MAY 2015
LIBRARY PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Summer Sundays Begin May 31

The summer is almost upon us, and that means that we will be closed on Summer Sundays starting Sunday, May 31, 2015.


 

The Library will also be closed in observance of Memorial Day from Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25.

Director's Corner

Saying goodbye is bittersweet!

 

After 25 happy years working at the East Brunswick Public Library, I have decided to begin my retirement on June 1, 2015.  Since May is my last month as Director at this wonderful, vibrant, ever evolving East Brunswick Public Library, I look back with gratitude for the many years of hard work, challenges, triumphs and camaraderie that I have enjoyed.  Leading this institution for the past six years has been a privilege, and I know I leave it in the capable hands of a dedicated, knowledgeable staff.  I want to thank the Library Board of Trustees, Friends of the Library Executive Board, and the Foundation Board for making this Library such a special place for all our residents.  With your guidance and support, the East Brunswick Public Library has continued to be the jewel of our town and its reputation for excellence is recognized across the state.  The support of our Mayor and Council has allowed our Library to prosper even during difficult economic times.  Our staff delivers quality information and entertainment for Library users at all stages of life - from new readers to job seekers to hobbyists to our most wise and able seniors.  So now I look forward to enjoying my Library as a resident as I begin the next stage of my life.  My deepest appreciation goes to the many hundreds of residents I have met over the years who have given me suggestions and encouragement throughout my career and to a staff that made my job an easy one.  I encourage all of you to keep enjoying the rich treasures of your public library and I will do the same.

 

-MaryEllen Firestone

 

new
What's New at the Library

Friends Designer Handbag Bingo Fundraiser

Friday, May 8, doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The Friends of the Library are holding a Designer Handbag Bingo on Friday, May 8, 2015 at the East Brunswick High School (380 Cranbury Road). Doors will open at 6:30 PM, with the first game call at 7:30 PM. In addition to bingo, there will be a 50/50 raffle, prizes, and more.

Designers include Michael Kors, Coach, Dooney & Bourke, Cole Haan, and Kate Spade. There are ten rounds, with one handbag winner per game.

Tickets are available for $30 if purchased by May 1, and $35 at the door on the evening of the event. There is limited seating, and no one under 18 years of age is permitted. All proceeds benefit the East Brunswick Public Library.

Questions? E-mail [email protected].

Library Foundation's First Annual Roots & Wings Event

Thursday, May 28 at 7:00 p.m.

The Library Foundation is holding its first annual Roots & Wings fundraising event, featuring award-winning author and illustrator Brian Selznick. This East Brunswick native will share his personal story of growing up and using the East Brunswick Public Library to fulfill his dream of creating memorable illustrations and stories that help children's imaginations soar.

A presentation by the author will be followed by a silent auction, and a dessert and coffee buffet. Tickets are $100 per adult, and $40 per high school student.

For tickets or information please contact Andrea Alexander at [email protected] or call 732-390-6773.

Record.Play Film Competition Submissions Due

Tuesday, May 26 at 9:00 p.m.

The Record.Play Film Competition submissions are due on Tuesday, May 26th by 9 p.m.  The 2015 theme is Heroes.  There are three age categories: Youth (12 and under), Teens (13 to 19) and Adult (20 and older).

The red carpet award ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 26th.

We look forward to seeing what you create!


Multiple iMovie and Final Cut Pro drop-in sessions will be available on multiple dates in May.  Visit www.ebpl.org/recordplay for dates and times.

EBPL Harry Potter Alliance Continues Book Drive

Teens from Dobby's Favorite Sock, the East Brunswick Public Library's Harry Potter Alliance Chapter, in partnership with the Children's Librarians of Middlesex County's Books to Keep program, will continue collecting books at the Library throughout May.  The group will be collecting new and very gently used books for all ages to give to those in need this summer.  Books to Keep provides books to children whose families cannot afford them in order to encourage a lifelong love of books and reading. There will be collection sites located in the children and teen departments.
adults
Adult Programs & Events

Film Screening & Discussion: H.I. Jew Positive
Tuesday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. 

Every day, Catholic Poles discover that their parents kept their true identity hidden from them: the fact that they were Jewish, second and third-generation to Holocaust survivors. It happens to people of all ages from all socioeconomic backgrounds, in villages and in big cities.

Anna Rozenfeld is an inter-media artist, independent researcher, teacher, language consultant, and translator of Yiddish. She has studied at universities in Marburg, Salzburg, Vienna and Warsaw, and worked as an actress in the Estera Rachel and Ida Kamińska Jewish Theatre in Warsaw. She is deeply engaged in preserving and promoting the Yiddish culture in both today's Poland and abroad.

Our Aging Bodies
Wednesday, May 6 at 7 p.m. 

Join Professor Merrill as he discusses ways to stay healthy as we age.


"Professor Merrill has written an important book, Our Aging Bodies, on how various parts of the body change with aging. He has taught human systems physiology for some forty years and is very knowledgeable. An important 'take-home' message is that we can live a longer, healthier life if we treat our bodies carefully." -- David Denhardt, Professor Emeritus of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University


Gary F. Merrill is Professor of Cell Biology and Neuroscience at Rutgers University.

World Party! Short Story Discussion Group
Monday, May 11 at 7 p.m.

Join us for a short story discussion with a multicultural focus. This month, we will read, "The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World" by Gabriel Garc�a M�rquez. 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].

Organic Land Care for Homeowners
Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m.

Organic land care is a sustainable ecological landscaping system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-site inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, and enhance ecological harmony and beauty in urban and suburban landscapes and gardens

Theresa Lam holds a B.S. in biology, is a board member of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of NJ (NOFA-NJ), and chairperson of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission. 

 

Hugo (PG)
Wednesday, May 13 at 7 p.m. 

Hugo tells the tale of an orphan boy living a secret life in the walls of a Paris train station. When Hugo encounters a broken machine, an eccentric girl, and the cold, reserved man who runs the toy shop, he is caught up in a magical, mysterious adventure that could put all of his secrets in jeopardy.  Hugo is based on the award-winning The Invention of Hugo Cabret, written and illustrated by East Brunswick native Brian Selznick. [USA (2011), 126 minutes]

 

Meet the Author of Knish: in Search of the Jewish Soul Food
Thursday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m.

When Laura Silver's favorite knish shop went out of business, the native New Yorker sank into mourning, but decided to spring into action. She embarked on a worldwide quest for the origins and modern-day manifestations of the knish.

Knish: in Search of the Jewish Soul Food will be available for purchase at a discounted price.

 

Marvels 2014: Round-the-World

Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m.

Photographer Joel Simpson traveled the world in 10 weeks and distilled his experiences into his best photographs of people, archaeology, landscapes, food, and less glamorous views that some people ignore. Simpson will present his journey through these images, share unusual vacation spots, and teach you how to travel light and on a budget.

Joel Simpson's photographic art work has shown across the country, and has been published in View Magazine (Brussels), and the Center for Fine Art Photography's Artist Showcase (distributed in Camera Arts). He has written for multiple art publications.

Mental Health Month: In Our Own Voice

Wednesday, May 27 at 7 p.m.

In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a National Alliance on Mental Illness program, developed nationally and sponsored round the state, designed to train individuals with various mental health conditions, to give presentations about their illness and recovery. This program is intended to help reduce the discrimination often faced by people who deal with mental health illnesses and issues, those who care about them, and those who care for them. 
xchange
Library Xchange for 20- to 30-somethings

Table Top Game Night
Thursday, May 7 at 6:45 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 on our Meetup page.

teens
Teen Programs & Events

Robotics Workshop Series: Arduino with Kunj Shah

Saturday, May 9 & May 16 at 3 p.m.

For Tweens and up.


Learn DIY robotics using Arduino microcontrollers. In this workshop, you will learn what Arduino is, how to create the software programs that control your Arduino creation, and complete a robotics project.
 You will learn to make a traffic light and experiment with music makers.

 

Don't be intimidated! Kunj will teach you the absolute basics of electronics and programming using Arduino. Get some hands-on experience working with these microcontrollers and the codes that make them run.

 
You must attend both sessions, and can register here.

 

 

Teen Library Connection (TLC) Information Sessions
Session 1: Saturday, May 9 at 3 p.m.

Session 2: Wednesday, May 13 at 7 p.m.

The summer is fast approaching! TLC is back again for another fantastic summer full of fun volunteering at the Library. This year, the program is open to applicants entering 9th, 10th, and 11th grades in the Fall of 2015.

There are several new changes this year and as such, teens who wish to participate in this program MUST attend one information session in order to receive an application. 


Students entering 12th grade in the Fall are also encouraged to apply for our TLC Teen Assistant positions and should attend an information session as well.

Information sessions will be held on:  

  • Saturday, May 9 at 3 p.m. in Meeting Room 1
  • Wednesday, May 13 at 7 p.m. in the YS Programming Room


You may register to attend a session through the calendar. Applications for the TLC 2015 session will be due to the library by May 22.

 Questions? Email Jessica.

Brinner: it's Breakfast for Dinner!
Tuesday, May 19 at 7 p.m.

Bring your appetites!

 

Breakfast at lunch time is called brunch, so what do we call breakfast for dinner? It must be brinner! We will learn to make every kind of pancake combination we can think of, along with other favorite breakfast foods.

*If you have a food allergy, let Jessica know ahead of time by emailing her.*

youth
Youth Programs & Events
 

Read to a Dog

Saturday, May 16 at 1 p.m. 

Young readers in grades K-5 are invited to read a story to a dog, thanks to the pooch friendly folks at Furry Angels Therapy Dogs, a non-profit organization that trains dogs to work with people of all ages and abilities. Each reader can spend 1 hour with man's best friend to practice reading aloud. Bring your favorite book or check one out from the Library's collection.

Sponsored by The Friends of the Library

Welcome to Hogwarts Day

Sunday, May 17 at 2 p.m.

The HPA Dobby's Favorite Sock chapter invites you to Welcome to Hogwarts Day, an orientation day for all hopeful wizards and witches! Bring your books to donate to our cause and participate in all our Harry Potter themed activities.  We'll be getting ready for the O.W.L.S. with Divination, Potions, Dueling, and more! Get sorted into your House and find out which House has won the House Cup by donating the most books this month.  Come to this magical event and donate to a good cause by helping us collect new books for children and families in need.

Homework Help at the Library

As the end of the school year approaches, does your child need a little extra help with their homework? Library teen volunteers are here to help students in grades K-7 with any type of assignment your child has. Walk-in sessions are held in the Youth Services Activity Room on: 

 

  • Sundays 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Tuesdays 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Wednesdays 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Cooking at the Library

    Did you know that the Library offers a variety of cooking classes for children every month? In May, the Youth Services department is offering four programs to introduce children to cooking.

    The long-running Baking 'n' Books (Saturday, May 2 at 11 a.m.) teaches kids how to mix up a batch of cookies from scratch, followed by storytime while the cookies bake.

    Healthy Kids Cooking (Saturday, May 9 at 11 a.m.) features kids and parents working together to make a tasty and healthy treat.

    Our monthly Country Club (Monday, May 18 at 5 p.m.) will visit Peru, with children learning about the country through folks tales, crafts, and their food!

    The Tween Cooking Party (Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m.) introduces students in grades 4+ to more advanced cooking, like May's project-fresh summer spring rolls.
     

    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

    The Lunchbox (PG)
    Tuesday, May 19 at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.

    The daily lunchbox that middle-class housewife Ila packs for her husband is mistakenly delivered to the wrong office worker, setting them both up for a virtual relationship that could jeopardize their real ones.  Ritesh Batra's first feature film stars Nimrat Kaur and Irrfan Khan.  [India (2013), 104 minutes]
    Watch the Trailer

    discussion
    Book Discussion Group

    This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper
    Thursday, May 21 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.

    "According to Genesis, the earth was created in six days. In the newest work from Tropper, the Foxman family spend a week together and the world practically implodes. Recently separated Judd, his two brothers, his sister, and their mother sit shiva for Foxman patriarch Mort. This seven-day Jewish ritual allows family members to mourn together, while friends and relatives come to pay their respects (and have a little 'nosh'). But the Foxman siblings don't get along, despite the best efforts of their celebrity child-care expert mother. As narrator Judd says, 'Some families become toxic to each other after prolonged exposure.'"

    Sponsored by The Friends of the Library 

    Are You Still Uninsured?

    You can receive free in-person help from a trained professional.

    What is Special Enrollment?

    Special Enrollment is time outside of the open enrollment period during which you and your family can enroll for health coverage due to certain life events.

    What is a Qualifying Life Event?
    • Adoption, Foster Care or Birth of Child
    • Marriage
    • Gain of citizenship, national; or lawfully present status
    • Some customers can apply for coverage year round, such as those who qualify for NJ Family Care or small businesses

    Visit www.healthcare.gov to view the special enrollment qualifications.

     
    To arrange for free, in-person help contact Donna Fong, Navigator, at the Family Resource Network at 1-800-355-0271 or [email protected]. 

    brc
    Business Resource Connection

    About the BRC

    The Business Resource Connection [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].