Avalon Free Public Library Announces July Programming

AVALON — “Check It Out” at the Avalon Free Public Library!
Fridays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 10:30 to noon, Video Games:
Play Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii games. For kids of all ages! Nintendo DS games are available for play as well.
Sat., July 2, 10 a.m. to noon, iPad Workshop- Beginner:
Just get an iPad? Join us to learn the specifics. Be sure you have your Apple ID and password. (Required prior to class) Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk. Be sure you have your Apple ID and password. (Required prior to class) Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Mon., July 4, Library Closed in Observance of Independence Day:
We will reopen Tues., July 5 at 9 a.m.
Tuesdays, July 5, 12, 19 and 26, 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., Story Time:
Join us for stories, songs and crafts for children of all ages.
Tuesdays, July 5, 12, 19 and 26, 10 a.m. to noon, Bridge 1:
Bridge 1 is an 8-week class for beginners with instructor Ron Burczewski. These classes are for those who have never played. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Tues., July 5, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Kids Mosaics Art Workshop- Picture Frame:
Create a “BLING” frame to hold your handprint, artwork or photo. Attach a variety of beads and other materials to a wooden frame to showcase your unique personality. Use glitter glue to write the year, your name, inspirational words or anything you wish. Make your handprint or artwork of your choice to place in the frame. Open to ages 6+ (younger if an adult stays with you). Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Tues., July 5, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Lecture: Getting Started As An Actor:
“Performer Tools, Getting Started As An Actor” is an introduction to the nuts and bolts of the world of the performer, a program that should be of interest to aspiring actors as well as the general public with an interest in the arts. Structured as an interactive and informative lecture, Performer Tools will cover the basics of what one needs to get started and succeed as an acting professional, or one interested in working in community or local theaters. This would include such topics as performer training, choosing and working on monologues or audition songs, the importance of head shots and résumés, getting information and contacting theaters. Any questions from the audience will be welcome. Time permitting, we are interested in seeing and critiquing any students who would like to present a short monologue to the group. We will also bring short “cold read” audition pieces for any who would like to try that process. The instructors, Mark Lang and Alison Murphy are professional actors affiliated with many cultural organizations, including East Lynne Theater Company in Cape May.
Wed., July 6, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Instagram & Mobile Photography 101:
Learn how to take the best shots and the technique to distribute your photos to Instagram. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Wed., July 6, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Color Me Happy: Benefits of Adult Coloring:
Professor Kate Daniels, Holistic Health and psychiatric nursing teacher, will give a brief introduction to the benefits of adult coloring, such as mindfulness, meditation, hand-eye coordination, etc. Listen to relaxing music while Kate also works with patrons to enjoy and share the benefits. All supplies are provided, including: Crayons, colored pencils, felt tipped (fine and ultra-fine), metallic markers, crayon and pencil sharpeners and coloring pages. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Wed., July 6, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Kids Perler Bead Art Workshop:
Kids will create one-of-a-kind bead artwork that they will be able to take home in the form of a magnet. All supplies are included in this workshop. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk. Ages 8+ (younger if an adult stays with them).
Wednesdays, July 6, 13, 20 and 27, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Italian for Travel & Culture:
This 8-session course will provide students a basic understanding of the Italian language and culture. It will explore 6 topics including: starting a conversation, finding a place to spend the night, finding your way on foot, the use of public transportation, how to tell time and understand/give information about trains. Through listening, reading, speaking and writing, students will acquire basic conversational skills in the Italian language. Classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays beginning July 6. The instructor will be using Barron’s “Learn Italian the Fast and Fun Way.” A limited number of books are available for check out. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Wed., July 6, 13, 20 and 27, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Spanish for Travel & Culture:
This 6-week program will provide participants with a working knowledge of Spanish phrases and vocabulary related to travel. We will explore the cultures of the Hispanic community. Participants will be exposed to online programs & websites related to Spanish language learning & cultural activities. The instructor will be using Barron’s “Learn Spanish the Fast and Fun Way”. A limited number of books are available for check out. Registration is required.
Wed., July 6, 6:30 p.m., Lecture: The Power of Fashion and Its Impact on You:
Join us as Professor & Editor Natasha Nurse shows the bridge between fashion, self-empowerment and self-acceptance. Gain a better understanding of the role fashion can play in helping you achieve self-fulfillment beyond the superficial. Natasha will also explain how to establish a healthy relationship with your clothes and body.
Thurs., July 7, 10 a.m., A Visit from Smokey Bear:
Enjoy a short movie from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and meet Smokey Bear during this special children’s program. We will have Coloring and Activity Books to take home with you.
Thursdays, July 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Origami Yoda Book Club:
Join other reading travelers on a trip to a galaxy far, far away where we will encounter a Wookiee, a Princess, An Emperor, Jabba the Hutt, Darth Vader, and the Master of Intergalactic Wisdom, Yoda. The Origami Yoda Book Series will be read and discussed during these programs. Each adventure focuses on the discussion of one of the books in the Origami Yoda series followed by a craft based on the book. The first title will be available for check-out upon registration. Grades 3 to 7. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Thurs., July 7, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Creative Writing:
Receive tips and feedback on poetry, memoirs, short stories, articles, and books. Record an audio version and share your story. Registration is requested by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Thurs., July 7, 7 p.m., Showtime Dance Band:
Join us for a musical event with Showtime Dance Band, an 11-piece band that performs inspirational music that combines the sound of Motown, Soul, R&B, Funk, Old School Disco, Dance Rock, and Jazz. Visit their website: www.showtimedanceband.com/event.html
Fri., July 8, 10 a.m., Lecture: Don’t Rest in Peace- Activity Oriented Physical & Mental Health:
Dr. Peter McCusker will present on “lifestyle medicine,” how anyone can structure activities to promote physical and mental health. Peter will explain evidence-based healthful lifestyle goals selection, areas most amenable to lifestyle intervention and the most effective intervention strategies for achieving the selected healthful goals. The entire group can be involved in applying and working through the essential concepts that he will introduce.
Mon., July 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mosaics Art Workshop- Trivet:
Create a unique tiled trivet in your choice of colors! Participants will use the direct method of mosaic to adhere colored glass to a wooden trivet base. After the tiles are set, students will be able to grout their trivet. Finish the entire project in one session! All materials and instruction are included. Open to ages 18+. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Mondays, July 11, 18 and 25, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Knitting:
Meet and share knitting techniques. All levels of knitters are welcome, from beginner to advanced level.
Mondays, July 11, 18 and 25, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Italian for Travel & Culture:
This 8-session course will provide students a basic understanding of the Italian language and culture. It will explore 6 topics including: starting a conversation, finding a place to spend the night, finding your way on foot, the use of public transportation, how to tell time and understand/give information about trains. Through listening, reading, speaking and writing, students will acquire basic conversational skills in the Italian language. Classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays beginning July 6. The instructor will be using Barron’s “Learn Italian the Fast and Fun Way”. A limited number of books are available for check out. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Mondays, July 11, 18 and 25, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Spanish for Travel & Culture:
This 6-week program will provide participants with a working knowledge of Spanish phrases and vocabulary related to travel. We will explore the cultures of the Hispanic community. Participants will be exposed to online programs & websites related to Spanish language learning & cultural activities. The instructor will be using Barron’s “Learn Spanish the Fast and Fun Way”. A limited number of books are available for check out. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Mon., July 11, 7 p.m., Author Lecture & Book Signing with Charlene Briggs:
“Letters to Lida: World War II Told Through the Eyes, Heart and Words of a B-29 Tail-Gunner” is an historical account of World War II in the words of B-29 tail-gunner, David Lemal. The story is based on 150 letters he wrote to his mother, Lida, during the war. Mr. Lemal, who will be present at the lecture, collaborated with author and daughter, Charlene Briggs. Briggs is an environmental scientist and educator currently teaching Environmental Science at Temple University. Q&A and book signing to follow lecture.
Mondays, July 11 and 25, 5:45 to 7:45 p.m., Scrabble:
Join the Scrabblers on the second and fourth Mon. of each month. No registration required.
Tues., July 12, 7 p.m., Comedy- Laugh in Peace Tour:
The Avalon Library will present the” Laugh in Peace Comedy Tour”, with a Rabbi, a Muslim, and a Minister. Robert Alper, a Rabbi, author and stand-up comic, will perform along with award winning storyteller Aman Ali, and lawyer, comedian and pastor Susan Sparks. Susan gave a performance at our library in July of 2014 and was very well-received by the large crowd. This lecture is part of the “Chautaugua at the Jersey Shore” lecture series presented in collaboration with The New Avalon Assembly.
Wed., July 13, 10 a.m., Lecture: Social Security:
Carrie Mikesell from the U.S. Social Security Administration will be here to speak about Social Security Benefits. There will also be informational hands-out available to take home.
Wed., July 13, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Coloring for Adults:
Enjoy the benefits of adult coloring, such as mindfulness, meditation and, hand-eye coordination. All supplies are provided, including: crayons, colored pencils, felt tipped (fine and ultra-fine), metallic markers, crayon and pencil sharpeners and coloring pages. Space is limited; registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Wed., July 13, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., iPad Workshop- Apps to Learn By:
The iPad is an excellent resource for learning new things. We will go over these resources. Be sure you have your Apple ID and password. (Required prior to class) Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Wed., July 13, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Book Club:
Title for July: “The Paris Architect” by Charles Belfoure. Complimentary books may be available upon registration. Register by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Wed., July 13, 6:30 p.m., Lecture: How I Built My R2-D2:
Electronics Engineer Bob Ross will be sharing the highlights of how he built his R2-D2 robot with parts from the R2-D2 Builders Club and his own imagination and design. Ross will have his robot on hand and will cover various events and fun you can have with your own astromech droid.
Wed., July 13, 7 p.m., Author Lecture & Book Signing with Lisa Scottoline & Francesca Serritella:
Lisa Scottoline and her daughter Francesca Serrittella return this summer to talk about their all-new collection of funny stories and true confessions, “I’ve Got Sand In All The Wrong Places”. Lisa, New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-winning author and Francesca, New York Times bestselling author and columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, also wrote “Have a Nice Guilt Trip” and “Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat?” and will share tales about life, love, family, food and, of course, the beach. No tickets are required and the event is free and open to the public. Seating will be on a first-come, first serviced basis beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Thursdays, July 14, 21 and 28, 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., Story Time:
Join us for stories, songs and crafts for children of all ages.
Thurs., July 14, 6 to 8 p.m., Windows 10 Hands-On: Introduction to Windows 10:
Have you recently upgraded to Windows 10? Find out how it’s different from other versions and where to find your favorite programs. Learn how to use the new Start menu, taskbar, Cortana and more. Register to use a library computer or your own computer or tablet. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Thurs., July 14, 7 p.m., Author Lecture & Book Signing with Alan Moss:
“The Samoa Seduction” is a story about lovers trapped by a conspiracy to gain millions through the black market sale of an illegal and dangerous cure for juvenile diabetes. Government employee Michael Bloom travels to American Samoa to fight for higher minimum wages, unaware that his efforts could scuttle the conspiracy. Facing opposition at every turn, he becomes the object of the romantic advances of Stephanie Palaie Moelai, beautiful Director of the Visitor’s Information Bureau. When Michael becomes a threat to the operation, Stephanie sells out to the conspiracy, trading her love of Michael for security. Michael is suddenly beset by a mysterious illness that almost costs him his life, leaving him disabled and unemployed. Author Alan Moss is former Chief Economist of U.S. Wage & Hour Division and Congressional Fellow to the Late Senator Lautenberg. Other titles by Moss may be available for purchase.
Sat., July 16, 10 a.m. to noon, Creative Writing:
Receive tips and feedback on poetry, memoirs, short stories, articles, and books. Record an audio version and share your story. Registration is requested by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Mon., July 18, 7 p.m., Author Lecture & Book Signing with Arthur Schwerdt:
Certified appraiser Arthur Schwerdt of August Farmhouse returns this summer to lecture about his book “The Antique Story Book: Finding the Real Value of Old Things”. A book signing will follow. You are welcome to bring one item as he will be appraising after the lecture if time permits. This program is free (for appraisals also) and open to the public.
Tues., July 19, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Art Workshop- Felt Beach Scene:
In this class, participants will create a beach scene using wool roving (long bundles of sheep’s wool fibers). Participants can then take home and frame for hanging. All supplies are included. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Tues., July 19, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., iPhones Workshop- Mail & Contacts:
Learn to set up the mail app and use it with your contacts.
This workshop will be a review of the Apple Maps app. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Tues., July 19, 11 a.m. to noon, Androids Workshop- Email & Contacts:
Manage your contacts and learn Google’s excellent mail service. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Tues., July 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Mystery Book Club:
Title for July: “Finders Keepers” by Stephen King. Complimentary books may be available upon registration. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Tues., July 19, 7 p.m., Author Lecture & Book Signing with William G. Madison:
“Reflections, A Life Story” is the story of a special boy, Little Bill, who is born in the poverty of a small Kentucky coal-mining town. His father is murdered, and his mother remarries trying to hold on to her two daughters and young son, Little Bill, who feels he is being ostracized by the poverty they live in. His decision to leave his family and travel to the West Coast prompts a companion who likewise is forced to make a similar decision based on the death of his father due to consumption. In his travels, Little Bill is brilliant in his thinking, as observed by his hometown friend and co-traveler. Little Bill’s power to observe and produce positive, lifesaving results is repeatedly manifested in the numerous confrontations recorded. In all, it’s those who see him as needing help that help him to overcome health problems, marriage, fatherhood, poverty, and his ultimate death, as manifested in this life-journey story.
Wed., July 20, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Facebook for Beginners:
Learn the general functions of Facebook, including: setting up a personal account, searching for family and friends, sending and receiving messages, and posting photos. The class will consist of presentation slides and hands-on demonstration. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Wed., July 20, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Romance Book Club:
Title for July: “Dirty” by Kylie Scott. Complimentary books may be available upon registration. Register by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Wed., July 20, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., iPad Workshop- Troubleshooting Techniques- Resources:
Resources for troubleshooting your iPad. Be sure you have your Apple ID and password. (Required prior to class) Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Wed., July 20, 7 p.m., Author Lecture & Book Signing with Christina Baker Kline:
Christina Baker Kline is the author of six novels, including Orphan Train, which spent more than two years on The New York Times bestseller list, including five weeks at # 1, and has been published in 40 countries. It has been chosen as a “One Book, One Read” selection by more than 100 communities and colleges, and has been shortlisted for, and won, various literary and historical fiction prizes. Christina’s past novels include Bird in Hand, The Way Life Should Be, Desire Lines and Sweet Water; she has also written and edited five nonfiction books. Her new novel, based on the iconic painting “Christina’s World”, by Andrew Wyeth, will be published in Winter 2017. She splits her time between an old house in Montclair, New Jersey, and an even older house in Southwest Harbor, Maine. No tickets are required and the event is free and open to the public. Seating will be on a first-come-first served basis beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Thurs., July 21, 10 a.m., Special Story Time with Traci Dunham:
Author Traci Dunham will be here to read her book “My Sister Lulu and Me”. Through this heartwarming story, children will learn that God makes everyone uniquely special. Travel with Lulu and her sister through everyday life and discover what makes their bond strong. This is a great story to educate and open up a dialogue with young children about acceptance of others who are different and are disabled.
Thurs., July 21, 7 p.m., Sports Author Lecture with Jerry Casway-How the Phillies & Athletics Came to Philadelphia:
Jerry Casway is an historian and sports author. He will be lecturing on “How the Phillies & Athletics Came to Philadelphia”. He will also be speaking about his book “The Culture and Ethnicity of Nineteenth-Century Baseball” which is scheduled for release this fall. Sypnosis: Historically, baseball was an urban-inspired game that primarily attracted English, German and Irish immigrants. The contributions of these groups gave the game its terminology, organization and playing style. No group was as dominant as Irish-American boys, offspring of mid-century famine refugees. During the so-called “Emerald Age of Baseball,” the Irish made a lasting impact on the game, which included their acceptance of “Jim Crow” segregation. Other titles may be available for purchase.
Mon., July 25, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Kids Mosaics Art Workshop- Picture Frame:
Create a “BLING” frame to hold your handprint, artwork or photo. Attach a variety of beads and other materials to a wooden frame to showcase your unique personality. Use glitter glue to write the year, your name, inspirational words or anything you wish. Make your handprint or artwork of your choice to place in the frame. Open to ages 6+ (younger if an adult stays with you). This class is completing the same project as the July 5 picture frame mosaics workshop and is open to anyone who did not take that class. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Mon., July 25, 7 p.m., Medicare Lecture:
The Cape May County Department of Aging and Disability Services offer many different services and programs to our senior residents. We will be discussing support, health, and insurance programs that are available and how to obtain these services.
Tues., July 26, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Hairstyling Class:
Lanie Weber will be teaching moms how to do their daughter’s hair and teen hairstyles for beach & school. See some of her work on Facebook @Lanieshairstyles. Aunts, grandmothers or other women can also register to attend with a child. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Tues., July 26, 6 to 8 p.m., Windows 10 Hands-On: Entertainment Apps:
Learn about Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Kindle and all apps that can keep you entertained on your Windows 10 device, including the library’s own, such as Overdrive. Register to use a library computer or your own computer or tablet. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Tues., July 26, 7 p.m., Lecture: A Behind the Scenes Look at How an Original Play is Produced:
Playwright Kelly McCarthy, Actor Tom McCarthy and Director Ed Corsi will be here to discuss Kelly’s “The King of East Jabip”, her first play and part of the new work’s development series at the Eagle Theatre in Hammonton. Kelly will talk about the writing process, Tom, about originating a role for stage and Ed, the role of director. Join us to hear what a new work entails and how to move forward with your own writing.
Wed., July 27, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Learn Overdrive & Flipster:
Our Instructional Technology staff members will be lecturing on how to access and download eBooks, eAudioBooks and magazines using Overdrive and Flipster. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Wed., July 27, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Coloring for Adults:
Enjoy the benefits of adult coloring, such as mindfulness, meditation and, hand-eye coordination. All supplies are provided, including: crayons, colored pencils, felt tipped (fine and ultra-fine), metallic markers, crayon and pencil sharpeners and coloring pages. Space is limited; registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Wed., July 27, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., iPad Workshop- All Things Google:
Google offers many cool apps and they are all free! Join us for an introduction into the world of Google. Be sure you have your Apple ID and password. (Required prior to class) Register by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk.
Wed., July 27, 7 p.m., Author Lecture & Book Signing with Roseann Diamond:
“Holding My Hands and Saving My Life with Meryl and Maks” is the story of the author’s journey from despair to fulfillment. The dancers, via their connection, friendship, professionalism and shared artistry were able to touch the soul of the author and help her take the necessary steps to take control of and improve her life. This is a story of hope, renewal and the ability to live life again after debilitating adversity. The author has spent the majority of her career in the financial world. Roseann was inspired to write this book after watching Dancing with the Stars.
Thurs., July 28, 7 p.m., Author Lecture & Book Signing with Jay Paterno:
Jay Paterno, son of the late Joe Paterno, the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions from 1966 to 2011, will be lecturing on his book “Paterno Legacy: Enduring Lessons from the Life and Death of My Father”. This biography of Joe Paterno is an honest and touching look at the life and legacy of a beloved coaching legend. Jay paints a full picture of his father’s life and career and documents that almost none of the horrific crimes that came to light in 2012 took place at Penn State. Jay Paterno clear-headedly confronts the events that happened with cool facts and with passion, demonstrating that this was just one more case of an innocent man convicted by the media for a crime in which he had no part. Noting that the scandal itself was but a short moment in Joe Paterno’s life and legacy, the book focuses on Paterno’s greatness as a father and grandfather, his actions as a miraculous coach to his players, and his skillful dealings with his assistant coaches. A memorial to one of the greatest coaches in college football history, the book also reveals insightful anecdotes from his son and coaching pupil. A book signing will follow the lecture.
The Avalon Library received 5 stars in Library Journal’s national rating of public libraries, based on statistical performance data collected by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Avalon Library has received the 5-Star designation eight times since 2009. The library is located at 235 32nd Street and provides free and open access to first class collections, services and programs that inspire, inform and enrich the community. For more information on all library programs, please visit the library website at www.avalonfreelibrary.org