Holiday Hours

Central Library and Laurence Harbor Library

Saturday 12/31: 10:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Sunday 1/1: Closed
Monday 1/2: Closed

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Standing Ovation Award

Congratulations to Head of Custodial Services Tiberiu Fekete and the Circulation Departments of the Central and Laurence Harbor Libraries for winning the Library's second annual Standing Ovation Award for outstanding service.

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Old Bridge Library Presents an Introduction to Origami

Have you ever wanted to develop unusual artwork that would impress your family and friends? How about the ancient Oriental art of origami! Origami is the art of paper folding. The goal of this art is to create a given result using geometric folds and crease patterns. On Saturday, January 21^st at 1:30 p.m. expert origami artist Bill Reyes will guide you through the first steps of creating interesting and unusual artwork – learn some easy (and not so easy! shapes). Registration is limited, to register for this free program call (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033.

Reyes origami projects are on display in the case opposite the Reference Desk in the Central Library.

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Tibby and the Snowman

Head of Custodial Services Tiberiu Fekete poses with his latest creation, which is on display near the entrance of the Central Library.

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Caught Reading: Vixen by Ken Bruen

Bruen is one of the hardest of the hard-core nior mystery writers who sets haunting crime fiction in his native England and Ireland. This time out, the cops are on the trail of a femme-fatale who is hatching an explosive extortion plot that is shocking London. The cops are combating their own demons and problems as they track the Vixen and the money. Fans of hard bitten crime fiction will enjoy this.

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Caught Reading: Cold Granite by Stuart MacBride

McBride's debut novel is a dark and haunting police mystery set in Aberdeen, Scotland. Detective Logan MacRae is back on the force after a nearly fatal attack, and on his first day back on the job, he's saddled with finding a serial killer and a dirty cop who has been leaking information to the press. Despite some well-worn cliches and stereotypes, MacBride's first book is a winner, and hopefully we'll be able to share in some more of Detective Logan's adventures in the coming years.

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New Children's Display

There's a new display in the Children's Display Case! If your child has a collection he or she would like to display for the community, please contact Phyllis at (732) 721-5600 ext. 5028.

Old Bridge Library Hosts Student – Faculty Art Exhibit

The Old Bridge Public Library will be hosting a Student—Faculty Art Exhibit from December 1 through January 15. Students and faculty from throughout the Old Bridge High School will be represented. The art exhibit will be available at the Old Bridge Central Library during regular business hours. For more information, please call (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033.

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How to Choose a Long Term Care Setting

On Tuesday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m. Ruby Anastos and Barbara Guseman of the Reformed Church Hone in Old Bridge, NJ will present a free public program on choosing a long-term care facility. This presentation will explain the different types of retirement, assisted living, residential long term and adult medical day care facilities. It takes the audience step by step in determining what is the best type of setting for their loved ones or themselves and offers general financial information to determine payment. To register, please call the Library, (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033.

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Caught Reading: Flush by Carl Hiaasen

Carl Hiaasen's latest book for kids, Flush, can be enjoyed by adults as well. Set in the Florida Keys, the book's colorful characters include: Dusty Muleman, an unscrupulous casino boat owner who dumps the raw sewage from his boat into the waters of the Keys; his bully of a son, Jaspar Jr.; his ex-girlfriend, Shelley, a blond floozie, with a big heart and bigger biceps; and his hit man a big bald guy named Luno. Paine Underwood, a big hearted environmentalist sinks Dusty's boat but is promptly thrown in jail for his action. His two kids, Noah and Abbey then take up the fight and come up with an ingenious scheme to defeat the bad guys. Funny and thought-provoking.

Send comments to: Phyllis

Roots and Folk Music Concert with Caroline Cutroneo Saturday, December 3rd at 1:30 p.m. Come enjoy this concert at the Central Library with roots and folk music singer and guitartist Caroline Cutroneo. Caroline has been performing original songs and well-chosen cover tunes around the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic for several years and is a favorite on the coffee-house circuit. Her angelic voice has been likened to Emmylou Harris. For more information, please call 732-721-5600 ext.5033.

Old Bridge Library in the Newspaper

There is an excellent article in today's Home News Tribune about the visit to the Old Bridge Library by two well known authors:

OLD BRIDGE — Monica Parks, 13, waited anxiously to meet the author of one of her favorite book series. "I love Cecily von Ziegesar," said the eighth-grader at Churchill Junior High School in East Brunswick. "I've read all her books. The characters remind me of people at my school. They're so realistic." Monica was among the more than 30 girls who attended an authors' visit and book signing last month at the Old Bridge Public Library. The teens got the chance to meet von Ziegesar, author of the Gossip Girl series, and Natalie Standiford, author of the Dating Game series.

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Caught Reading: A Wedding in December by Anita Shreve

This slow starting novel turns into an emotional reunion story with a real twist. A group of seven high school friends reunite after 27 years for the wedding of two classmates. The wedding is held at Nora's inn in the Berkshires where each character has their own story of regrets, missed opportunities, and secrets. A tragic death lurks behind the interactions of the characters and there is also a parallel story-within-the story written by Agnes who has her own issues. Anita Shreve writes with elegance and melancholy.

by Reference Librarian Lynn Sacs

Non-Fiction Book Discussion Group

The Old Bridge Public Library's Non-Fiction Book Discussion Group will be meeting to discuss John Krakauer's Under the Banner of Heaven on Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m.

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The heating is fixed and the Library is back open until 5:00 p.m. today.

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Early closing

Please note that the Main Library is closing early on Friday due to a heating problem.

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Holiday Hours

The Central Library will be open 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, closed on Thursday, November 24 and then return to normal hours on Friday, November 25.

The Laurence Harbor Branch Library will be open 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 and then return to regular hours on Saturday, November 26.

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On Sunday, the Library hosted the popular "Abby the Labby" program with a real dog!

Want to learn more about out pet care series? E-mail Margie.

On Thursday, November 17th, the Library hosted popular authors Cecily Von Ziegesar and Natalie Standiford for a reading from their books and a book signing.

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During the month of November, the Library will be hosting the artwork of Miroslav Chelchowski in its gallery.

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Caught Reading – Complicated Shadows: The Life and Music of Elvis Costello by Graeme Thompson

The chameleon of British rock and roll, Elvis Costello is the subject of this biography, tracing his roots from the show bands of his father to the pub rock of his youth and then finally to his fateful breakout in 1977 with his band The Attractions. Costello became the enfant terrible of pop music and brilliant albums and the requisite tales of rock and roll debauchery followed. Thompson recalls details of the antics best he can, as he didn't have access to Costello in the writing of this book, and had to rely on the accounts of others and the media.

Costello is one of the few rock musicians who became more interesting as he grew older and more mature. His interests grew to include country music, standards of the 30's and 40's and rhythm and blues all of which he incorporated in his music. His career and life have had their ups and downs as Thompson chronicles, but this biography comes at an interesting time in Costello's career. Now in his 50's and no longer the young punk, he's putting out some of the best music of his career and showing no sign of slowing down. An interesting if trashy biography.

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Gingerbread Time!

Old Bridge Librarian Phyllis Church leads a group of children in creating gingerbread houses.

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Old Bridge Library Presents To Boldly Go: The Legend of Star Trek

On Saturday, November 12 at 1:30 p.m., boldly go where no Library has gone before… Join the crew of the USS Avenger, a local Star Trek Fan Club, as they talk about the lend and lore of one of our favorite television shows, Star Trek. The original series as well as the spin-offs will be covered. Beam yourself up – and have fun! To register for this fun and informative program, please call (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033.

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Caught Reading: A Man Without a Country by Kurt Vonnegut

Vonnegut is one of the grand masters of American fiction, but this is something a little different. Partly autobiographical, partly his view of the modern world, it contains all of the wit and compassion that have made his work so famous. By turns hysterically funny and darkly skeptical, it highly recommended.

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Blues You Can Use

Thanks to bluesman Christopher Dean and his special guest who performed in the Library on Saturday. Photograph by Library computer technician Dena Price.

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Dog Display!

Well, dog books that is... But we will have genuine dog experts in attendance during “Doggone Safe” on November 6, 2005 @ 2:00 PM- dog bites are considered to be a serious health issue today. Most bites are by the family dog or dogs known to members of a family. How can you prevent this from happening in your family? Join us for the "Be a Tree" program which is bite prevention seminar for school-age children and their families. Learn to read dog body language and how to act safely around dogs. Registration is requested. Please call 732-721-5600 ext 5033 or 5028.

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Special Announcement!

On Thursday, November 17 at 4:30 p.m., the Library will be hosting a program with three of the hottest young authors in teen literature! Meet Lisi Harrison author of The Clique series, Natalie Standiford, author of The Dating Game series, and Cecily von Ziegesar, author of the ever-popular Gossip Girl series. To register, please call (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033.

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The Library Has the Blues!

Now you can too. The Library will be hosting an acoustic blues music concert with guitarist and singer Christopher Dean on Saturday, November 5 at 1:30 p.m. Bluesman extraordinaire Christopher Dean, who tours up and down the East coast with his own Christopher Dean Blues Band, stops into the Library for a very special acoustic blues concert. Chris will play music that spans the history of the genre in addition to soulful originals. For more information, please call (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033.

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Caught Reading: Looking for Jake and Other Stories by China Miéville

Coming hot on the heels of his Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novels Perdido Street Station and Iron Council, this book collects of the shot stories by this prolific and talented young fantasy writer. Most of the stories in this collection are set in modern London, with fantastic events happening to normal people like the journalist who receives information that certain locations around London can shift at will with dangerous consequences. Another quirky and ominous story finds an unwitting man used as a courier for unknown information against his will. Miéville can also write more traditional fantasy as well as the mind-bending story “Familiar” shows. A witches’ familiar (An animal, either a pet or a spiritual entity, who serves the Witch as a magical helper) is cast off only to re-build itself and confront its former master. Anyone with a taste for adventure is highly encouraged to read these fascinating stories by a brilliant young writer.

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Caught Reading: Crusader’s Cross by James Lee Burke

When you are a recovering alcoholic, every day is a struggle. Dave Robicheux, ex police detective and sometimes private eye, is haunted by his past which includes a magical summer in his younger days when he and his brother Jimmie met a mysterious woman on the Galveston waterfront. His search for the full story of the woman draws him back into work for the New Iberia, Louisiana police department and the search for a serial killer who is terrorizing southern Louisiana. He also has to confront his own alcohol-inspired demons.

Burke captures pre-Katrina Louisiana perfectly (I wonder how his next book in the series will describe the devastation) with hypnotic descriptions of the landscape and culture. As you might infer from the above description, this is a dark book filled with much soul-searching and a considerable amount of violence. But if you can endure that, there is a riveting story here, filled with fascinating characters. It is a dark night of the soul, but one you won't soon forget.

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Young Adult Programs

The Old Bridge Central Library hosts a wide variety of programs for teens. The left picture shows teens learning the basics of caricaturing with artist Paul Matusz, and to the right we see Young Adult Librarian Theresa holding court during the Dance Dance Revolution contest.

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Caught Reading

One Shot by Lee Child

Don't look now but Jack Reacher is back in Lee Child's latest thriller and this is the best one yet. When the local Indiana police accuse James Barr of the sniper killing of 5 innocent people, Barr demands that they "get Jack Reacher". Barr is attacked in prison and ends up in the hospital while ex army/cop Reacher tries to unravel who the bad guys really are. All the evidence is simply too perfect and yet nothing is as it seems. Jack dives into his investigation like no other character - a real page turner.

- by Lynn Sacs, Reference Department

The Library Has Gone to the Dogs!

The Library hosted its first in a continuing series of pet related programs on Sunday. Here are some upcoming entries in the series:

• “Doggone Safe”November 6, 2005 @ 2:00 PM Dog bites are considered to be a serious health issue today. Most bites are by the family dog or dogs known to members of a family. How can you prevent this from happening in your family? Join us for the ‘Be a Tree” program which is bite prevention seminar for school-age children and their families. Learn to read dog body language and how to act safely around dogs.
• 
  “Abby the Labby” November 13, 2005 @ 2:00 PM Join author, Wendy Wyatt, as she shares her story of “Abby the Labby.” The program teaches children and families how to care for young pets and prevent pet abuse. Mrs. Wyatt will autograph her books which will be available for purchase on this day.
• 
  Puppy and Kitten Health Care” Date & time TBA Local veterinarian, Dr. Anita Greenberg, will lead a discussion on proper health care and nutritional needs of young puppies and kittens.

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November Teen Calendar

Young-Adult Librarian extraordinaire Theresa has released the November schedule of exciting teen events:

Sunday, November 6, 2005 – Teen Advisory Board at 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 6, 2005 – Sunday Matinee “Herbie: Fully Loaded” 2:30 p.m.

Monday, November 14, 2005 – Make-it-Take-it Duct Tape crafts 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 27, 2005 – Teen Advisory Board at 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 27, 2005 – Sunday Matinee “Madagascar” 2:30 p.m.

Monday, November 28, 2005 – Book Discussion “Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes” 7:00 p.m.

Back in Business

The Library's Internet connection has been repaired, and all electronic services are available. Thank you for your patience.

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Internet computers are down

Please note that due to an electrical fire at the builing housing the Library system's main computer server, the Main and Branch Libraries do not have wired access to the Internet. The wireless connection is still working. Technicians are working to restore service, thank you for your patience.

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Digital Photography Presentation

Saturday, October 15 at 1:30 p.m. – Digital Camera Presentation: Digital camera authority Holly Higgins presents a program on how to get the most from your digital camera. Did you get a camera as a gift, and give up because it was too complicated? Never fear! Dust it off, bring it with you and become a digital photo whiz in no time! To register for this fun and informative program, please call (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033.

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Shells from the Shore!

OBPL staff member Marcy Kagan presents a Children's Program with selections from her famous seashell collection.

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Caught Reading: Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

Fantasy writer Neil Gaiman's (sort-of) followup to 2002's American Gods (one of my all time favorite novels) finds loveable loser Charles "Fat Charlie" Nancy at the funeral of his estranged father, who just so happens to be the trickster god Anansi. After the funeral, things go haywire for Fat Charlie as his long lost brother who inherited Anansi's powers comes to pay him a visit. Soon Fat Charlie has lost his job, his fiancee, and is one the run from the law. Only a trip to the world of the gods can save him... If you enjoy fantasy mixed with a dash of madcap humor, this is a story for you.

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Caught Reading: The Innocent, by Harlan Coben
Harlan Coben's latest is fantastic. From the very first page, you are hooked. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next. Coben's style is truly enjoyable. If you have never read Harlan Coben, give this one a try. And if you like suspense mixed with a lot of humor, try his Myron Bolitar series -- these funny and thrilling page-turners are well worth a shot.

Send comments to: Sara

Breast Health Month

The Old Bridge Public Library will present a program entitled Maintaining Breast Health Throughout Your Life presented by registered nurse Janet Hostrup, director of the Community Health Education Department of Bayshore Community Hospital. To register, please call the Library's Reference Desk, (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033 or e-mail Anita.

Jazz Guitarist Joseph Frame Saturday, October 8 at 1:30 p.m. in the Central Library. Frame brings his unique blend of jazz and bossa nova to the Library for a wonderful afternoon of gentle fingerpicked guitar. His music is sure to appeal to all ages as his repertoire draws from the richly harmonic arrangements, by such masters as Charlie Byrd and Gene Bertoncini, of the music of the Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim, creator of the musical genre now known as bossa nova; as well as some original pieces. For more information, please call (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033.

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October is National Breast Health Awareness Month, and the Library has a display to call awareness to this important topic.

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Library Hosts Domestic Violence Awareness

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Old Bridge Domestic Violence Response Team will have a display at the Old Bridge Central Library during the month of October. Old Bridge Domestic Violence Response Team members will be in the Library from 7:00 – 8:45 p.m. to pass out literature and explain the group’s mission on the following days: October 3, 11, 12, 17, 18, 24 & 25. They will be at a table in the former art gallery area. For more information, contact the Team at (732) 721-5600 x3260.

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Old Bridge Fall Festival

Saturday was the Old Bridge Fall Festival with a huge crowd and perfect weather.

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Math Madness!

Math Satruday Mornings Returns - Every Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. @ the Central Branch. No registration required! Need a little extra help in math? Drop in on Saturday mornings for FREE tutoring! No registration needed.

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Caught Reading

Home from the Vinyl Cafe: A year in stories by Stuart McLean Meet Dave, his wife, and their 2 kids and follow them through a year of humorous mishaps, vacations gone awry, animal mis-adventures, and sometimes happy occasions. The stories are things that could happen to anyone, anywhere at any time. The book was a nice break from the daily grind, and gives you a moment to just laugh at yourself.

Send comments to: Sara