The Old Bridge Public Library and the Laurence Harbor Branch will be closed Monday, December 27 due to inclement weather.

(Edit)

The Old Bridge Library is also closed for the rest of today (Sunday 12/26).

Send comments to: OBPL

Library Holiday Schedule

Christmas Eve - Dec. 24 Central Library: 1:00 p.m. Closing Laurence Harbor Branch Closed
Christmas Day - Dec. 25 Central Library & Laurence Harbor Branch Closed
New Year's Eve - Dec. 31 Central Library: 1:00 p.m. Closing Laurence Harbor Branch Closed
New Year's Day - Jan. 1 Central Library & Laurence Harbor Branch Closed

Send comments to: OBPL

The class schedule for the Library's free computer classes for January 2011 is available. Not sure where to start? Check out the course descriptions.

Send comments to: Maggie.

Balance Your Energy & Help Yourself Heal! Debbie McCann-Call, licensed clinical social worker, will present a program on pranic healing. Learn about pranic healing, energy balance & flow. Make an energy ball and find out how it is used in pranic healing. You will do some simple physical and breathing exercises and a short meditation. Just wear comfortable clothes! (732) 721-5600 x5033.

Send questions to Nancy

The new Senior Events calendar is available for downloading. Don't miss our upcoming free movie Fridays: The Constant Gardener, Inception and Ear Pray Love. Send comments to: TH

The new schedule of the Library's free computer classes is available by clicking here. Not sure where to start? Check out the class descriptions.

Send comments to: Maggie.

Happy Thanksgiving! The Library will close at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 24 and will remain closed Thanksgiving Day, November 25. We will return to normal hours on Friday, November 26 9:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Send comments to: OBPL

The Friends of the Library's Holiday Book Sale is in full swing thru Sunday! Send comments to: OBPL

Thursday, December 2nd 7:30 p.m. Self Defense for Women : Jack McInerney of Old Bridge ATA Black Belt Academy will demonstrate simple moves any woman can do stay safe in any situation. Wear comfortable clothing! For more information, please call (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033 or send questions to Anita.

Free Concert: A First Fridays Performance on December 5th at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of jazz music with Libby Richman and her Jazz Trio! For more information, please call (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033 or send questions to: Darren.

The November schedule of free computer classes is available at the Library's web site.

Send comments to: Maggie

Have you ever wondered about your family history? Join us on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 1:30 pm as Gerald Smith, Certified Genealogist, returns to present a workshop aimed at helping you discover your family roots. This time around Mr. Smith will focus on techniques to research landless ancestors. He will provide resources and strategies for success. Topics will include urban vs rural ancestors, long vs recently deceased, making sure ancestors were truly landless, and some in-depth case studies. Mr. Smith will take questions from attendees and provide a handout summarizing his talk. Attendance at Mr. Smith’s first program is not required.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 1:30 pm for this exciting program at the Central Branch of the Old Bridge Public Library. This program is FREE and open to the public. For further information about library programs, call the Adult & Information Services Department, at: 732-721-5600, ext. 5033. The Central Branch of the Old Bridge Public Library is located in the Municipal Center at the corner of Route 516 and Cottrell Road.

Send comments to: Nancy.

Free Concert
With the Odessa Klezmer Band!

Friday, November 5th
6:30 p.m.

The Odessa Klezmer Band play an internationally diverse style of music shaped from a variety of countries – including Eastern Europe, Poland, Rumania, Germany, Turkey, Ukraine, Spain, Hungary, Israel, Russia, and NYC’s Lower East Side – to fit traditional Klezmer style! Come enjoy this free concert!

This program sponsored by the Friends of the Library

Send comments to: Darren

Upcoming events at the Library

Free Concert With the Odessa Klezmer Band on Friday, November 5th at 6:30 p.m. The Odessa Klezmer Band play an internationally diverse style of music shaped from a variety of countries to fit traditional Klezmer style! This program sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Artists' Roundtable: an Open Forum For Artists! at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 11. Bring in your artwork and network with other artists. Discuss techniques, perceptions, ideas, inspirations and talents and more!

Discover Your Roots: Saturday, November 13th at 1:30 p.m. This time around Certified Genealogist, Gerald Smith, will give a talk on researching landless ancestors. He will provide resources and strategies for research success. Topics include urban vs. rural ancestors, recently vs.long deceased, making sure ancestors were truly landless, and some in-depth case studies.

Send comments to: OBPL

Friends of the Library Present Holiday Sale

Get a jump on your holiday shopping and help your local Library at the same time! The Friends of the Old Bridge Library present their annual Holiday Sale of coffee table books, popular fiction and books for all ages. The money raised will support the Library's materials collection and cultural programs. All sale items are in excellent condition and suitable for giving. The sale will take place during regular Library hours from Friday, November 19 through Sunday, November 21 in the Central Branch Library, located at the intersection of Cottrell Road and Rte. 516 in Old Bridge. Money raised by the Friends goes to support concerts, workshops, the children's summer reading group and other fantastic programs. For more information, please call the Library's Information Desk, (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033.

Send comments to: OBPL

Pictures from the Halloween Spectacular at the Laurence Harbor Library.

Send comments to: Marcy.

The Teen Services department celebrated Halloween with a Werewolves of Miller's Hollow Spooktacular! Werewolves is a fun, easy role playing game full of intrigue and suspicion. We had werewolfish food and will debut The Village, a new expansion of the game!

Send comments to: Darren

Tibby and Russ in Extreme Makeover: Library Edition!

Send comments to: OBPL

Youth Services Librarians getting into the seasonal spirit with their Halloween costumes!

Send comments to: OBPL

Grand Re-Opening!!! Passport Services Saturday, October 30 10am-2pm

Please join us as we celebrate our New Expanded Hours!

Mondays: 9:30am-12pm, 1pm-4pm, 5:30pm– 8:30pm
Tuesdays through Thursdays: 1pm-4pm, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Fridays: 9:30am-12pm, 1pm-4pm
Saturdays: 10am-2pm and Sundays: 12:30pm-4pm

On October 30, we will be offering passport photo discounts, serving refreshments and answering questions regarding passports to show our appreciation. Read the article in My Central Jersey.

Send comments to: OBPL

This Week at the Library

Monday October 25
10:00am: Preschool Storytime/Craft (Youth Services)
12:00pm: Bridge Club (Adults & Seniors)
4:30pm: Chess Club (gr 1-6) (Youth Services)
7:00pm: Teen Writing Group (Teens)

Tuesday October 26
7:00pm: ESL (Adults & Seniors)

Wednesday October 27
3:30pm: Math Tutoring (gr 6-12) (Teens)
6:30pm: Chess Club (Adults & Seniors)
6:30pm: Teen Werewolves Spooktacular (Teens)
7:00pm: Citizen Test Workshop (Adults & Seniors)
7:00pm: MS Word 2007 Advanced (Adults & Seniors)

Thursday October 28
1:00pm: Craft Club (Adults & Seniors)
1:00pm: Scrabble Club (Adults & Seniors)
1:30pm: MS Word 07 Basics/Laurence Harbor Branch (Adults & Seniors)
4:15pm: School-Age Craft (gr K-3) (Youth Services)
7:00pm: Tweens Craft: Pumpkin Painting (gr 4-6) (Youth Services)
7:00pm: Teen Community Service Group (Teens)
7:00pm: Science Fiction Book Disc. (Adults & Seniors)

Friday October 29
1:30pm: Senior Friday (Adults & Seniors)
2:30pm: Powerpoint 2007 (Adults & Seniors)

Saturday October 30
10:00am: Math Tutoring (gr 9-12) (Teens)
10:00am: Grand Re-Opening of Passport Acceptance Service (Adults & Seniors)
10:00am: Toddler Dance Party (Youth Services)
1:30pm: Summit Cat Care (Adults & Seniors)
2:00pm: Drop in Craft - Halloween Candy Tree/Laurence Harbor Branch (Youth Services)

Send comments to: OBPL

On Monday evening, November 8 at 7:00 p.m., The Ladies Night Out Book Discussion Group will meet to discuss The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. “Trying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel--a young German girl whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbors.” - Novelist.

On Thursday evening, November 18 at 7:00 p.m., The Science Fiction Book Discussion Group will meet to review Idoru by William Gibson. “In a story set in twenty-first century Tokyo, a singer pursues a beautiful media superstar called an idoru--who does not really exist.” - Novelist.Send comments to: OBPL

Boo! The Laurence Harbor Library held its Halloween Party. For more information about upcoming programs at Laurence Harbor please e-mail Amy.

The Library is hosting a display of circus memorabilia. Send comments to: Marcy

Job Hunting Skills For Women: Noreen Noel, JFVS Women’s Center Coordinator, will present job search strategies, tips on business etiquette, and discuss other support services available to women at no charge.

Send comments to: Anita.

Discover Your Roots 2 with Gerald Smith, Certified Genealogist Saturday, November 13th at 1:30 pm This time around Certified Genealogist, Gerald Smith, will give a talk on researching landless ancestors. He will provide resources and strategies for research success. Topics include urban vs. rural ancestors, recently vs. long-deceased, making sure ancestors were truly landless, and some in-depth case studies. Please Join Us! No Experience Required!

Send comments to: OBPL

Sunday, October 24 1:30pm - 4:00pm Funday Sunday: Pumpkin Painting Everyone Is Welcome!

Like your Jack O’ Lanterns Scary? Pretty? Or just plain Silly? Bring in any sized pumpkin you wish and paint up a storm!

Send comments to: OBPL

Monday Nights at 7:00 p.m. Scrapbooking? Crocheting? Needlepoint? Sketching? The Library's Craft Club meets to work on a wide variety of individual projects. Join this fun group and find creativity, crafting and conversation. The craft club is an informal friendly group that welcomes all interests, ages and abilities! (Please note that the Craft Club also meets on Thursday afternoons at 1:00 p.m.)

Send comments to Marcy.

Tonight's Ladies Night Out Book Discussion has been canceled due to illness, the discussion will be rescheduled shortly.

Send comments to Diane.

Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Justice: A Dialogue Though Film

The movie Revolution ’67 examines the six days in July 1967 when Newark was the site of one of the deadliest racial disturbances per capita in U.S. history. The Newark rebellion is a fateful milestone in America’s continuing struggle over race, economic justice, and corruption, recalling lessons as hard-learned then as they are dangerous to forget today. Archival footage and interviews with participants recreate what happened during those tumultuous times, while commentary by prominent historians places it in the context of twentieth-century urban development and African-American history. Following the screening a discussion will be led by Dr. Leslie Wilson of Montclair University, and filmmakers Jerome Bongiorno and MaryLou Bongiorno.

This screening was made possible by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or the New Jersey Council for the Humanities

Send comments to Anita.

New Citizenship Test Workshop: 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 27th

Are you trying to become a U.S. citizen or need immigration help? Learn about the citizen application and test.

Send comments to: Dena

The schedule for the free computer classes at the Library is available. Send comments to: OBPL

On October 1 at 6:30 p.m. a First Friday Event with the Cheres Musical Ensemble Come and enjoy folk music of the Carpathian Mountains! Music of Ukraine, Romania, Hungary and Moldova. Conservatory of Music graduates play folk and classical works on a variety of instruments.

Send comments to: OBPL

Share Your Life's Story at the Library

On Saturday, October 9 at 1:30 p.m. Have you ever dreamed of writing your life story for future generations? Writer and diarist Sharon Yeskel will present an introductory workshop at the Old Bridge Central Library where you will learn how to start preserving your memories. Please bring a notebook or journal and a favorite photo or memento and we’ll do a few writing exercises to get you started.

Send comments to: OBPL

Upcoming Book Discussions at the OB Central Library

September 23 @ 7:00 p.m. The Science Fiction Book Discussion Group will review The Dispossesed by Ursula Leguin.

A physicist from isolated Anarres travels to the mother planet, Urras, in hopes of dissolving the hatred that exists between them. (Novelist)

October 11th @ 7:00 p.m. The Ladies Night Out Book Discussion Group will be reviewing Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher.

Winter solstice--the shortest day of the year--represents darkness and also hope, renewal, and rebirth. Five very different people come together in this setting, ranging in age from teenagers to mid-sixties, each of whom must confront very different challenges or losses. (Novelist)

October 21 @ 7:00 p.m. The Science Book Discussion Group will review Ever Since Darwin by Stephen J. Gould.

The author reexamines Darwin's theory in light of the findings of modern evolutionary biology and shows the ways in which biological theories have been concocted to justify social ills. (Novelist)

Send comments to: OBPL

Check out these popular TV Series on DVD!

Our DVD collection is growing every month as feature films, TV series, and film classics are purchased for your pleasure. DVD’s may be borrowed by adult card holders for 3 days at a time. There is a $1.00 charge per item. Instructional DVD’s may be borrowed for 2 weeks at no cost. Films may be reserved and you will be notified when they are ready for you. You may request films that we do not own and we will consider these for possible purchase. Please place your requests at the Adult Services Desk. Some favorite T.V. series on DVD include: the Sopranos, House, 24, Weeds, Six Feet Under, and 30 Rock. Titles coming soon, include: Dexter, Glee, and True Blood. Some new feature films arriving soon are: Back-Up Plan, Invictus, City Island, Ghost Writer, and Single Man. Enjoy your viewing.

Send comments to Lynn

Back to School at the Library As summer winds down and the leaves begin to change, it’s time for students to head back to school. The Old Bridge Public Library has resources to help students of all ages in their learning needs. Help your student get ahead by signing them up for a free library card with access to thousands of resources, including online databases that put a universe of knowledge at your fingertips. The Youth Services and Teen departments offer a number of programs that can help young students get ahead, including the Pi Eaters Math Tutoring Club. In this club, students get help with math. It's free and the tutors are excellent! Wednesday sessions at 3:30 p.m. are for grades 6-12, and Saturday sessions at 10:00 a.m. are for grades 9 and up. Many of the Library’s educational resources are moving to the online realm, accessible through the Library’s web site. With your Old Bridge Library card, you can access wide ranging electronic content like Academic Search Premier, which is a database that provides full text articles from journals and magazines, including full text peer-reviewed titles. New for the fall is a database from the Home News Tribune containing full text articles from 1999 to present, perfect for assignments on local history and community issues. Of course the Library contains a full range of the latest books and magazines that are available for students and life long learners. For more information, please contact the Library’s Information desk, (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033. Send comments to: OBPL

From the comfort of your home or office computer, you can browse the collection, check out, and download eBooks anytime, anywhere. eBooks are growing in popularity and are an exciting addition to the thousands of digital audiobooks that are currently available through ListenNJ.

An eBook is a digital or electronic version of a paper book. eBooks can be read on a PC or Mac® using free reader software called Adobe® Digital Editions. eBooks can also be transferred to popular e-reading devices like the Sony® Reader and the Barnes & Noble nook™. Many eBooks feature reflowable text which allows a user to resize the text and alter the display to fit any screen size. The Sony Reader and the nook are designed to look and feel like a book and are great for users on the go. The devices feature E INK technology, a screen that reads like paper so it’s easy on the reader’s eyes. The Amazon Kindle and Apple iPad currently cannot be used to download eBooks from ListenNJ.

Almost 1,000 titles are currently available including popular authors like James Patterson, Nora Roberts, and Stieg Larrson. eBooks are available in all subjects including business, cooking, self-improvement and other non-fiction genres.To download an eBook you will need your library card barcode number, a computer, and an Internet connection. Ebooks automatically expire at the end of the lending period so there are never any late fees. You may checkout a maximum of 5 titles at any one time. If the book you want to read is not currently available, you can join the waiting list or add it to your wish list. You can also rate the books that you have read.

To download an eBook, go to www.oldbridgelibrary.org, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the link for ListenNJ. After you have selected your books and you are ready to checkout, select Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium from the drop down menu, enter your library card number and pin and you are ready to download the book to your computer. If you don’t already have Adobe Digital Editions software on your computer, you will need to download it (click on the help link at ListenNJ) and set up an account. (By C.L. Quillen, Head of Adult and Information Services)

The September Computer Class Schedule is available on the Library's web site. Register online or call the Information Desk, (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033.

Send comments to: OBPL

Our DVD collection is growing every month as feature films, TV series, and film classics are purchased for your pleasure. DVD’s may be borrowed by adult card holders for 3 days at a time. There is a $1.00 charge per item. Instructional DVD’s may be borrowed for 2 weeks at no cost. Films may be reserved and you will be notified when they are ready for you. You may request films that we do not own and we will consider these for possible purchase. Please place your requests at the Adult Services Desk. Some favorite T.V. series on DVD include: the Sopranos, House, 24, Weeds, Six Feet Under, and 30 Rock. Titles coming soon, include: Dexter, Glee, and True Blood. Some new feature films arriving soon are: Back-Up Plan, Invictus, City Island, Ghost Writer, and Single Man. Enjoy your viewing.

Send comments to: Lynn

First Friday w/ Salvatore Chiarelli
Friday, September 3, 2010 at 6:30pm
Old Bridge Central Library

Send comments to: Darren

The Ladies Night Out Book Discussion Group will have a make-up meeting to discuss The 19th Wife on Monday, August 16 @ 7:00 p.m.

Send comments to: Diane

Don't miss a free concerts with the Peas and Carrots Band at the Library on Saturday, August 7 at 1:30 p.m. Consisting of Lisa Withers and Billy Harkowsky, Peas and Carrots blends 12-string and 6-string acoustic guitars create a thick, full sound. The group covers many your favorites from the 1950s through today, playing hits from classic rock to country.

Send comments to: OBPL

It's not too late to enter our "What Lives Under the Water" contest! Entries are being accepted until August 21.

Send questions to: Marcy

Friday, August 6th at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of sketch comedy with Pangea 3000!

Pangea 3000 is a sketch comedy group comprised of writers for The Onion and CollegeHumor. They perform regularly at the UCB Theater in New York and in sketch comedy festivals across the nation. Its members have appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The NFL Network, and the podcast The Sound of Young America.

Send comments to Darren.