Library Events and Programs for January
Director's Corner
Happy New Year!  

The Library Board of Trustees, Library Staff and Library Administration wish all our residents a happy, healthy, productive 2014. January is always a time of new beginnings, a fresh start and a renewed sense of possibility.  

The library is particularly happy this month to showcase the work of the Friends of the Library.  This dedicated group of volunteers has once again donated the funds to enable the library to build three group study rooms which will be completed and ready to use by the end of January.  This gift will provide all our residents a space to work on projects, meet in small groups, do class assignments or gather to plan a project.  The group study rooms will answer a need that was identified years ago and the Library Board and Administration is very grateful to the Friends for their generous gift to our library and our community.  

Please join us in thanking the Friends as you consider becoming a Friends member or renewing your membership.  January is Friends membership Drive and what better way to say "Thank You" than to send in your membership envelop?  

MaryEllen Firestone
 
Library Director
Special Events for All Ages
The East Brunswick Roots Project: Kick-Off Party
Friday, January 3 • 3 p.m.
Sponsored by The Friends of The Library
The East Brunswick Roots project is a new initiative celebrating the cultures and nationalities that make up the population of East Brunswick. For 2014, we will highlight China in January, the Ukraine in April, Egypt in June/July and Puerto Rico in October. Each country will be celebrated with a lecture and an arts performance or workshop and book and media displays.
 
Everyone is invited to join in the kick-off celebration and view the January exhibit by Master Artist Hou-Tien Cheng, paper-cutter. Refreshments served.

Make it a Football Saturday
Saturday, January 25 • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate the Super Bowl coming to the NJ Meadowlands Stadium at the library with games, movies and snacks. Open to all ages, you’ll be able to watch an all-day marathon of football movies in the community room. 

Families and children 5 and up are invited to visit the Youth Services Activity room at 11 a.m. to make a fun football craft.

Invincible - 12:30 p.m.
Rated PG. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks, Kevin Conway, Michael Rispoli, Kirk Acevedo, Dov Davidoff, Michael Kelly, Sal Darigo, Nicoye Banks.

Vince Papale is a down-on-his-luck substitute teacher in Philadelphia who, at the age of 30, was out of work, abandoned by his wife, and biding time as a part-time bartender when he decides to answer an open call for tryouts on the Philadelphia Eagles NFL football team in 1976. Going with his gut instinct, new coach Dick Vermeil rewards Papale's diligent efforts with a place on the team.

The Blind Side- 2:30 p.m.
Rated PG-13. Starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Jae Head, Lily Collins, Ray McKinnon, Kim Dickens, Adriane Lenox, Kathy Bates, Catherine Dyer, Andy Stahl.

Michael Oher is a homeless African-American teenager who is from a broken home. Mike is taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Oher's presence in the Touhys' lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. Living in his new environment, Mike faces a completely different set of challenges to overcome - as both a football player and student. Mike works hard and, with the help of his coaches and adopted family, becomes an All-American offensive left tackle.

Teen Space Activities

In the Teen Space, teens can play play Madden and other football video games on the PS3 in the Teen Space. Challenge your friends to a paper football championship game.  Post your scores on our score board and claim bragging rights as the best paper football player in the library!

Spend the day at the library with all your friends watching football movies and playing football video games!

Adult Programs and Events
New Year's Resolution Book Sale
Tuesday, January 7 through Sunday, January 12

Come by the East Brunswick Public Library’s next in-house book sale and get help keeping this year’s New Year’s resolutions. Thanks to the Friends of the Library, you can buy books on cooking, health and fitness, selt-help and more for a low price. The sale will be held Tuesday, Jan. 7, through  Sunday, Jan. 12,  at the East Brunswick Public Library.

Friends Magazine Sale
Thursday, January 16, through Sunday, January 19

If you missed an issue of your favorite magazine then head to the East Brunswick Public Library and see if you can buy it there. The Friends of the Library’s Annual Magazine Sale starts Thursday, Jan. 16, and ends Sunday, Jan. 19. We’ll have magazines that cover science, entertainment, teens, adults, cooking and a lot more, so if you’re looking for a good read and an even better bargain, then pick up a bundle of six to 12 magazines for $3. 

Co-sponsored by the Middlesex County Cultural & Heritage Commission and The East Brunswick Arts Commission
If you’ve ever cut a paper snowflake, you have engaged in the art of paper-cutting. Learn from Master Artist Hou-Tien Cheng how to take your paper-cutting skills to a whole new level. Two FREE hands-on workshops. Middle school through adult. REGISTRATION REQUIRED online, by phone, (732) 390-6767, or at Library information desk.

SATURDAY STITCH Drop-In Session with SANDY KANDEL

Saturday, January 11 • 10 a.m.–noon

Sponsored by The Friends of The Library
Bring your favorite needlecraft project and tap into Sandy’s expertise to get past those problem spots! Whether you do knitting, crochet, needlepoint, counted cross stitch, embroidery or other needlework, come drop in at your convenience for tips. Enjoy Sandy's expert advice and the camaraderie of fellow crafters. There will be a sign-in sheet, and Sandy will give one-on-one advice in order of the sign-ins. All levels welcome. This is a regular monthly program on second Saturdays.
 
East Brunswick Library Hosts Book Launch by Local Author
Hurdles - When Cancer Strikes a Family by Michael G. Kesler, PhD,
with afterword by Dr. Howard Paul

Refreshments will be served.
Sunday, January 12 • 2 p.m.

Sponsored by the Library's Just for the Health of it Initiative!
When cancer strikes, there is more than one victim: the patient and the patient’s loved ones. In his latest memoir, East Brunswick author Michael Kesler, PhD, will talk about his family’s experience through the diagnosis, treatment and death of his first wife due to breast cancer during a special Book Launch event at the library.

Hurdles is a compelling, heartrending story of tragic loss and a desperate struggle for survival, alleviated by love and devotion, and deep commitment to life. It is a testimony to resilience and strength of the human spirit, a must-read for victims of this terrible disease and their caregivers. You will hear about breast cancer, which afflicts nearly 200,000 women in the U.S. each year, from the viewpoint of a husband and father of four young children.

Excerpts from his book will be read by Rabbi Esther Reed of Rutgers University Hillel, step daughter of Mr. Kesler.   Clinical psychologist Howard Paul, PhD, will add a professional perspective on the effects of such a devastating diagnosis on families and caregivers. Dr. Kesler's Book "Hurdles—When Cancer Strikes a Family” will be available for purchase and signing by Dr. Kesler.  Dr. Howard Paul will also be signing his book, “The Heart of Psychology.”

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Chautauqua
As portrayed by actor/historian Marvin Jefferson

Sunday, January 19 • 2 p.m.

Sponsored by The Friends of The Library
Celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. as actor Marvin Jefferson portrays King through first-person historical characterization, followed by a Q&A session.
 
King is one of the most celebrated African-Americans of the 20th century and was known best as a leader in the U.S. Civil Rights movement. A clergyman, activist and humanitarian, King’s honors include the Nobel Peace Prize, Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal.
 
Marvin Jefferson has been building a national reputation for his portrayals of MLK Jr., Paul Robeson, and William Clark’s slave, York, over the past couple of decades. His appearances include performances at both the Nevada and Ohio Chautauqua festivals. He returns to The Library by popular demand after last year’s standout presentation as Paul Robeson.
 
The East Brunswick Roots Project: China
Living and Laughing by the Chopsticks-Fork Principle With Cathy Bao Bean
Thursday, January 23 • 7 p.m.

Co-sponsored by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and The Friends of The Library
With good humor, participants are encouraged to realize, understand, and laugh about how we all are at least bi-cultural (by ethnicity, gender, etc.) in a way that shatters stereotypes but explains the generalizations.
 
Operatalk: Candide With Joanna Barouch
Thursday, January 30 • 7 p.m.

Co-sponsored by the East Brunswick Arts Commission and The Library
Based on Voltaire’s classic, the comic operetta Candide features a brilliant score by Leonard Bernstein. The operetta has been described as “Monty Python: circa 1759,” and is a delightfully satirical—and frequently bawdy—romp.

The story follows the journeys of Candide and his true love, Cunégonde. Through encounters with pirates, heretics, pilgrims, courtesans, police, slaves, strolling players, sheep, concubines, philosophers, soldiers, monks, thieves, noblemen, a cow, a Pygmy, a mystic and The Grand Inquisitor, the lovers discover how life can be “happiness indeed.”

The Arts Commission is offering discounted tickets ($10.50) for the Feb. 2 matinee of Candide at the Nicholas Music Center at Rutgers University. For tickets/info, call or email Bunny Gittleman at 732-257-5583 or Bunny2@comcast.net.
 
Computer Training
Sign up now for the East Brunswick Public Library’s latest computer class offerings. January classes will be held Wednesday afternoons, Tuesday and Thursday nights, and Saturday mornings. New this month is Social media of Businesses, and Web Design with WordPress. Make sure you sign up for these great new classes now before they fill up.

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Business Resource Center
Resumes: The Latest Trends
Tuesday, January 7 • 10 a.m. to noon
Do you want to create a great looking resume? He sign up now for the Business Resource Center @ The East Brunswick Library’s great new program, Resumes: The Latest Trends.You’ll get answers to simple questions such as One page? Two pages? What about gaps? Does volunteering count? What about special skills and accomplishments? Come learn what employers ACTUALLY want in a resume and how to prepare yours so you get an interview for that special job.

This program will be presented by the Middlesex County Office of Workforce Development & Workforce Investment Board. This seminar is FREE, however, pre-registration is required! Call 732-390-6782 or email brc@ebpl.org to register. 

Business Success with B2B Marketing

Thursday, January 23 • 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The Business Resource Center @ The East Brunswick Public Library, in conjunction with Princeton SCORE, is pleased to present Business Success with B2B Marketing, to be held Thursday, Oct. 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

This seminar provides an overview of B2B marketing principals, strategies and tactics. It will explain what makes B2B marketing unique and how to identify “low hanging fruit.” You'll learn about the importance of a business plan that clearly defines your product/service, targeted customer segments, and how you identify and meet customer needs. We'll discuss how to develop a competitive strategy, determine pricing, prospects for new business and incorporate inbound/outbound e-marketing practices.

Presenter: William Woodrow is CEO of Woodrow Solutions, a marketing strategy consultant dedicated to helping B2B tech companies achieve sustainable growth. Bill is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Business School. He has led successful "turn-arounds" in a wide array of industrial markets in companies of all sizes.

Please register early. To register, please visit www.scoreprinceton.org.  Registration will be closed 48 hours before the start of a class. If there are fewer than six people registered at that time the class will be cancelled.


On Display in January
EXHIBITS: Imagine That
Hou-Tien Cheng is a man who observes the commonplace with an artist’s eye. He can take an ordinary piece of paper, and with a few folds and snips, it transforms into designs that leap off the page and into the imagination. Likewise, The Friends of The Library deliver dedication and support that enables The Library to transform vision into reality with more and better programs, services and collections.  
 
On Display: The Chinese Paper Cuts of Master Artists Hou-Tien Cheng
The East Brunswick Roots Project: China
Master artist, author, performer and illustrator Hou-Tien Cheng learned his craft in Taiwan as a child and has been exhibiting, teaching and demonstrating the art of Chinese paper-cutting since shortly after his arrival in the U.S. in 1972. He has done one-man shows at the Brooklyn Museum, The Cloisters, West Point Academy, the Pittsburgh Childrens’ Museum and many other venuesm and has been featured on countless TV programs that include major network news segments and “Wonderama.” He is the author of three books published by Holt, Rinehart & Winston: Six Chinese Brothers, Scissor Cutting for Beginners and Chinese New Year.
 
On Exhibit: The Friends of The Library
The support of The Friends has enabled The Library to offer a variety of programs for children, teens and adults, including films, author talks, concerts, lectures, animal visits and more. It would be hard not see any part of The Library that has not been touched by the Friends: programs, services, collections, environment and supplies. This exhibit celebrates the many contributions of The Friends.

 
Young Adults
Geek League
Stop by and have the Tech Savvy Teens of the East Brunswick Public Library’s Geek League” help you with that tricky new gadget.
Teens in the Geek League are available to help create an email or Facebook account, or with other basic computer questions and can coach adults to be more comfortable with electronic gadgets such as cell phones and eReaders. Just bring your gadget and any manuals and cords.
  • Saturday, Jan. 4 • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Monday, Jan. 13 • 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Jan. 18 • 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 1 • 10 a.m.-  4 p.m.
  • Monday, Feb. 10 •  6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Saturday Feb. 15 • 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
League of Legends After-Hours Tournament at the Library
On Friday,  January 17 • 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Library will host its second League of Legend’s tournament for teen players.
Teens interested in participating will be able to sign up on the Library’s teen page, the teen Facebook page, and in person at the library.  Registration is required for this after-hours event.

There is a maximum of number of participants as well as a waitlist.  Participation is first come, first serve.  See the registration page for more information.

Questions?  Email Jessica at jschneider@ebpl.org.


The East Brunswick Roots Project: Kick-Off Party
Friday, January 3 • 3 p.m.
Sponsored by The Friends of The Library
(see description above)
 
The East Brunswick Roots Project: China
Hands-on Paper-Cutting Workshop with Master Artist Hou-Tien Cheng

Sunday, January 5 • 2 and 3 p.m.

(see description above)
REGISTRATION REQUIRED online, by phone, (732) 390-6767, or at Library or Teen information desk.
 
 
SAT/ACT Practice Test: Gearing up for the next round of SAT testing?  
Sunday, January 18 • 12 Noon

Come take a free practice SAT/ACT test from Kaplan Test Prep at the East Brunswick Public Library…a practice test is one of the best ways to get ready for the real thing! By taking this practice test you will earn what to expect on test day, get a complete analysis of your results and learn exclusive strategies to improve your score.

Please bring a No. 2 pencil and a calculator to the test. Test starts promptly at 12 p.m. Space is limited.  Registration is required.   Register online through the library event calendar. Contact Jessica Schneider with any questions: jschneider@ebpl.org

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Chautauqua
As portrayed by actor/historian Marvin Jefferson

Sunday, January 19 • 2 p.m.

(see description above)

 
Film Festivals
Winter International Film Festival

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED

Denmark. 2012. 116 minutes. Rated R.
At their children’s wedding in sunny Italy, a widowed English businessman and a Danish hairdresser get a second chance at love.  Susanne Bier (AFTER THE WEDDING, IN A BETTER WORLD) directs this romantic comedy starring Pierce Brosnan and Trine Dyrholm.  
Tuesday, January  14 • 1:30 & 7:30 p.m.

Popular Film Festival


CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
USA. 2013. 134 minutes. Rated PG-13.
When an American container ship is hijacked off the coast of Somalia, its crew and captain are pitted against a band of desperate pirates.   Based on real events, this thriller is directed by Paul Greengrass (UNITED 93, GREEN ZONE) and stars Tom Hanks as Captain Phillips.
Tuesday, January 28 •1:30 & 7:30 p.m.

All films are show with English subtitles.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.


Looking Ahead

SATURDAY STITCH Drop-In Session with SANDY KANDEL
Saturday, February 8 • 10 a.m.–noon
Sponsored by The Friends of The Library
 

Author Talk on “Strings Attached” (about “Mr. K”)
by former East Brunswick residents Joanne Lipman and Melanie Kupchynsk, about former EBHS orchestra director
Sunday, February 9 • 2 p.m.
 
Phyllis Noar Puppetry Festival
Sunday, February 16 • 2 p.m.
Sunday, February 23 • 2 p.m.

It's almost that time again! Come to the East Brunswick Public Library and get your tickets now for the 2014 Phyllis Noar Puppetry Festival. Held over two weekends, the festival is guaranteed to entertain and delight children of almost any age.  These wonderful programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Tickets will be sold in advance at the circulation desk beginning Monday, Jan. 6. Cash or checks should be payable to E.B. Friends of the Library. Ticketholders must meet minimum age requirements.

Tuckers’ Tales Puppet Theatre -- “Cirkus.”
A circus band begins to play, a siren whistle sounds, and suddenly a zany ringmaster appears to introduce the show.  He and his clown “assistants” are determined to see the show go on, despite bungled magic tricks and escaping animals. For families with children 3 years old and up.
Sunday, February 16 • 2 p.m.

Robert Rogers Puppet Company -- “The Bugtown Follies.”
Look down at the ground with a magnifying lens and what do you see? Insects, of course. But in this show, they’re doing lots of things you wouldn’t expect. As a matter of fact, they’re singing, clowning around, and using their unique and varied attributes to perform great feats of theatrical skill. For families with children 3 years old and up.
Sunday, February 23 • 2 p.m.
Programs for Children & Families
Tickets are needed to enter some programs. See the program description for details.
 
Visit our website ( www.ebpl.org/kids ) to stay up-to-date on new children’s programming. Coming soon to Youth Services… Minecraft!
 
For Parents
Preschool Parent Patter (New time!)
9:15 AM; Thursday, January 9

A programming partnership with the MOMS Club of the East Brunswick Area for parents with their preschool children. Hear speakers, meet other parents and stay for a storytime afterwards!
 
Special Events
Football Craft
11:00 AM; Saturday, January 25

Ages 5 & up. Join us for a fun football craft.

Preschool/Daycare Fair
10:00 AM; Thursday, January 30

Meet representatives from local daycare centers and preschools and hear what they have to offer your child.

EBPL Olympics Challenge
February 2014

For all ages. Complete eight reading Olympic activities during the month of February and win a gold medal! Stop by the YS desk beginning February for more details.

Storytime & Olympic Craft
10:30 AM; Saturday, February 8

Create your own Olympic torch, then join in a parade of nations around The Library!

Storytime
Mother Goose Magic (New time!)
10:30 AM; Mondays & Thursdays
January 2, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 23, 27
February 3, 6, 10, 13, 20, 24, 27

Ages birth to age 2 with an adult. A nursery rhyme program for infants and toddlers, followed by playtime.

Family Storytime
3:30 PM; Every Sunday in January & February

For children of all ages with an adult. Join us for stories, songs and rhymes.

Reading, Get Ready!
10:30 AM; Friday, January 17
10:30 AM; Friday, January 31
10:30 AM; Friday, February 14
10:30 AM; Friday, February 28

Ages 2 & up with an adult. Enjoy stories, songs and early literacy activities.

Toddlers & Preschool
Cinema & Stories
10:30 AM; Friday, January 24
10:30 AM; Friday, February 21

Ages 2 & up with an adult. Short, animated films based on children’s books and a story.
 
Crafty Creations
10:30 AM; Friday, January 10
10:30 AM; Tuesday, January 21
10:30 AM; Tuesday, February 18

Ages 2 & up with an adult. Drop in to make a quick, beautiful, not-too-messy craft.

DUPLO Fun Time
11:00 AM; Friday, January 17
11:00 AM; Friday, January 31
11:00 AM; Friday, February 14
11:00 AM; Friday, January 28

Ages 2–5. Drop in for some fun.  Listen to music and build and play with The Library’s DUPLOs.
 
Music & Motion
10:30 AM; Tuesday, January 7
10:30 AM; Tuesday, February 4

Ages 3–5 with an adult. Have fun with rhythm instrument activities and dance. Limited tickets for EBPL cardholders 15 minutes before the program begins.
 
Tae Kwon Do
10:00–10:30 AM; Tuesday, January 14
10:00–10:30 AM; Tuesday, January 28
10:00–10:30 AM; Tuesday, February 11
10:00–10:30 AM; Tuesday, February 25

Ages 2–5 with an adult. Work with a master from World Champion’s K Tae Kwon Do school to learn some of the moves and philosophy of this martial art.
 
Tale Time & Crafts
10:30 AM; Wednesday, January 15
10:30 AM; Wednesday, February 19

Ages 2–5 with an adult. Come to a fun story-and-craft program! Limited tickets for EBPL cardholders 15 minutes before the program begins.

Yoga Fun: Words & Motion
10:30 AM; Friday, January 3
10:30 AM; Friday, February 7

Ages 2–5 with an adult. Stories, movement and fun… Learn some yoga!

School Age
Baking ‘N’ Books
10:00 AM; Saturday, January 4
10:00 AM; Saturday, February 1

Ages 4 & up with an adult. Make something good to eat and hear delicious stories. Limited tickets for EBPL cardholders 15 minutes before the program begins.

Book Bingo
11:00 AM; Saturday, January 18
11:00 AM; Saturday, February 22

For all readers. Can you get all of the book characters in a row? Come try! Prizes for winners!

Chess Club
1:30–3:00 PM; Sunday, January 12
1:30–3:00 PM; Sunday, February 9

For all ages. Children, teens and adults are invited to play this mind-sharpening game.

Duct Tape Designs
4:00 PM; Wednesday, January 22
4:00 PM; Wednesday, February 19

Grades 2–5. Create something cool with Duct Tape.

LEGO Engineering
2:00 PM; Saturday, January 25
2:00 PM; Saturday, February 15

Grades K & up. Come and play with The Library’s collection of LEGO and K’NEX. You do not have to bring your own. What will you design?

Rainbow Loom
2:00 PM; Saturday, January 18
2:00 PM; Saturday, February 22

Grades 1 & up. Bring your loom (or borrow one of The Library’s), show off your skills and learn new designs. While you are making your creations, enjoy some hot chocolate!

Science Scene
6:30 PM for Grades K–2; Thursday, January 9 (Topic: Structural Engineering)
7:30 PM for Grades 3–5; Thursday, January 9 (Topic: Structural Engineering)
6:30 PM for Grades K–2; Thursday, February 13 (Topic: Water Molecules)
7:30 PM for Grades 3–5; Thursday, February 13 (Topic: Water Molecules)
Experiment with different science topics each month. Limited tickets for EBPL cardholders 15 minutes before the program begins.

Youth Services Display Case
January: Animal Beadies from the collection of Huzefa Tapya
February: Rubber Ducks from the collection of Sarah Kincaid
 
Do you have an interesting hobby or collection you would like to show to others? The Youth Services department is looking for kids to exhibit their collections in our display case. Call 732–390–6789 for details.


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