge-watching shows? Let us suggest something you might like, based on what you do (and don't) like. The feedback has been great, and our patrons love match+book - so try it out for yourself.

Just fill out the form and receive a list of reading suggestions from an EBPL librarian.

brc
Business Resource Center

About the BRC

The Business Resource Center [BRC]  was started at the library to assist Middlesex County businesses and entrepreneurs get the skills and programs they need to grow their businesses.  The BRC partners with multiple professionals to offer workshops and seminars to the business community.  Library staff does one-on-one business research by appointment.  For more information please call or write Karen Parry, Manager, Information Services at 732 390-6764 or [email protected] 

Visit the BRC Website for upcoming events.