Library News
Trac Cards Expire Friday May 31
Your Trac card no longer works for copying, and funds will expire at the end of the month.
More Info
East Brunswick Public Library implemented a new self-service print/scan/photocopy/fax system that will replace Trac cards. With the new system, patrons will be able to add money to their EBPL account to use as payment for these services. Patrons will also be able to continue to pay for these services ussing cash or a credit/debit card.
IMPORTANT DATES
March 1
- Launch of new self-service system for print/scan/photocopy
- Self-service system will replace Trac cards
May 31
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Trac card will be discontinued on this day
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All funds on Trac cards will expire at the end of the day
Read the 2019 "73 Words in the 732" Short Stories
The 2019 “73 Words in the 732” short story contest sought original short stories that contain seventy three words or less.
Read the stories here.
YOUTH (13 and under)
Untitled by Nishil Shah
I slept on my bed. While sleeping I saw a bird flying, then a boom came and bird came charging down, the person who did it was a hunter who was grinning from each corner of his face. But what about the bird, don’t you feel bad for it all those animals they were here first and we come get wepons and kill these animals. Do we not feel ashamed for killing these animals.The Hunt by Sahana Ramkumar
Mama was gone! “Hunting is dangerous Stella,” she had said. “Besides, Alpha needs you to take care of him”. We hid behind a bush waiting for her.Two hours had passed and Mama hadn’t returned. Worried I set off with Alpha stumbling behind me. It took me all the skills I had learnt to finally track her down. “Great work Stella, “ she said proudly. “You are now a wolf ready to hunt.”
Where Beauty Is Found by Divya Avadhani
Imagine being Evelyn, a sixth grader who was ugly. Everyone taunted her because of the way she looked, and no one wanted to befriend her. They didn’t know what they were missing out on, not until Hazel came along. She noticed what was happening to Evelyn and decided to add sunshine into her life! As Evelyn and Hazel became closer, they showed people that although Evelyn looked unattractive, her beauty was found within.Mount Everest Imagination by Noah A
I pushed off of the top of what seemed to be Mount Everest. The cold wind whipped in my face as I glided through the air on my super sled. I woke up from my day dream that I was sledding down Mount Everest, when a garbage can came up like a bullet. I tried to turn but..Oof!! I slammed into the garbage can and went flying backwards.
The Day I Won The Lottery! by Umaynah Islam
WOW! I couldn’t believe I WON the LOTTERY! What I would do with 100,000 $ is:- Spend 50,000 $ for St. Jude’s Cancer Hospital
- Give 10,000 $ to my mom to landscape
- Rest of the money for Disney cruise, Disneyland!!
Best Birthday Ever by Sayyeda Syed
“I can't wait for my party", said Suzy. She's been waiting for her friends to come. Suddenly she hears a knock on the door. It's her three friends. "Hey guys! I thought I invited seven. Where are the others?". “Oh! they couldn't make it" said Bloom. Suzy said sadly, "its ok, let's go outside...". As she stepped out, she heard her friends scream, "SURPRISE!" Suzy happily said, "Hurray! Its my best birthday ever!”Untitled by Eliezer
Mark was mad. He was in the school play, but he only had one line. The play started. “Welcome to the annual school play.” The play flew by. Finally it was Mark’s line. He was so mad that he wasn’t paying attention. Even though the rest of the play was amazing, the play was ruined. Mark didn’t care, but once he saw the lead actor’s sadness he started to cry.Hugs! by Arunank
Gray, ominous clouds filled the sky. The winds had kicked up. The trees swayed to their song. A tiny house slowly filled the windshield.Wet, uneasy, I took the steps that led to the entrance. I entered. A shelter, thankfully!
Suddenly, I saw the encircling webs! Spiders! I screamed and ran as a host of huntsman spiders were trotting to greet me and give me a hug to make me feel at home!
My Trick Shot by Aritra Saha
P.I.G.! I’d win, of course, my sister had no chance, but I had to clinch it. I took my shot. It bounced off the rim, rolled around the basket, and went in. I’ve never made a shot that deep before. I could’ve cried!“You’ll never make that,” I said, tauntingly.
My sister’s shot missed!
Yes! She now had a P. She missed twice more. I scored twice more.
Game over! Tada!
The Test by Srijita Sarkar
Today was the day of my math test. My teacher passed out the test papers while I went through each page shaking and staring at the test papers, tears coming out of my eyes. I just...couldn’t do this. It was like we never learned this. No! I just have to keep trying! I focused on each page closely examining the words and I snapped! It all makes sense now!
TEENS (13-17)
Untitled by Jaiden Radoczy
She wasn’t surprised when the world lit up in color upon meeting her.She wasn’t surprised when her heart sung at her soulmate’s beaming smile.
She wasn’t surprised when they kissed for the first time.
She wasn’t surprised when her proposal was blissfully accepted.
She was surprised when she could see only blurs of gray where there once was blooming color.
She sunk to her knees, sobbing.
Her soulmate was gone.
Untitled by Nandini Mishra
When the car broke down it was no surprise. They decided to just leave it pulled over on the shoulder -- I think the piece of junk’s already lasted much longer than any of them anticipated. They’re arguing over whether they should hitchhike or walk the couple of miles backwards to the diner they had passed. They’re worried it’ll be dark soon. Ha. They won’t last that long. I’ll keep you updated.Saving Grace by Anuraag Sarkar
I remember running across sunny meadows, and coming home to mom’s call at seven. Home to blissful ignorance and sinful chips!Today, my seventeenth birthday, the sunny meadow was gone. Instead I looked at assignments, college apps, and gpa! Home to drudgery until my hand cried. Crap!
But when the clock struck seven I ran downstairs. My family sang the birthday song and I opened another bag of sinful chips! Bliss! Pure magic!
ADULTS (18 and older)
A Waiting Room by Risa Waters
Opening her bag, a woman searched urgently for something. Pulling out a photograph, she stared at it intently as tears streamed down her worn face.The picture was handed to me. I glimpsed at it in confusion. Curiosity crept inside me but before I could speak, the photo was grabbed violently away and as quick as she arrived, the woman was gone. The picture burned into my memory without any understanding of why.
My Big Day by Ellen Pometti
Tenth birthday. Everyone knows it's my big day. Just throw my ball. You, then you, then you. Everyone gets to throw.Mom ignores me as she hands out the drinks. Dad tells his silly jokes. Baby tosses the ball too far and I cannot reach it. Neighbor thankfully kicks it back within reach.
I quickly snatch my great smelling, wet new ball, sigh and happily plop in the corner. Happy birthday to ME.
Untitled by Lori Nattrass
The diamond was gone. The blue diamond, which brought out the beautiful light in Helena's eyes. The perfect diamond that Maya had been saving for months for. Everything is ruined. This is a sign, thought Maya. It isn't meant to be. I should let her go.Helena carefully wrapped the blue diamond she had been saving for for months. It is perfect. It reflects the light in Maya's beautiful blue eyes.
THE FIRST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH by Peter Robert
THE FIRST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH. MY HEAD IS REALLY SPINNING AFTER LAST NIGHT . ONE DAY A MONTH MIGHT BE THE SOLUTION. IT HAS REALLY KNOCKED ME OFF MY FEET COMING ON SO DUDDEN LIKE IT DID.BUT IF ONE DAY A MONTH IS WHAT SHE WANTS, THEN LET IT BE. AFTER ALL I GOT TO MAKE HER HAPPY. THE DOCTOR IS ALWAYS RIGHT AND VERTIGO IS NOTHING TO PLAY AROUND WITH."
The Sphere by Larry Wolfert
The sphere rushed towards him at an incredible speed. In front of him were two warriors. The one nearest him wore an outfit that included a mask and a padded leathery article on one hand. The second warrior simply wielded a swinging stick to ward off these projectiles – but missed.The projectile hit the leathery protector with a resounding “thud” cueing the man to respond with the all familiar “Strike three, ‘yer out!”
The Toy by Tracy Tsai
“It’s just a toy,” she says to her inconsolable daughter.When she was her daughter’s age, halfway across the world, she had lost a blue shovel at a beach in Taiwan. It was cerulean blue with scalloped edges, and it had been swallowed by the ocean. It was the first of many losses her heart would come to endure.
“You’ll get over it soon,” she says, but she knows that’s a lie.
Untitled by Lori Nattrass
She never knew her father. Mother said very little—only that he was from the city and left during her pregnancy. She had to meet him and had many questions. She ate a last forkful of pizza, rinsed her silverware and hailed a cab.His last fare of the day was over, and he was tired. After dropping her off, her grabbed a knife and fork and dug into his pizza.
The Hill by Donald Carugati
The bottom of a long hill has a steel mill, at the top is a college.In May of my senior year, father asked what did I plan to do after graduation?
My reply, join the army or work in the mill.
Dad said, "I came from Italy and had to stop at the bottom of the hill, you can make it to the top."
The next day I applied to college.
The Artichoke Women by Arianna M Astuni
I smell earth boiling.Hawkeyeing the women around the table, I hear shrieks and laughter.
"Artichokes!"
And three large green flowers appear.
The cacophony dies to a movement so fine- leaves flittering in pooled butter.
Then, feral- leaves ripped and scraped on teeth.
I watch astonished as they work to the heart.
I digest my visual meal. Always, from then, remembering the beauty and brawn of getting to the heart of the matter.
Good Morning by Geneva Hague
I last saw my father twenty-seven years ago; I was seventeen. I remember eating breakfast- Rice Krispies. He entered the kitchen and said, "Don't know why you bother going to school- you're just gonna get pregnant and drop out." Having endured a lifetime of abuse, I could no longer cry- I laughed, and thought: it would be my luck God, ever non-existent to my pleas, would perform another Immaculate Conception, proving him right.He by Ed Mendlowitz
I’ll get a really good wine for my big date tonight. It took me a few weeks to get up the nerve to ask her out. I see her almost every day at work; I never have any trouble talking with anyone but for some reason I get nervous when I am with her and never know what to say. I’ll use the wine as an ice breaker so hope she likes it.She by Ed Mendlowitz
He finally asked me out. I was thinking of asking him out but could never get up the nerve. I see him almost every day at work; I never have any trouble talking with anyone but for some reason I get nervous when I am with him and never know what to say. I wonder what drink I could order tonight that I could use as an ice breaker.Untitled by Lori Nattrass
Money is tight, so I couldn't throw a party. I could only afford him a worn teddy bear from Goodwill for a gift. I burned the cake. I wish I could do better by him. He only turns five once.(On the playground) "I had the best birthday ever! I got to spend the whole day with Mommy, I got the bear I've been wanting, and she made me my favorite chocolate cake!"
Most Colorful Kid in the Class by J. K. Momling
“There’s no such place as Fillateens! You’re Chinese! My mommy said so!”(shrug) “It’s PHILIPPINES and it’s real! I’m not lying!”
(multiple glares all around) “Fine, Fillateens! You’re it!”
(scattering)
I chase them all, my black hair like a flag waving proudly with each tag.
“You run good and talk good!”
“That’s right! Better get used to me and watch out!”
EB 1984. Too different for many then, and still for some now.
Is it ever worth it? by Ed Mendlowitz
This traffic stinks. I’ve been inching up for the last 45 minutes and will be really late for my interview. I don’t even have a number to call. I’m gonna be really late. There’s an opening – I could swerve around the two cars in front of me and move up a little. Here goes. Oh S - - t! TRUCK COMING RIGHT TOWARD…The Battle by Keren Horn
He rolled over to his belly, evaluated the options. Exhausted from fighting. He lifted his heavy head, scanned the room. Searched for help.In the distance, another, he screamed, clawed at the floor.
The woman sat un-moving. Hope faded away. Surrendered, he lowered, eyes shut to sleep.
She placed the blanket on his back, then sat back down to keep vigil. Watched as her beautiful baby napped, peacefully, after a valiant fight.
Can everything be holy? by Ed Mendlowitz
When I was a kid we played touch football in the street. There were always some parked cars on our “field.” When the ball ended up under a car someone would crawl under it to get the ball. One day after he crawled out and stood up he noticed dog s - - t all over his hand and ball and yelled while dropping the ball: “Holy s - - t!”
Meet Dan Gutman Today!
Superstar kids author Dan Gutman comes to EBPL this Thursday, May 23 at 5:30 pm! This program is for grades 2 and up! More Info
Dan will be talking about his great books and how he writes them. After his talk, he will be answering questions and signing copies of his books. You can bring your own books from home; we will also have several different books for sale at the event. Proceeds benefit the library.
Special thanks to the East Brunswick Public Library Foundation for sponsoring this event.
Short Story Competition Ends Today
Libraries and readers across the country celebrate National Short Story Month each May. We are again hosting a special contest for local writers.
Learn More
The “73 Words in the 732” short story contest seeks original short stories that contain seventy three words or less. A panel of library staff will select the best short stories, which will be featured on the library’s website.
Youth, teens, and adults are welcome to participate. Contributors can submit their stories online through May 20 by clicking here.
Two Counties Symphonic Band Concert Today
The Two Counties Symphonic Band returns for a free spring concert on Sunday, March 19 at 2:00 pm.
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Purchase Tickets for Tonight's Mentalist and Mindreader Flavian
Attend a special fundraiser event with mentalist and magician Flavian on Friday, May 17.
More Info
The East Brunswick Friends of the Library are hosting an evening of mind-blowing fun with mentalist and mindreader Flavian on Friday, May 17 at 7:30 pm. This special night of “mind games” will be held at the East Brunswick VFW Hall (485 Cranbury Road).
A New Jersey native, Flavian Petrulio is an accomplished performer. He has previously appeared at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Lincoln Center and Caroline’s Comedy Club in New York City, and on the television program “The Uncle Floyd Show.” He even hosted is own television show “Mind Play.” Video clips from his performances and television appearances can be found online here.
Tickets for this event cost $25. They can be purchased at the East Brunswick Public Library (2 Jean Walling Civic Center, East Brunswick), online or at the event.
Proceeds from this program benefit the East Brunswick Friends of the Library. This volunteer group plans several fundraising events that support library programs, provide special collections and sponsor services at the East Brunswick Public Library. Information on joining the Friends of the Library can be found here.
Residential Crime Prevention Lecture Tonight
Join Officer Reginald Wright for a presentation will discuss preventative measures for securing your home, including lights, locks, alarm systems, cameras, doors, and more on Wednesday, May 15 at 7:00 pm.
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Discover Your Immigrant Origins Thursday
Join Michelle Tucker Chubenko on Thursday May 16 at 7:30pm to discover your immigrant origins. Learn what records are available to assist you in determining your immigrant ancestor's home village and their emigration to the United States.
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New "Book A Librarian" Service
The book a librarian service allows you to reserve a 1-hour personal session with a reference librarian at EBPL. Read More
All Of Us Bus Comes To EBPL
Climb aboard the NIH's All Of Us Bus to learn about the future of medicine this Saturday, May 4 at 11:00 am in the parking lot behind the library by the Senior Center. More Info
Climb aboard the NIH's All Of Us Bus to learn about the future of medicine this Saturday, May 4 at 11:00 am in the parking lot behind the library by the Senior Center. More Info
Bunco Night Tonight!
The East Brunswick Friends of the Library host a special Bunco Night fundraiser event tonight (Friday, May 3) at the East Brunswick Memorial VFW Post #133 (485 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick). ?Buy your tickets at the door or online here.
The East Brunswick Friends of the Library host a special Bunco Night fundraiser event tonight (Friday, May 3) at the East Brunswick Memorial VFW Post #133 (485 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick). ?Buy your tickets at the door or online here.
Register Now: Baking for Food Sensitivities Wednesday
Come sample some delicious allergen friendly dessert and learn about baking for grain free, gluten free, and vegan diets on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:00 pm.
Register Now
Introduction to Reiki Tonight
Learn how reiki can ease and help manage stress, depression, and anxiety on Thursday, May 9 at 7:00 pm.
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First-Time Home Buyer Workshop Tonight
A realtor, mortgage specialist, and home inspector will guide you through buying a home for the first time on Wednesday, May 1 at 7:00 pm. Registration is recommended.
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