Jersey Shore Authors

“Are you from Jersey? What exit?” Everyone knows the old joke. But as a true New Jerseyan, you know that our state is rich in natural beauty, culture and historical significance. Perhaps that’s why it attracts such a wealth of authors of both fiction and non-fiction. This month, the library is showcasing the Jersey Shore Authors. And, no, I don’t mean Snooki and the Situation. No matter what kind of book you enjoy, there’s an author that’s right for you. The queen of suspense, Mary Higgins Clark, makes her home in Spring Lake and Saddle River. She’s added two new books, I’ll Walk Alone and The Shadow of Your Smile, to her already impressive body of work. And, straight from international headlines, is the heart-wrenching story of Tinton Falls resident David Goldman, and his five-year custody battle to get his son back from Brazil. You can read about it in his book, A Father’s Love: One Man’s Unrelenting Battle to Bring His Abducted Son Home. Please visit MAPL’s display on Jersey Shore Authors, and pick up a brochure that features these titles and more titles by other great local authors.

We are thrilled to have one of these Jersey Shore residents/writers coming to the library to discuss her book, Looking Through A Keyhole: A Memoir, this Saturday, November 12th at 2pm. Come and meet Julia Spencer and her seeing eye-dog, Irene. Anyone struggling with a
life-altering condition will find her story inspiring and motivating. Hear about her fears, her hopes, and her most candid responses to her visual loss and how she prevails over adversities. There will be a Q & A, book signing and her books will be available for purchasefor $16.

To register for this event, please stop by the library or contact Jill at (732) 583-9100 or email jstafford@lmxac.org.

This post was written by Susie Benanti.

Showcasing local talent

Last Wednesday night the library hosted Cheryl Syminink, a young glass artist who demonstrated how to create gorgeous glass beads that could be combined together to make unique pieces of jewelry. Cheryl showed us how she turned jewel toned glass rods into multicolored beads using not much more than a high temperature propane torch. We all sat mesmerized as she painstakingly created a frit bead and then a stringer bead. As she patiently heated the glass to a molten state, she took the time to explain how each tool was used, she answered questions, and even told us a little about herself. Her energy and passion for glass art was so contagious, patrons were discussing their plans to take lessons from Cheryl as they walked out the door.

It turns out Cheryl is a Monmouth County resident. As I watched her manipulate the glass into a bead the size of a cheerio, I started to wonder how many other talented artists reside locally. In September one of our reference librarians (an Aberdeen resident) will be teaching a hands-on class on how to assemble beaded earrings. I love the idea of local residents sharing their talents with other residents. Are you an artist or a hobbist who would like to demonstrate your skills to others? Or do you know someone who might like to share their talent? If so, please call Jill at the library or email me at jstafford@lmxac.org. We would love to learn from you!

Clubs, movies, and special events ... oh my!

Most people are aware the Matawan-Aberdeen Public Library offers story hours for children, but are you aware we also host a variety of clubs, movies, and special programs for our adult patrons that you are welcome to attend? Our various monthly clubs include a lively Mahjong club, a fun and informative genealogy club, and, of course, a very popular book club. In addition, we are beginning a new Pinochle club this June at the request of one of our patrons who is willing to teach others how to play. Every Monday afternoon, and occasionally on Sundays, we show an assortment of movies ranging from the classics to popular new releases. This summer, in honor of the NJ Summer Reading Program “Novel Destinations,” we will also be showing foreign films one afternoon a week. Look for these to begin in mid-June!

Are you currently working on your resume or searching for a job? On Thursday afternoons in May we are offering a series of webinars by Tutor.com that will help you answer tough interview question and polish your resume. If you can’t make it to the webinar, Lynne, one our own staff members who has years of experience helping people polish their resumes, will be conducting a program titled Writing an Effective Resume. Do you own a Kindle, Nook, or Sony Reader? Or are you thinking of purchasing one? Another staff member, Curtis, will demonstrate how to download ebooks from ListenNJ onto the e-readers during the E-Reader workshop. He will use a Nook for the class but he can answer questions about all the e-readers. Check out our Event Calendar for all the details.

One of my first tasks as the new Adult Services Librarian is to add to our current schedule of programming for adults. Over the summer we are beginning a new series called After Hours at the Library on Friday nights, offering different types of live music after the library closes. Stay tuned for information about our first concert in July! As I continue to develop new programs for the library, I’m reaching out to ask you what types of programs would you like to see us offer. Are you a history buff who would like to hear a lecture about a particular period in history? Do you want to brush up on your computer skills for work or learn how to join your friends on the social networking sites? Let me know! Also, if you have a talent or skill you would share with others, contact me at the library and we can discuss your ideas. I’d love to hear from you!