Director's Corner
A Unique Gift Idea From the Library
The Library Board of Trustees, staff and I extend our best wishes to our fellow residents for a happy holiday season and a prosperous, healthy new year!
Did you know that the library offers a wonderful gift idea for any occasion? Donating a book in honor of a loved one for a special occasion is a delightful gift for those who don’t really need another shirt or trinket. The library purchases a book for our collection and sends a notice to both the donor and the recipient. You can choose to donate as little as $25.00 for one book or up to $250, which sponsors a book each year for 10 years with your loved ones name inscribed in each book. Donors may choose from a list of subject areas and make a donation in honor of or in memory of. For more information about the Library’s book donation program please call 732-390-6781 or go to www.ebpl.org/requests/book_donation.cfm.
As we close out another year please remember that your library is here to provide information, entertainment and enrichment for residents of all ages. Again, best wishes for joyful holiday season.
MaryEllen Firestone
Library Director
Adult Programs and Events
Sponsored by The Middlesex County Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee
Enjoy an “armchair trip" to the Antarctic Peninsula—no parka required! Learn about penguins and explore places such as Neko Harbor, Cuverville Island, Lemaire Channel, Paradise Bay, Deception Island and Aitcho during this presentation. Join traveler Helen Divak for a slide presentation of her “journey to the ends of the earth.” Everyone is welcome to this free presentation!
Enjoy an “armchair trip" to the Antarctic Peninsula—no parka required! Learn about penguins and explore places such as Neko Harbor, Cuverville Island, Lemaire Channel, Paradise Bay, Deception Island and Aitcho during this presentation. Join traveler Helen Divak for a slide presentation of her “journey to the ends of the earth.” Everyone is welcome to this free presentation!
Sponsored by The Friends of The Library and the Arts Commission
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the historic and occasionally violent "Bread & Roses" strike by textile workers in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Award-winning NJ playwright Rachel Rubin Ladutke will give a historical overview of the strike, including its surprising resolution, and how it inspired her to write a play, and subsequent musical, Belles of the Mill. Her multimedia presentation will be accompanied by period photos and songs from the musical. Rachel is an award-winning, published playwright and the editor of Insight for Playwrights. Among her awards: finalist in the stageplay category of the Moondance Film Festival (play version, The Belles of the Mill) and "Best of the Fest" selection at the off-off-Broadway Midtown International Theatre Festival (musical version, Belles of the Mill).
Defensive Driving
Monday–Tuesday, Dec. 3–4 • 6:30 p.m.
Friends of the Library
Get a 5% discount on your auto insurance or erase points from yours or your teen’s driver’s license by attending the next two-day East Brunswick Friends of The Library’s Defensive Driving Course. Scheduled for Monday, December 3, and Tuesday, December 4, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Eligible drivers can erase two points from their driver’s license and/or get a 5% discount for three years on a portion of their auto insurance by attending both sessions. Approved by the State of New Jersey, the course is taught by an experienced police detective/accident investigator. Participants must attend the two consecutive evenings for credit. Course costs vary according to goal: for a 2 point reduction on your license, $65, for a 5% insurance discount, $55. For both, the cost is $65. Attendance is mandatory and refunds cannot be given for partial attendance. Applications are available at the Circulation desk or online. Registration is required and seating is limited to 30 people. No vehicle is needed as it is conducted in a classroom setting with multimedia aids. For more information call 732-257-2967 or e-mail fixaticket@aol.com. Download the registration form by logging on to www.ebpl.org. Checks should be made payable to E.B. Friends of the Library.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the historic and occasionally violent "Bread & Roses" strike by textile workers in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Award-winning NJ playwright Rachel Rubin Ladutke will give a historical overview of the strike, including its surprising resolution, and how it inspired her to write a play, and subsequent musical, Belles of the Mill. Her multimedia presentation will be accompanied by period photos and songs from the musical. Rachel is an award-winning, published playwright and the editor of Insight for Playwrights. Among her awards: finalist in the stageplay category of the Moondance Film Festival (play version, The Belles of the Mill) and "Best of the Fest" selection at the off-off-Broadway Midtown International Theatre Festival (musical version, Belles of the Mill).
Defensive Driving
Monday–Tuesday, Dec. 3–4 • 6:30 p.m.
Friends of the Library
Get a 5% discount on your auto insurance or erase points from yours or your teen’s driver’s license by attending the next two-day East Brunswick Friends of The Library’s Defensive Driving Course. Scheduled for Monday, December 3, and Tuesday, December 4, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Eligible drivers can erase two points from their driver’s license and/or get a 5% discount for three years on a portion of their auto insurance by attending both sessions. Approved by the State of New Jersey, the course is taught by an experienced police detective/accident investigator. Participants must attend the two consecutive evenings for credit. Course costs vary according to goal: for a 2 point reduction on your license, $65, for a 5% insurance discount, $55. For both, the cost is $65. Attendance is mandatory and refunds cannot be given for partial attendance. Applications are available at the Circulation desk or online. Registration is required and seating is limited to 30 people. No vehicle is needed as it is conducted in a classroom setting with multimedia aids. For more information call 732-257-2967 or e-mail fixaticket@aol.com. Download the registration form by logging on to www.ebpl.org. Checks should be made payable to E.B. Friends of the Library.
Book Discussion Group
Thursday, Dec. 6 • 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.
There But For The
by Ali Smith
Thursday, December 6 • 7 p.m.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library
Subliminal Programming. You‘ve heard of it, haven‘t you? How we are supposedly influenced by subtle, hidden messages to buy things, accept ideas, support political candidates and change our aspirations without even the slightest idea of what’s being done to us. Does it work? Come and join us in a lively discussion and detailed presentation with dozens of examples of how we are being hypnotized and mesmerized by Hollywood and Madison Avenue hundreds of times each and every day. Dr. Arthur Lewin is a Professor of Black Studies at Bernard M. Baruch College of the City University of New York. His last Library presentation “Spike Lee vs. Alfred Hitchock” received rave reviews.
Holiday Music with Piano Dave
Sunday, Dec. 9 • 3 p.m.
Sponsored by The Friends of The Library
Perennial Library favorite "Piano Dave" Schlossberg is home for the holidays and tickling the ivories with his renditions of Christmas, Hanukkah and winter-themed classics. Come enjoy the music and celebrate the season!
Sunday, Dec. 9 • 3 p.m.
Sponsored by The Friends of The Library
Perennial Library favorite "Piano Dave" Schlossberg is home for the holidays and tickling the ivories with his renditions of Christmas, Hanukkah and winter-themed classics. Come enjoy the music and celebrate the season!
Monday, Dec. 10 • 7 p.m.
Sponsored by the Arts Commission and The Friends of The Library
Elissa Weiss, soprano, and Joanna Barouch, pianist, will discuss the life and work of "The Father of American Music," Stephen Foster, interspersed with live performance of his music. Along with favorites such as "Beautiful Dreamer," you'll also hear some rarely-performed gems by the most gifted 19th-century American composer.
Do you need to de-stress? Or perhaps you would like to escape your hectic life for a little “quiet time”? For those who meditate, or would like to try, The Library’s meditation group, with leader Jeff Kaspin, will provide a serene space for like-minded people to meditate together during volunteer-led sessions.
Film Festival
Tuesday, Dec. 11, 1:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Italy. 2011. 90 minutes. Not rated.
Sponsored by The Friends of The Library
A married man suffering from a mid-life crisis tries to generate an extracurricular love life in this bittersweet comedy by writer-director-actor Gianni Di Gregorio. His latest film again stars nonagenarian Valeria de Franciscis as his mother.
Computer Courses
Expand your computer skills with these great courses at the Library
Classes are two hours long and limited to 12 students per class . There is a $5 fee for classes and a $50 for QuickBooks. Fees will be added to a cardholder’s account and paid for at the Circulation desk. Non-cardholders must pay at the time of registration. Register at the Library or by visiting www.ebpl.org and clicking on “News & Events.” For more information, please call 732-390-6767 .
Classes are two hours long and limited to 12 students per class . There is a $5 fee for classes and a $50 for QuickBooks. Fees will be added to a cardholder’s account and paid for at the Circulation desk. Non-cardholders must pay at the time of registration. Register at the Library or by visiting www.ebpl.org and clicking on “News & Events.” For more information, please call 732-390-6767 .
- Introduction to the New Microsoft Office , Saturday, Dec. 1, at 9:30 a.m.;
- Introduction to Microsoft Word , Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m.;
- Excel Basics , Thursday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m..;
- MS Word II , Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m.;
- Excel II , Thursday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m.;
- MS Word III , Saturday, Dec. 15, at 9:30 a.m.;
- MS Word IV , Tuesday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m.;
- Excel III , Thursday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m.;
- Excel IV , Thursday, Dec. 27, at 7 p.m.
Exhibits
Wall Exhibit:
Hatikvah Charter School
Display Cases:
E.B. Women's Club
FOR KIDS, TEENS & FAMILIES (DECEMBER)
* = Registration required. Register online at ebpl.org/kids
** = Tickets required. Limited tickets available to EBPL cardholders before the program begins. See program description for more details.
Note: The Library welcomes program participants at all skill or ability levels. If you need alternative accommodations f or your child or teen, please call Youth Services at 732-390-6789.
** = Tickets required. Limited tickets available to EBPL cardholders before the program begins. See program description for more details.
Note: The Library welcomes program participants at all skill or ability levels. If you need alternative accommodations f or your child or teen, please call Youth Services at 732-390-6789.
Special Family Events
**The Turtle Show
1:00 PM; Thursday, December 27
Limited Tickets! Show us your EBPL card 30 minutes before the program begins to receive your free ticket.
For families with children of all ages. Meet some of the most amazing turtles and tortoises from around the world! Learn about where they live, what they eat, how they hibernate and much more. Presented by Steve Woyce, author of the book The Amazing World of Turtles. Sponsored by The Friends of The Library.
Movie Magic
Enjoy a movie on us! Sponsored by The Friends of The Library.
December’s Movie Magic
2:00 PM; Saturday, December 29
Title to be announced. See our website for December’s movie selection.
1:00 PM; Thursday, December 27
Limited Tickets! Show us your EBPL card 30 minutes before the program begins to receive your free ticket.
For families with children of all ages. Meet some of the most amazing turtles and tortoises from around the world! Learn about where they live, what they eat, how they hibernate and much more. Presented by Steve Woyce, author of the book The Amazing World of Turtles. Sponsored by The Friends of The Library.
Movie Magic
Enjoy a movie on us! Sponsored by The Friends of The Library.
December’s Movie Magic
2:00 PM; Saturday, December 29
Title to be announced. See our website for December’s movie selection.
For Adults
Free Tech Coaching for Adults
6:00–8:00 PM; Monday, December 10
Bring your electronic toys (along with any manuals or cords), and let The Library’s “Geek League” show you how to use them. Our teen tech coaches can also help you with basic computer tasks, such as setting up an email account or creating a Facebook profile.
6:00–8:00 PM; Monday, December 10
Bring your electronic toys (along with any manuals or cords), and let The Library’s “Geek League” show you how to use them. Our teen tech coaches can also help you with basic computer tasks, such as setting up an email account or creating a Facebook profile.
Preschool Parent Patter
A programming partnership with the MOMS Club of the East Brunswick Area for parents with their preschool children. Hear speakers, meet other parents!
10:00 AM; Wednesday, December 12
Get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions!
Criss-Cross APPS Sauce!
2:30 PM; Thursdays, December 13
Learn and trade information about apps to use on Apple mobile devices (iPads, iPhones, iPods) with young children.
A programming partnership with the MOMS Club of the East Brunswick Area for parents with their preschool children. Hear speakers, meet other parents!
10:00 AM; Wednesday, December 12
Get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions!
Criss-Cross APPS Sauce!
2:30 PM; Thursdays, December 13
Learn and trade information about apps to use on Apple mobile devices (iPads, iPhones, iPods) with young children.
Storytime
Mother Goose Magic
10:15 AM
December 4, 10, 20, 28
A nursery rhyme program for children ages birth to age 2 with an adult.
Reading: Get Ready!
10:30 AM
Friday, December 21
Stories and songs for children ages 2 & up with an adult.
Mommy, Daddy & Me
7:00 PM; Thursday, December 27
An evening storytime for ages 2 & up with an adult.
Weekend Wanderings
1:00 PM
Saturday, December 8
A weekend storytime for children ages 2 & up with an adult after nap time.
10:15 AM
December 4, 10, 20, 28
A nursery rhyme program for children ages birth to age 2 with an adult.
Reading: Get Ready!
10:30 AM
Friday, December 21
Stories and songs for children ages 2 & up with an adult.
Mommy, Daddy & Me
7:00 PM; Thursday, December 27
An evening storytime for ages 2 & up with an adult.
Weekend Wanderings
1:00 PM
Saturday, December 8
A weekend storytime for children ages 2 & up with an adult after nap time.
Toddlers / Preschool
Flat Stanley Fun
2:00 PM; Sunday, December 16
Ages 4–8 with an adult. Celebrate your heritage and create your own Flay Stanley. Co- sponsored by the East Brunswick Human Relations Council and The Library.
*Tale Time & Crafts
10:30 AM or 1:30 PM
Monday, December 17
Register beginning December 1.
A fun story-and-craft program for children ages 2–5 accompanied by an adult.
**Baking ‘N’ Books
10:00 AM; Saturday, December 1
Limited Tickets! Show us your EBPL card 15 minutes before the program begins to receive your free ticket.
Ages 4 & up with an adult. Make something good to eat and hear delicious stories.
Cinema & Stories
10:30 AM; Wednesday, December 19
Ages 2 & up with an adult. Short, animated films based on children’s books and a story.
Crafty Creations
10:00–11:00 AM; Wednesday, December 5
Ages 2 & up with an adult. Drop in to make a quick, beautiful, not-too-messy craft.
2:00 PM; Sunday, December 16
Ages 4–8 with an adult. Celebrate your heritage and create your own Flay Stanley. Co- sponsored by the East Brunswick Human Relations Council and The Library.
*Tale Time & Crafts
10:30 AM or 1:30 PM
Monday, December 17
Register beginning December 1.
A fun story-and-craft program for children ages 2–5 accompanied by an adult.
**Baking ‘N’ Books
10:00 AM; Saturday, December 1
Limited Tickets! Show us your EBPL card 15 minutes before the program begins to receive your free ticket.
Ages 4 & up with an adult. Make something good to eat and hear delicious stories.
Cinema & Stories
10:30 AM; Wednesday, December 19
Ages 2 & up with an adult. Short, animated films based on children’s books and a story.
Crafty Creations
10:00–11:00 AM; Wednesday, December 5
Ages 2 & up with an adult. Drop in to make a quick, beautiful, not-too-messy craft.
School Age
*Read to a Dog
1:00–2:00 PM; Saturday, December 1
Register beginning November 13.
Grades K–5. 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 nonprofit organization that trains dogs to work with people of all ages and abilities. Each reader will spend 45 minutes with man’s best friend to practice reading aloud. Bring your favorite story or check one out from The Library’s collection.
**Science Scene
Experiment with different science topics each month.
Seasons, Seasons
6:30 PM: Grades K–2; 7:30 PM: Grades 3–5
Thursday, December 6
Limited tickets! Show us your EBPL card 15 minutes before the program begins to receive your free ticket.
Flat Stanley Fun
2:00 PM; Sunday, December 16
Ages 4–8 with an adult. Celebrate your heritage and create your own Flay Stanley. Co- sponsored by the East Brunswick Human Relations Council and The Library.
Book Bingo
2:00 PM; Sunday, December 30
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, December 9
For all ages. Children, teens and adults are invited to play this mind-sharpening game.
Kid Arcade (New!)
2:00–4:00 PM; Saturday, December 22
Grades 4 & up. Come play with The Library’s Wii and PS3… we’ll even break out the DDR!
Kids Craft Club (New!)
7:00 PM
Thursday, December 13
Grades 4–8. Create something cool and show off your design skills at this crafting program.
Kraft Korner
4:00 PM; Friday, December 14
1:00 PM; Friday, December 28
Grades K-3. Drop in to make a cool craft.
LEGO Engineering
2:00 PM
Sunday, December 2
Wednesday, December 26
Ages 6 & up. Come and play with The Library’s collection of LEGO and K’NEX. You do not have to bring your own.
Math Games
10:30 AM; Saturday, December 15 (Math games)
Grades 2-4. Use games and activities to have fun and improve skills.
Yu-Gi-Oh!
1:00–3:00 PM; Sunday, December 23
For children & teens. Bring your own cards and mats; no Japanese or fake cards.
1:00–2:00 PM; Saturday, December 1
Register beginning November 13.
Grades K–5. 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 nonprofit organization that trains dogs to work with people of all ages and abilities. Each reader will spend 45 minutes with man’s best friend to practice reading aloud. Bring your favorite story or check one out from The Library’s collection.
**Science Scene
Experiment with different science topics each month.
Seasons, Seasons
6:30 PM: Grades K–2; 7:30 PM: Grades 3–5
Thursday, December 6
Limited tickets! Show us your EBPL card 15 minutes before the program begins to receive your free ticket.
Flat Stanley Fun
2:00 PM; Sunday, December 16
Ages 4–8 with an adult. Celebrate your heritage and create your own Flay Stanley. Co- sponsored by the East Brunswick Human Relations Council and The Library.
Book Bingo
2:00 PM; Sunday, December 30
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, December 9
For all ages. Children, teens and adults are invited to play this mind-sharpening game.
Kid Arcade (New!)
2:00–4:00 PM; Saturday, December 22
Grades 4 & up. Come play with The Library’s Wii and PS3… we’ll even break out the DDR!
Kids Craft Club (New!)
7:00 PM
Thursday, December 13
Grades 4–8. Create something cool and show off your design skills at this crafting program.
Kraft Korner
4:00 PM; Friday, December 14
1:00 PM; Friday, December 28
Grades K-3. Drop in to make a cool craft.
LEGO Engineering
2:00 PM
Sunday, December 2
Wednesday, December 26
Ages 6 & up. Come and play with The Library’s collection of LEGO and K’NEX. You do not have to bring your own.
Math Games
10:30 AM; Saturday, December 15 (Math games)
Grades 2-4. Use games and activities to have fun and improve skills.
Yu-Gi-Oh!
1:00–3:00 PM; Sunday, December 23
For children & teens. Bring your own cards and mats; no Japanese or fake cards.
Teens & Tweens
Teen Action Group
7:00 PM; Monday, December 3
Grades 7–12. Have a say in The Library’s collection, help plan new programs and events and participate in creative activities. Earn community service hours for attending. Snacks!
Gamers Guild
6:00 PM
Tuesdays: December 4, 11, 18
Grades 6–12. Play RPGs and CCGs such as Dungeons & Dragons and Magic The Gathering. Dice provided. Beginners welcome and lessons provided. Note that the second Tuesday of the month is devoted to Magic tournament play.
Inquisitive Book Club
3:30 PM; Sunday, December 16
Calling all 9th grade girls! Join this book discussion group led by local teen, Brooke. Titles to be announced.
Manga Club
6:00 PM; Thursday, December 20
Grades 6–12. Sample the latest anime and manga in The Library’s collection and play manga- related games. Snacks!
Psyched! Social Issues Discussion Group
7:00-8:00 PM; Monday, December 17
Grades 8-12. Come ready to discuss important issues facing teens today in an open and friendly environment. Attendees will be able to talk freely about their different views.
7:00 PM; Monday, December 3
Grades 7–12. Have a say in The Library’s collection, help plan new programs and events and participate in creative activities. Earn community service hours for attending. Snacks!
Gamers Guild
6:00 PM
Tuesdays: December 4, 11, 18
Grades 6–12. Play RPGs and CCGs such as Dungeons & Dragons and Magic The Gathering. Dice provided. Beginners welcome and lessons provided. Note that the second Tuesday of the month is devoted to Magic tournament play.
Inquisitive Book Club
3:30 PM; Sunday, December 16
Calling all 9th grade girls! Join this book discussion group led by local teen, Brooke. Titles to be announced.
Manga Club
6:00 PM; Thursday, December 20
Grades 6–12. Sample the latest anime and manga in The Library’s collection and play manga- related games. Snacks!
Psyched! Social Issues Discussion Group
7:00-8:00 PM; Monday, December 17
Grades 8-12. Come ready to discuss important issues facing teens today in an open and friendly environment. Attendees will be able to talk freely about their different views.
Teen Volunteers Needed
Become a Teen Buddy (Grades 8 & up)
Time commitment: 1.5 hours per week for 10 weeks. Volunteer as a teen buddy in our Reading & Math Buddies program. You’d meet with your Kid Buddy once a week for an hour to work on improving skills. Email RMbuddies@ebpl.org to get started!
Join The Geek League (Grades 8-12)
Interested in teaching skills to tech-shy adults? Become a tech coach for The Library’s Geek League. Email teens@ebpl.org if interested.
Attend TAG meetings (Grades 7-12)
Come to our monthly Teen Action Group meetings. Have a say in The Library’s collection, help plan new programs and events and participate in creative activities. Look for “Teen Action Group” in the teen program listings for our meeting dates. No registration is required – just show up!
General Volunteer List (Grades 8 & up)
Time commitment: 1.5 hours per week for 10 weeks. Volunteer as a teen buddy in our Reading & Math Buddies program. You’d meet with your Kid Buddy once a week for an hour to work on improving skills. Email RMbuddies@ebpl.org to get started!
Join The Geek League (Grades 8-12)
Interested in teaching skills to tech-shy adults? Become a tech coach for The Library’s Geek League. Email teens@ebpl.org if interested.
Attend TAG meetings (Grades 7-12)
Come to our monthly Teen Action Group meetings. Have a say in The Library’s collection, help plan new programs and events and participate in creative activities. Look for “Teen Action Group” in the teen program listings for our meeting dates. No registration is required – just show up!
General Volunteer List (Grades 8 & up)
Add yourself to a general teen volunteer email list for when The Library needs help with children's programs or other one-time duties. Email teens@ebpl.org if interested.
Youth Services Display Case
Disney Vinylmations from the collection of Angelique Vizer
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.
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.