Library News
East Brunswick Library Board of Trustees Appoints New Director
At a special meeting on June 23 the Library Board of Trustees voted to appoint MaryEllen Firestone to the position of Library Director effective July 1, 2009.
Ms. Firestone has been serving as the Assistant Library Director at The Library for the past 7 years and has been an East Brunswick Library employee since January 1990. Ms. Firestone spent many years of her career working as a special librarian in law, advertising and banking firms. She has also served as President of the Board of Directors of Literacy Programs of New Jersey for the past four years.
When announcing the appointment, Board President Elaine Lee Kessler said “The Board is delighted to promote a long-term employee and talented professional to the position of Director. MaryEllen has a deep knowledge of The Library’s programs and services and her leadership skills have been honed over the past few years. She brings her knowledge of the fiscal challenges that face our institution and her community roots to the role of Director. The Board is confident that MaryEllen will guide the institution competently and creatively at a time when we must do more with fewer resources.” Ms. Firestone, her husband Howard and three children have lived in East Brunswick for the past 22 years.
For more information, please call 732-390-6761.
Special Olympics Celebrates 40th
EBTV Channel 3 to broadcast tribute special of Special Olympics of New Jersey throughout July.
EBTV Channel 3 is helping the Special Olympics of New Jersey celebrate its 40th anniversary by airing the heart-warming tribute to the organization, “Proud Past, Promising Future,” throughout July. The group is celebrating four decades of providing sports training and competitive opportunities to athletes with intellectual disabilities. The 25-minute video will be shown on Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m., Thursdays at 4 p.m., Fridays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. Special Olympics of New Jersey serves more than 18,000 people. The program was produced by Omni Video Creations, narrated by Jack Ford and written and edited by Jeff Brody. For more information about the video, contact Doreen Pustizzi, Senior Director, Communication, Special Olympics New Jersey at 609-896-8000. For more information about EBTV, contact Station Manager Cindy O’Connor at 732-390-6780.
For more information, please call 732-390-6767.
Talent On Parade
EBTV to televise Children’s Summer Theatre productions
Some of East Brunswick’s finest, and youngest, actors will be taking to the stage this summer, and you can enjoy all the shows from the comfort of your own home.
EBTV will once again televise Children’s Summer Theatre productions thanks to Founder and Director Elliott Taubenslag and the East Brunswick Division of Recreation. Each show will be televised a week after it’s performed, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m. In addition, on Saturday, Aug. 29, and Sunday, Aug. 30, there will be a wall-to-wall marathon, with every performance shown in its entirety. This season marks Children’s Summer Theatre’s 50th Anniversary. Residents may buy a DVD copy of any performance for $20, or any three shows for $50. Checks should be made payable to The Township of East Brunswick and delivered to EBTV @ The Library, 2 Jean Walling Civic Center, East Brunswick, N.J. 08816. For more information call 732-390-6780.
The performances will be televised on EBTV Channel 3 as follows: “Talent Town,” July 10, 11 and 12; “Rotten Princess,” July 17, 18 and 19; “Pinocchio,” July 24, 25 and 26; “Jack & the Beanstalk,” July 31, Aug. 1 and Aug. 2; “3 Stooges Meet the Wicked Wizard,” Aug. 7, 8 and 9; “Cinderella,” Aug. 14, 15 and 16; and “Alumni Cinderella,” Aug. 21, 22 and 23. All performances are at 4 p.m.
Marathon performances will run as follows: Saturday, Aug. 29, “Talent Town,” 1 p.m.; “Rotten Princess,” 2:30 p.m.; “Pinocchio,” 4 p.m.; and “Jack & the Beanstalk,” at 5:30 p.m. On Sunday, Aug. 30, “3 Stooges Meet the Wicked Wizard,” 1 p.m.; “Cinderella,” at 2:30 p.m.; and “Alumni Cinderella,” at 4 p.m.
The Write Stuff
Summer Thursdays, July 9 and 23 and August 6 and 19 from 6 - 7 p.m.
Workshop offers lessons in poetry and prose
Aspiring young writers should grab their journals, sharpen their pencils and head on down to the East Brunswick Public Library for Creative Writing for Kids! Running July 9 and 23 and Aug. 6 and 19 from 6 to 7 p.m., children between the ages of 8 and 10 can learn and practice the craft of writing different types of poetry and prose at this workshop-style program. Presented by local teen Alana Barouch, boys and girls will improve their writing skills, have some fun and may even come home with a new found love for the written word during this free program.
Sssssomething’s On Its Way
Thursday, July 16th at 1 p.m.
Join Outragehiss…Pets and their collection of animals
at the East Brunswick Library
There’s no telling what animals you’ll find lurking behind the stacks of the East Brunswick Public Library on Thursday, July 16, at 1 p.m. If you’re a fan of the exotic, you won’t want to miss the return of Outragehiss…Pets and their wonderful snakes, reptiles, birds and more. Learn what makes these animals special, where they come from, what they eat and how they live during this family friendly, all-ages event. Come on by and enjoy some of their “‘outrageous” animals and find out what might be lurking just around the corner. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
For more information, please call 732-390-6789.
The Real Iran
Monday, July 13 at 7 p.m.
Learn about the forces that helped shape the Iran we know today
Get two sides of the same story during Iran: Past, Present and Future at the East Brunswick Public Library on Monday, July 13, at 7 p.m. Join Dr. Masoud Bonyanian, a former instructor of International Relations at Iranian universities, and Dr. Paul Sprachman, instructor of Persian in the Rutgers Department of African, Middle Eastern and South Asian Languages and Literature, as the two analyze the forces that have helped shape the Iranian identity. Dr. Sprachman has lived in Afghanistan, Tehran and Isfahan and has traveled extensively in Morocco and India. The two also will share true stories about life in today’s Iran.
For more information,please call 732-390-6767.
An International Film ‘Staycation’
The Summer 2009 International Film Festival has a full slate in July
Begins Tuesday, July 7 with "Priceless."
First up is Priceless, a French film released in 2006 and directed by Pierre Slavadori. Sparks fly when Irene mistakes a handsome bartender for a wealthy guest at her fancy hotel on the French Riviera. Starring Audrey Tautou. Rated PG-13. Showing Tuesday, July 7.
Tuya’s Marriage, is a 2006 offering from China directed by Wang Quan’an. When she injures her back, Tuya can no longer care for her children and disabled husband. In search of a man to help her run her small farm in Mongolia, she agrees to divorce her husband and remarry. When the would-be suitors arrive, they realize that her ex-husband is part of the deal. The film was a Golden Bear winner at the 2007 Berlin International Film Festival. Not rated. Showing Tuesday, July 14.
Under The Same Moon, is a 2007 film from Mexico directed by Patricia Riggen. Carlitos lives with his grandmother in Mexico while his mother works in Los Angeles as a maid. When misfortune strikes, Carlitos must take the perilous journey across the border to find his mother. This feature was given a standing ovation at the Sundance Film Festival. Rated PG-13. Showing Tuesday, July 21.
Tell No One, is a French film released in 2006 and directed by Guillaume Canet. Alex Beck’s life is turned upside down when he receives and e-mail from his wife, Margot, who was murdered eight years earlier. Now the subject of a murder investigation himself, Dr. Beck must discover the truth about the murders and Margot’s reappearance. The film is based on the thriller by Harlan Coben. Not rated. Showing Tuesday, July 28.
For more information, please call 732-390-6767.
Prime Time For Health
Learn how to stay healthy at the Library and Senior Center at an Adult Prime Time Wellness & Lifestyle Fair
Saturday, August 4th 1 - 4 p.m.
Are you looking for ways to live a healthier lifestyle, but don’t know where to start? Then get your pulse pumping and your feet walking to the East Brunswick Public Library and the Senior Center for the Adult Prime Time Wellness & Lifestyle Fair on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit the Senior Center for free blood pressure, osteoporosis and blood sugar screenings. At the Library you’ll get a wealth of information on lifestyle venues, healthy lifestyle choices, and recreational, fitness, volunteer and educational opportunities. There will be giveaways galore and healthy snacks. If you’re looking for a healthier you, the Library is the place to start.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, East Brunswick Department of Aging and Saint Peter’s University Hospital.
For more information, please call 732-390-6767
Roll With The Financial Tide
Come to the East Brunswick Library and learn how to plan during tough economic times
Wednesday, July 29th 7 p.m.
Get advice on the pitfalls of planning for retirement and college during Rolling with the Financial Tide on Wednesday, July 29, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the East Brunswick Public Library. Join financial advisor Daryl Lipkin for advice on “Navigating Market Volatility,” investment counselor Jeffrey Zelka for information on rolling over your 401K after a job change, and investment advisor David Seto for the latest on “Investment Planning for College.” Learn how to make navigating the treacherous waters of a bad economy and coping with today’s market a little easier during this free seminar.
For more information, please call 732-390-6767.
Residents say good bye to Library Director Carol Nersinger
Residents and library staff paid tribute to Library Director Carol Nersinger with the help of the Eric Mintel Quartet Saturday evening.
The Eric Mintel Quartet spent Saturday evening entertaining the Library’s audience with favorites from their new tribute CD in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the release of Dave Brubeck’s Time Out album. The Quartet played Dave Brubeck’s songs and explained the background of each tune. Eric Mintel, on piano, dedicated a song he composed entitled “That Happy Feeling” to Library Director Carol Nersinger who is leaving her post June 30th to begin a new job with the Albany City Library system.
Ms Nersinger thanked the audience for their good wishes and told them how fortunate she felt to have lead the East Brunswick Public Library for the past 3 ½ years. Carol was introduced by Elaine Kessler, President of the Library Board of Trustees who thanked Carol for her service to the residents of East Brunswick. Friends President Robin Rushfield then presented Carol with a small token of the Friends appreciation for her work on behalf of the library. The evening ended with coffee and cake and good wishes to Carol as she moves on to her next career adventure.
See The Library's Photo Gallery for pictures from the event.
Baby Boomers And Their Elders Have Arrived!
Congratulations to the East Brunswick Public Library! The Library, in partnership with the township’s Office on Aging, is the recipient of a $20,000 contract from INFOLINK, the Eastern New Jersey Regional Library Cooperative.
The contract funds will go towards the creation of a physical space inside the Library, as well as special programs and materialsThe competitive contract was awarded because of its three components: partnership with the Senior Center in designing programs for boomers and their elders, creation of a special space in the Library, complete with seating and display units for new materials, and coordination with the Library’s new “Just for the Health of it” initiative and the Senior Center’s “Building our Strengths: the Mind and Body Connection” initiative.
The first phase of the contract will allow the Library to conduct a telephone poll of 350 township residents who are 55 years old and up, to ask what services and programs they would like to see at both the Library and the adjacent Senior Center. Using the results, the Library will identify areas that can be addressed immediately by purchasing additional materials and by tailoring programs offered by both institutions. In addition, the Library will create a separate but integrated space where new materials can be accessed in a comfortable, friendly environment.
Get More "Value" from the Library Website with Value Line Online Database
In Library and Remote Access to “Value Line” Professional Stock Analysis Online Database Now Available for Library Cardholders
Value Line, the largest independent provider of investment related information in the world, is now available on the library’s website to all library card holders. You can now enjoy the same reports as the print version right from your home computer. Value Line is best known for its analysis of equities, mutual funds, and ranking of the risk for large and small companies. You’ll also find “Real-Time” supplementary analyst reports to flag you to the newest events impacting a company. Also use the customized screening tools for stocks, mutual funds, and options, or the Value Line University for basic investment education.
To use this feature, click on Research Tools in the left menu, and then Find Information in Online Databases. Then scroll to the bottom of the page to click on the title or limit the number of database choices to Business and Investments using the drop down menu on the right. Have your library card and PIN numbers ready to supply at the prompt. Usage of this product is restricted to library cardholders.
Simple instructions for usage are included in the Getting Started link from the database description. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to read the PDF. For more information or help in getting started, please call 732-390-6767.
Creativity Through Dance
Break through to your creative side with Healing Dance
Wednesday, June 24th, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Dance your way to a more creative you by combining dance therapy techniques, guided imagery, essential oils and journaling during Healing Dance, on Wednesday, June 24, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the East Brunswick Public Library. Join Dance Therapist Elaine Egidio as she leads you through the roadblocks that keep you from being more creative. Find your creative self at the Library. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a journal or note pad to this free event.
A Musical Tribute
Saturday, June 13th - 7 p.m.
Eric Mintel Quartet to pay tribute to Dave Brubeck
During his career as a jazz musician, Eric Mintel has played for President Bill Clinton, performed at the Kennedy Center, and has worked tirelessly as an ambassador of the art form, bringing jazz to different regions of the country whenever he can. On Saturday, June 13, at 7 p.m. he’ll bring it to the East Brunswick Library when his band, the Eric Mintel Quartet, hits the stage for a free concert that pays tribute to Dave Brubeck’s seminal album, “Time Out.” The foursome will play selections from their new tribute CD, including Take Five, Blue Rondo ala Turk, and many more. Following the free concert, join the band and the East Brunswick Library family for cake and a farewell party for Library Director Carol Nersinger, who will be leaving at the end of June. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
For more information please call 732-390-6767.