The Old Bridge Public Library will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 4.

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The Old Bridge Public Library welcomes Peter Dut, one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan.” Peter Dut will share the story of his life as a refugee from the Sudan and he will also talk about the documentary film “The Lost Boys of Sudan” which follows his journey out of the Sudan and into the United States. This special lecture and film viewing will be at the Old Bridge Library on Saturday, May 1st at 1:30 p.m. The program is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

As a result of the Sudanese Civil War, 1983-2005, 1.9 million civilians were killed and more than 4 million fled the Sudan. Over 10,000 orphaned boys mostly from the Dinka tribe walked hundreds of miles to Kenya where they survived in refugee camps for years. These orphans became known as “The Lost Boys” and in 1999 the United Nations worked out a resettlement plan to send over 3,000 boys to the United States. In the refugee camp in Africa, they tried to prepare the boys for life in America where they promised them it would be like heaven. In reality, their journeys were harsh and difficult. Adjusting to a new language and culture was an almost impossible task. So don’t miss this fascinating and educational program featuring Peter Dut who is currently a University student in Vermont. His story is tragic and harsh and yet hopeful and triumphant. It is a story not to be missed and one that needs to be repeated over and over again. For further information, click here.

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The Old Bridge Public Library is working on a new plan for the Laurence Harbor Branch. The Laurence Harbor Branch is the oldest branch of the Old Bridge Public Library system. It was not designed as a library and is inefficient. At one time, it was a police station. The building is at least 100 years old and has been used as a library since the start of the township system in 1958. Currently the building is open 40 hours a week. 13,440 books were checked out of the library in 2009. However, the building is in disrepair. The foundation is sinking, wood in the structure is rotting out, the roof and siding need to be replaced, and the retaining wall is collapsing. The building also needs a new ramp, landing and handrail at the side entrance in order to meet the Americans With Disabilities Act requirements. The question we face is: should we repair the building at a minimum estimated cost of $280,000 with the understanding that these repairs will not solve neither the inefficiency issues nor the age of the building; or do we take down the current building and replace it with a new building at an estimated cost of $500,000? The Library Board and I would like your input. Do you think we should repair the old building? Should we build a new one? What are your feelings? Please e-mail Michael Lamb. We would like to hear from you.

Librarian Lynn Sacs addresses the local AARP during a recent meeting. Would you like a staff member to speak to your group? Send requests to library director Michael Lamb.

Garden State Children’s Book Awards/Garden State Teen Book Awards

It seems that there is always an adult telling kids what books are good reading, parents, teachers and of librarians. Did you know that there was a way for kids to tell us what they really like to read? It is called the Garden State Children’s Book Award and it has been around since 1977. The Garden State Teen Book Award dates from 1995. Children from all over New Jersey are invited to read as many of the nominated titles and vote for their favorites. Stuffing the ballot box is not only allowed, it is encouraged. And the kids can vote for as many titles as they want in each category. New Jersey Youth Services librarians (those pesky adults again) create the nomination lists (Easy-Reader, Easy-Reader Series, Fiction [grades 2-5, grades 6-8, and grades 9-12], and Non-Fiction [grades 2-5, and grades 6-8]) from the best reviewed titles. Then they step back and let the kids decide. They can vote by ballot or just by checking out the book. All of the 2010 nominated titles are currently on display in either the Children’s Room or the Teen Section of Old Bridge Public Library. Bring your child or pick one up to read yourself. These titles are not for kids only.

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This week at the Library

Tuesday, March, 23
2:30pm: Email Basics
3:30pm: Breakdancing (Teens)
4:00pm: Afterschool Craft (Laurence Harbor)
7:00pm: ESL Conversation Group

Wednesday, March 24
3:30pm: Math Tutoring (Grades 6-12)
6:30pm: Chess Club
7:00pm: MS Word 2007 Basics
7:00pm: Pruning Pointers for Your Garden

Thursday, March 25
1:30pm: MS Word Basics (Laurence Harbor)
4:15pm: School Age Craft (Grades K-3)
7:00pm: Tweens games - Scattergories (Grades 4-6)
7:00pm: Science Fiction Book Discussion

Friday, March 26
10:30am: MS Word 2007 Advanced
1:30 pm: Senior Friday
6:00pm: Teen Movie: New Moon

Saturday, March 27
10:00am: Math Tutoring (Grades 9-12)
1:00pm: Getting into College (Teens)

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Upcoming Book Discussions at the Old Bridge Library The Central Branch of the Old Bridge Public Library will host three book discussions for adults in April: On Monday, April 12 at 7:00 p.m., The Ladies Night Out Book Club will review A Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. On Thursday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m., the Original Book Discussion Group will meet to discuss new titles for upcoming meetings. On Thursday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m., the Science Fiction Book Discussion group will meet to discuss recent reads and future titles. New members are welcome for all groups. For more information, please call (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033 or visit our web site.

Library Craft Club to Meet Weekly The Old Bridge Public Library's Craft Club will meet on each Thursday in March at 1:00 p.m. This informal club focuses on knitting and crochet and welcomes new members to it's friendly and informal group. For more information, please call (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033 or visit our web site.

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Think Spring! On Friday, April 2 @ 6:30 p.m. The Old Bridge Public Library will present a free First Friday concert with harpist Odarka Stockert joined by Kathryn Wylie-Marques on flute. The duo will perform music welcoming spring with Celtic music & other favorites. Free refreshments will be provided at intermission.

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The Central Branch of the Old Bridge Public Library will host a Local Film-makers Showcase on Saturday, April 17 @ 1:30 p.m. Local filmmakers Bill Clemis and Lori H. Ersolmaz will screen their short films and discuss the craft of making movies. All films are equivalent of a "PG" rating or less. Come munch on some popcorn and support these home-grown artists! For more information, please call (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033 or visit our web site. Send comments to: OBPL

Garden Pruning Pointers Wednesday, March 24th at 7:30 p.m. Master Gardener volunteer, Shyamala Sharma will demonstrate proper pruning techniques for a variety of perennials, roses and shrubs. Results will be a great backyard garden!

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Passport Day in the USA, Saturday, March 27th, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Planning a vacation? No matter where you go, a U.S. passport will get you back home! To learn more about travel requirements for U.S. citizens or to apply for your U.S. passport please join us!

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Thanks a lot to robot M.C. Blue and his human colleague Lauren McCann are troopers! They came out in a driving rainstorm to give a presentation about recycling at the Library.

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Pictures from around the Library.

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Thursday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m. Local author, Renee Gatz, will make a humorous and inspirational presentation of her new book, Wise Words & Witty Expressions. Ms. Gatz will share expressions from her youth and explain their lasting power and relevance to life’s ups and downs. Come and share your favorite expressions with Ms. Gatz and each other!

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Photos from recent Library programs.

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