Staff Potluck Picnic

Here's another peek behind the scenes at the the Library. The staff kitchen is overflowing with food! It's staff potluck picnic day, and there's a wide range for goodies to keep the staff well-fed and happy. Meatballs from Phyllis, fruit from Lenore, baked goods from Dena, Rataouille Stew from Pat C., chili from Tim and much, much more!

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Why is this woman smiling?

Because she's just wild about Harry! Librarian and certified Potterologist Lenore Douglas hosted "The Hype About Harry" a program for adults that lifted the veil of mystery from this popular sieries.


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The Hype About Harry

A Harry Potter Program for Adults with Librarian Lenore Douglas July 27th at 7:00 p.m. Are you confused by what all the hubbub is about with this Harry Potter person? Is he a wizard… is he a little boy… what’s the deal here? Well fret no more! Potterologist and noted scholar Lenore Douglas will explain all about this hit series that has children of all ages enchanted. Bring your tough questions and find the mysteries of Hogwarts revealed! Please register for this program by visiting the Reference Desk, or by calling 732-721-5600 ext.5033.

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“Old Bridge Library to Display Star Wars Collectibles”

During the month of August, the Central Branch of the Old Bridge Public Library will be hosting a display of the Star Wars collectibles of Chris Hansen in its display cases located in the front of the Library. Hansen, a noted collector of comic book and science fiction memorabilia will display material from both the original films and the more recent productions. The display will be available for viewing during regular Library hours, for more information, please call (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033.

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Vote for Us!

What is your favorite Library? No, this is not a trick question! Tell the world how much you enjoy the Old Bridge Library by voting OBPL as "Best Library" in the Home News Tribune's Best of Central Jersey poll. Voting forms are available in the paper all this week. Thanks!

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The Old Bridge Public Library hosted a bonfire and story telling event at the Laurence Harbor Waterfront on Saturday, July 23, thanks to all who attended!

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During the months of July and August, the Library will be displaying the comic book artwork of Robert Bove in the Reading Area of the Central Library.

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On donating items

Yes, the Old Bridge Public Library does gratefully accept donations of materials from community members. All donations must be clean, and in good condition, and the Library asks that patrons please do not donate encyclopedias or college textbooks. Material will be scrutinized by the staff for its potential value to the circulating collection, and all other material will be given to the Friends of the Library for use in their ongoing sale. Money raised by the Friends goes to support Library needs. For a copy of the official donation policy, please contact the Reference Desk, (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033.

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Here comes the Knight! Many thanks to the Old Bridge High School for letting us borrow their knight for the summer. He fits right in with out Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds summer reading theme. The knight now resides at the Reference Desk, where he protects the valor and honor of the patrons and staff.

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Bonfire at the Laurence Harbor Beach

As part of its Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds summer programming schedule, the Old Bridge Public Library will be hosting a bonfire on the Laurence Harbor beach at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 23. During the bonfire, we will have stories of daring deeds from storyteller “Campfire Kevin” Holladay. Bring your own blanket or beach chair and plenty of snacks and come early to get a good seat. The Library would like to thank the Laurence Harbor Fire Department and Bridge Disposal for their assistance in this event. For more information on the event, call (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033. In the case of inclement weather, please call the Laurence Harbor Branch Library (732) 566-2227 after 5:00 p.m. on July 23. Questions or comments? E-mail Wendi.

On Saturday, June 16th, harpist Odarka Stockert presented a concert of medieval music as a part of the Library's Dargons, Dreams and Daring Deeds summer programming schedule.

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Do you believe in magick?

Father Ave (aka Gene Virgilio) a traveling medieval monk of the Brotherhood of Saint Christopher heals the sick during the Make-It-Take-It teen program on herbal magick held at the Central Library on Thursday. The good Father enlightened the attendees on using herbs and other plants in the areas of love, protection and prosperity. For more information on Teen events and programs, e-mail Theresa.

Build a Castle!

Here is the latest wonder created by Head of Custodial Services and master builder Tiberiu Fekete on display at the Old Bridge Public Library. Would you like to build a castle too? Now you can! Castle Building Contest: Prove your knowledge of medieval architecture by building a model of a castle using materials you choose!

Just a few simple rules to follow:
· Castles must be made of non perishable materials.
· Entries must be no larger than 2 feet by 2 feet.
· A Grand Prize will be awarded, and then ribbons for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
· All entries will be displayed in the Central Library.
· Deadline for submissions is August 6th.

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Library Presents Classical Music Concert

The Old Bridge Public Library will present a Medieval Music Concert with harpist Odarka Stockert on July 16th at 1:30 p.m. Odarka Polanskyj Stockert is an accomplished harpist, with a repertoire spanning the centuries — from Classical to Broadway to Folk. For this special concert, she will be performing on the concert pedal harp and playing music of the medieval and renaissance period that is being celebrated in our Dragons, Dreams and Daring Dreams summer program. For more information on Ms. Stockert, please see her web site: www.odarka.com/ and for more information about the Library’s summer programming, please call (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033 or visit our web site: www.lmxac.org.obpl.

Odarka Polanskyj Stockert is an accomplished harpist, with a repertoire spanning the centuries — from Classical to Broadway to Folk. She performs on both the concert pedal harp and the folk harp, and is available to play a variety of engagements; including weddings, corporate functions, holiday concerts, and children’s programs.

Additionally, she can arrange to perform with violin, flute, voice, or others, upon request. She has studied harp for nearly 30 years, and has been performing professionally for twenty. Odarka is based in Millburn, New Jersey.

Odarka was a long time student of celebrated concert harpist, the late Leone Paulson, of South Orange, New Jersey, with whom she performed as a member of the Paulson Harp Ensemble. She spent several summers in Dublin, Ireland, in workshop studies and participating in the O’Carolan Irish Harp and Granard Harp Competitions, winning awards and honors in both.

She is also a collaborator of the Yara Arts Group based at the La Mama, ETC in New York and has performed in many Yara events and productions. Additionally, she is a founding member of Glendalough’s Muse, a celtic flute and harp duo and Suenos del Alma, a latin inspired harp and violin duo. Odarka lives in Millburn, with her husband Thomas, and daughters Sophia and Ariadna.

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A Library patron donated some wonderful pictures of a puppet show in the Children's Department to the Library.

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New Display!

The library has a new display for Things to Do on a Rainy Day. Check it out near the circulation desk!

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New Mystery Section

The location of the new mystery novels and short story collections is no longer a mystery! They have been placed on a newly-bought shelving unit that has plenty of space for our new acquisitions.

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Joust! The teens fight it out during a mock Medieval Joust in the opening program of the Young Adult summer programming schedule. For more information on teen programs, contact Theresa.

A Librarian's home is her castle! For the Dragons, Dreams and Daring Dreams summer theme, Head of Custodial Services Tiberiu Fekete made the Laurence Harbor Branch reference desk into a castle.

It's Barbies and game cards this month in the Children's Display Case located near the checkout counter. If your child has a display they would like to share at the Library, please e-mail Children's Librarian Phyllis Church.

The Central Library has a new display for the month of July, featuring "Staff Picks" some of the favorite books of the Library's staff. Try to match the choices with the person!

Abbie Gardner from the bluegrass trio Red Molly took this photograph of the overflow crowd that attended their concert in the Library in early June.

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Matt Plotkin poses by his model car collection which was a polular exhibit in the Central Library during the month of June.

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Magician "Mr. George" performs before a rapt audience of kids during the Children's Summer Reading Kickoff Program.