"Friends of the Library Present Annual Sale"

Stock your shelves with inexpensive books, music and videos for the summer and help your local Library at the same time. The Friends of the Old Bridge Library present their annual Books and More Sale of gently used books, videos, DVD's, LP's & CD's to benefit the Library's materials collection and cultural programs.

The sale will take place during regular Library hours from Saturday, May 30 through Saturday, June 6 in the Central Branch Library. 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.

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Double Header!

On Saturday, March 14, The Old Bridge Public Library will be presenting a double header series of programs with something for everyone. First, at 1:30 p.m. certified public accountant Richard Price presents a topical and timely program called Top Ten Tax Tips for Troubled Times. Mr. Price will offer strategies people can use to maximize their tax deductions for this year and next.

After an interlude of snacks and soda provided by the Friends of the Old Bridge Library, the Library will present a free concert at 3:00 p.m. by up and coming local singer-songwriter Michael Brett.

There is no registration for either program. The Old Bridge Public Library is located in the Old Bridge Municipal complex, Rt. 516 and Cottrell Road. For more information, please contact the Library's Information Desk, (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033.

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Today is a big day at the Library with new releases from four of our most popular authors coming out:

Danielle Steel - One Day at a Time: Follows the lives and fortunes of Coco Barrington and her mother, a best-selling author, and her sister, Jane, a successful Hollywood producer, as they approach new relationships and important changes in their lives.

Lincoln Child - Terminal Freeze: When a scientific expedition discovers a giant cat frozen in the Alaskan wilderness, the media conglomerate sponsoring the trip makes plans to thaw out the creature on live television, unaware that it is an ancient killing machine that may not be dead.

Robert B. Parker - Night and Day: Investigating allegations of lewd conduct on the part of the local junior high principal, police chief Jesse Stone finds efforts to bring the woman to justice thwarted by a high-powered attorney.

J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts) - Promises in Death: Determined to capture whomever is responsible for murdering an experienced colleague who recently transferred to New York, Lieutenant Eve Dallas investigates the victim's life in her former precinct and uncovers unsettling links to her own painful past.

To reserve any of these titles, call the Information Desk, (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033 or click to our web site.

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Library staff member Darren Miguez hosted Family Fun Day at the Library this past Sunday. There were games, stories and crafts; and a good time was had by all.

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FYI - The Library's own Herb Gordon will be hosting an Internet radio show Sunday, March 1 at 9:00 p.m. Go to 9th Floor Radio and hear Herb in action!

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Hey, did you know that you have access to a wealth of newspapers and magazines through the Library's databases? Whether you are searching for a scholarly article to complete a school report, or are looking for the best hot water heater to buy for your home, there is something for everybody. Here are some of the databases the Library has available for access from home or in the Library:

Academic Search Premier (teen, adult)
Biography Collection Complete (teen, adult)
Business Source Corporate (teen, adult)
Business Source Elite (teen, adult)
Business Source Premier (teen, adult)
EBCSO Animals (child, teen, adult)
ERIC Education Journals (teen, adult)
Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia (teen, adult)
Green File (teen, adult)
Health Source – Consumer Edition (teen, adult)
Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition (teen adult)
History Reference Center (teen, adult)
Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (teen, adult)
Literary Reference Center (teen, adult)
MAS Ultra (teen)
Masterfile Premier (teen, adult)
McClatchy-Tribune Newspaper Collection (teen, adult)
Middle Search Plus (child, teen)
Newspaper Source (teen, adult)
Primary Search (child)
Professional Development Collection (teen, adult)
Regional Business News (teen, adult)
Science Reference Center (teen, adult)
Topic Search (teen, adult)

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The Old Bridge Public Library is now taking registration for the Spring 2009 English As A Second Language (ESL) Conversation Group. Registration is limited to Old Bridge Township residents only. For more information, please call the Information Desk (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033 or e-mail Dena.

Old Bridge Library Presents Volunteer Opportunities!

Ignite your passion to serve the community! See how one person can make a difference. Help President Obama’s initiative to renew America. Ms. Anne Redlus, President of the NJ State Federation of Women’s Clubs (the largest volunteer women’s service organization in New Jersey!) will be making an exciting presentation on the opportunities for leadership training and community service through membership in local women’s clubs. Learn about the activities and accomplishments of the NJSFWC. The organization has long been an advocate for the citizens of New Jersey. Past initiatives include campaigns to protect New Jersey’s water quality, preserve the Palisades, promote literacy and help focus awareness on health issues among many others. Also discover the role the NJSFWC played in the founding of Douglass College. Mark your calendar for Monday, March 9, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. for Ms. Redlus’ presentation at the Central Branch of the Old Bridge Public Library. This program is FREE and open to the public.

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The Library had a very nice turnout for the special Valentine's Day concert by Dave Schlossberg.

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The Suburban newsweekly posted a nice photo of the African Dance program hosted by the Library last Friday.

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Who is that distinguished looking gentleman with the koala bear hat and stuffed owl? Why that's Darren Miguez, Head of Youth Services.

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Searching for a new job or career? The Library is planning to develop a career and job center at the central branch. We are looking to provide guidance to library users in career decision-making, constructing effective resumes, job searching strategies, interview preparation, and education and training. We need your help: please tell us this kinds of materials that would be helpful to you - Your feedback is critical in helping us gather the most effective resources available.

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The Library's intrepid Head of Youth Services, Darren was representing the Library at the 2009 ComicCon in New York City.

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Upcoming at the Central Branch

On Wednesday, February 18th, at 7:30 p.m. the Old Bridge Public Library hosts the Freehold Phrasers Toastmasters Club. The mission of the Toastmasters is to help develop leadership and communication skills. Come experience the advantages to learning proper speaking techniques. Along with improving speaking, listening, and thinking skills, one can also increase self-esteem through active participation. Members of Toastmasters will demonstrate both spontaneous and prepared speech making. There will be an Icebreaker segment and a humorous segment. This will be followed by a regular club meeting. New membership is most welcome! For further information call the Old Bridge Public Library Adult and Information Services Department: 732- 721-5600 extension 5033, or e-mail Anita.

On Saturday, February 28th at 1:30 p.m. President Abraham Lincoln arrives to celebrate his 200th birthday at the Old Bridge Public Library. Actor/Historian Christian Johnson, of the American Historical Theatre in Philadelphia, will portray Lincoln’s character in period costume. Mr. Johnson has performed all over the United States and even overseas. Christian Johnson is a gifted actor who has successfully portrayed many historical characters including Patrick Henry, William Penn, and Governor William Livingston. This historical event will delight the entire family. Come and help celebrate his 200th birthday. For further information about this event, call the Old Bridge Public Library Adult and Information Services Department: 732- 721-5600 extension 5033 or e-mail Anita.

Today's Home News Tribune has a nice article about teens at the Library donating their time and blankets to Project Linus:

"During the annual event, the teens made 33 fleece blankets, which will be given to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, for distribution to infants and children."

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Looking for Romance? Come to the Library!

When you're really in the mood for love, where else would you go but the Old Bridge Library! On Thursday, February 12th at 7:00 p.m. the Library will host a program entitled Integrated Healing and Healthy Relationships. Carol Veiser, Founder and Executive Director of the NJ Center for the Healing Arts, will speak about techniques used to restore happy and healthy relationships. Then on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14 at 1:30 p.m. come and be serenaded by the rapturous sounds of pianist Dave Schlossberg as he plays your favorite romantic themes from stage and screen. This concert is made possible by the support of the Friends of the Old Bridge Public Library, and is free and open to all. For more information, please call the Library at (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033.

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PRESS RELEASE: ESL CONVERSATION RESUMES AT OLD BRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For information, contact:
Dena Price, Adult & Information Services Librarian and ESL Coordinator
732-721-5600, ext. 5039
dprice@oldbridgelibrary.org
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(Old Bridge , NJ) - The Old Bridge Public Library has announced that the spring session of ESL , English-as-a-Second Language Conversation Group program, will be held on Tuesdays, beginning March 3rd at 7pm for 12 weeks.

The program enables participants to learn about life in the United States , increase their vocabulary, and even make new friends, while providing a comfortable, welcoming environment in which to learn.

Participants can expect to practice their English conversation skills in a group setting with trained volunteers. The focus of these conversations is on everyday topics, such as finding the right job, local news and other aspects of community life.

The ESL Conversation Group program is FREE and open to adults over the age of 18. Unfortunately, due to limited space, only Old Bridge residents or library cardholders are eligible to attend this group. Pre-registration is required prior to the first session. Please register in person starting February 16 at the Adult & Information Services desk.

ESL Conversation Group program is made possible in whole or in part by a Literacy Grant from the new Jersey State Library, an affiliate of Thomas Edison State College, with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act.

The Old Bridge Public Library is located in the Municipal Center at the corner of Route 516 and Cottrell Road.

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There is a very nice article in the Home News Tribune about how Libraries help people in these tough economic times. Help us help you by spreading the word to your elected officials about how much you like the Library and how much the library likes you!

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