USATODAY.com - Science fiction writer Octavia Butler dies: "Jane Jewell, executive director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, said Butler was one of the first black women to explore the genre and the most prominent. But Butler would have been a major writer of science fiction regardless of race or gender, she said."

The Library held its annual teen read-a-thon lock-in on Friday. Students read books, played reading games and had a pizza party. For more information on teen programs at the Library, please contact Theresa.

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The Central Library had a big audience Saturday to hear the dulcet tones of Jennifer Johnson on violin, guitar and vocals.

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Irish and Scottish Music with Jennifer Johnson ~ Deeply inspired by travels and studies in Ireland and Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, performs Celtic/Folk music as a singer, fiddler, and at times, dancer. Jennifer's crystalline, soulful and powerful voice dynamically combines with her energized fiddle playing - fuelled by her passion for this pulsing dance music - creating a unique, versatile performance that is earning her fans around the world. Come experience this unique artist on Saturday, February 25 at 1:30 p.m. Free admission!

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Caught Reading: Lint by Steve Aylett

Aylett's latest book should bring a smile to the faces of regular science fiction readers as writes a darkly funny mock-biography of fictitious author Jeff Lint. Lint comes off as a cross between Kilgore Trout and Phillip K. Dick, as he pounds out stories with alarming titles like I Blame Ferns and Nose Furnace for an ever shifting litany of pulp fiction publishers. All the while he's hounded by his chief rival and critic Cameo Herzog. Lint finds himself caught up in the Beat movement for the 1940's before moving to California and growing into a cult hero for Hippies in the 60's and Punks in the 70's. Anyone whose read a biography of a literary figure before will appreciate the parody here, but SF fans especially will enjoy the in-jokes.

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The Old Bridge Central Library hosted a "Learn To Draw" class on Friday morning for adults hosted by art instructor Ray marione.

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The Central Library's Crafting Club poses by a display of some of their creations. The club has made several donations of knitted hoods and scarves to area hospitals. All adults and teens are welcome at the clubs meetings, which take place each Thursday at 1:00 p.m.

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Caught Reading - Rampart Street by David Fulmer

Set in New Orleans in the early 1900's, Rampart Street is a terrific mystery that explores racial and ethnic conflicts that threaten to boil over. Valentin St. Cyr, vagabond detective, returns to the city and is employed by a wealthy family to see why the family's patriarch was gunned down in a less than reputable part of town. As other men start to die, St. Cyr is pulled deeper into the ethnic and economic conflicts of the city. This book is very well written, with Fulmer's hypnotic description of street life in New Orleans drawing the reader into the story. Highly recommended.

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Many thanks to the New Jersey Ghost Organization for coming to give their presentation on Saturday, right as the big blizzard was getting ready to bear down on us. They had a great crowd, and according to the members even a few spirits joinjed in the festivites.

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Who ya gonna call: "Local residents can meet members of the New Jersey Ghost Organization this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the Old Bridge Public Library, Route 516 and Cottrell Road. The group will give a presentation on "Paranormal Investigations and Research.” It will bring its equipment and photos from investigations, and the audience will be able to listen to recordings. For more information, visit the group’s Web site."

Yet another new display in the Central Library... come in to look at the ceramic dogs of reference librarian Lynn Sacs.

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Come check out the beautiful display of antique dolls in the Large Display Case across from the Reference Desk in the Central Library.

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The Library's Head of Custodial Services Tiberiu Fekete receives an Outstanding Service Award during a December staff meeting. Also receiving awards were the Library's Circulation Department.

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The Old Bridge Public Library's Craft club has put a selection of their creations in one of the Central Library's Display Cases. Anyone interested in joining the club is welcome, they meet every Thursday at 1:00 p.m. in the Central Library.

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Here is a nice picture from the Suburban: "Marilyn Lubin, dressed for the Chinese New Year, reads to a group of children at Old Bridge Library’s celebration Tuesday."