2024 NATIONAL MEDAL
for Museum and Library Service Finalist

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Adults

Virtual Author Talk: Shelby Van Pelt

We invite you to join us as we chat with the amazing New York Times bestselling author Shelby Van Pelt about her beloved novel Remarkably Bright Creatures. You don’t want to miss this deep-dive exploration of friendship, reckoning, hope, and so much more!

Remarkably Bright Creatures is a luminous debut novel about a widow’s unlikely friendship with a giant Pacific octopus reluctantly residing at the local aquarium—and the truths she finally uncovers about her son’s disappearance 30 years ago.

Virtual Author Talk: Irena Smith

Another college application season is around the corner, and stress is already beginning to ratchet up for teens and their parents. You’re invited to join us for this must-watch talk by Irena Smith, PhD. You will hear about constructive and healthy ways to approach the college application process, preserve your relationship with your teen, and help them define success on their terms instead of chasing the elusive “golden ticket.”

The Empty Side of the Bed

Bernard ambles down the block tethered to a small white terrier he used to call That Damned Dog, because it chewed his favorite loafers, woke him at 5 a.m. for walks, and wormed its way into the bed between them. Now, as the evening shadows grow longer and the streetlights click on, he calls the dog “Honey” because it’s what he used to call his wife and holds the six-foot-long purple leash tighter.

[FULL] DermaScan Screening

Registration is now full.

DermaScan Screening*

Provided by Saint Peter's University Hospital

Appointments are required.

The DermaScan is a non-invasive device that shows sun damage and other skin surface conditions, such as dryness and oil deposits.

*Wearing makeup may obscure results.

Collage Zine Workshop (Gr. 7-Adult)

Join teen librarian Becca and local artist Cypress for a zine-making extravaganza! These folded paper booklets are the ultimate form of self expression, allowing both new and experienced artists to draw, sketch, color, collage, write, and more. We'll have all the supplies you need - just bring your creative spirit and be ready to have fun!

Registration is required, please sign up here.

Teens, earn 50 points for summer reading prizes by attending this event!

Historical Shipwrecks of NJ (In-person)

Plunge into nearly 300 years of sunken vessels along the Jersey Shore as told by famed shipwreck diver Dan Lieb for this all-ages in-person program at EBPL. The noted investigative diver will divulge details of many famous ships that fell to ruin along the New Jersey coast. He will also discuss ongoing efforts to identify the remains of long-forgotten seagoing craft and discover the stories they contain.

New Beginning

New Beginning by Angela Cleaver (a Short Story Contest entry)

He was so sweet, this blonde, blue-eyed man who shyly said hello when I first met him. But then he left for America. As I sailed to meet him, I thought about leaving my family. I supposed it could be lonely with no family around. My uncle said he would send me money to come back home, but I could never ask. I won’t go back. There is nothing left.

The Hole

The Hole by Shikhar Dixit (a Short Story Contest entry) 

Jake discovered the hole on Saturday. Behind the recliner, a circular tunnel in sheetrock vanished into shadow.

That night, a sound awoke him: Was it the scrabbling of rodents in the hole? 

Was it thundering … inside?

It reminded him of a rabid bear, years ago. Jake took down the lockbox. Inserted a fresh magazine into the Glock.

In the living room, he met It.

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They found him Tuesday. On account of the odor ...