It’s hard to believe that August is already here, which means Fall is right around the corner and schools will be reopening their doors (whether you find that reason to celebrate or cry is largely dependent on your age we suspect). Still, Summer isn’t over yet, and we have plenty of fun and informative events planned for people of all ages at the Library and the Avalon History Center all month long! Scroll down for some of the highlights, and for information about additional programming, including regular events like our book clubs, Lego club, or video game day, head to our calendar here.
Thursday, August 1 / 10am-11:30am
PHOTO & ART PRINTING WORKSHOP
Learn the basics of photo printing using the Library’s large-format photo printer. Print photos or make prints of your original artwork in sizes ranging from 4×6 to 17×22. We will discuss how paper type can affect the prints and how the photo printer differs from a normal desktop printer. We can demonstrate basic photo editing through Windows 10 Photo Viewer to optimize your prints. Please make sure that photos are electronically accessible for a PC–either on a flash drive, attached to an email or in Google Photos or other cloud service. All printouts created during this workshop will be free of charge.
Monday, August 5 / 10am-11am
MONDAY FUNDAY: THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE VISITS THE LIBRARY
Join us for a very special visit with The Franklin Institute, who will be bringing one of their traveling science shows to the library!
Tuesday, August 6 / 11am-11:45am
TEEN TECH TUESDAY: LEGO MINDSTORMS
Teens, join us for Lego Mindstorms with Jon Gibson. Interested in LEGOS, robots, and/or technology? This has it all – don’t miss it!
Tuesday, August 6 / 6pm-7pm
ESCAPE ROOM CHALLENGE FOR ADULTS
Join us for an exciting escape adventure and use clues, puzzles, and strategy to complete the mission. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stop by the circulation desk. Ages 18 years or older.
Wednesday, August 7, 14, 21, & 28 / 9:30am-10:30am
AVALON DUNE & BEACH WALK
Everyone likes to visit the beach, but what do you know about the plants and animals that live there? Meet at 48th Street and Dune Drive in Avalon for an interpretive walk with a naturalist along the maritime forest and dune trails to learn about the flora and fauna that call this area their home. Presented by the Wetlands Institute and proudly sponsored by the Avalon Free Public Library.
Wednesday, August 7 / 6pm-7pm
AUTHOR LECTURE WITH MARTIN SMITH
M. E. (Martin) Smith is the nonfiction author of Philadelphia Big 5, a book that traces the lore and history behind Philadelphia’s Big 5, an informal basketball league formed in 1955 that includes five of the area’s most prestigious colleges: LaSalle University, Temple University, Saint Joseph’s University, Villanova University, and the University of Pennsylvania. A book signing will follow the lecture.
Thursday, August 8 / 10am-11:30am
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, metallic markers, crayon and pencil sharpeners and coloring pages. Ages 18+. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stopping by the circulation desk. Avalon property owners may register beginning July 8. All others may register beginning July 22.
Thursday, August 8 / 5:45pm7:45pm
BOARD GAME CLUB
With Jon Gibson. Play a variety of fun board games. New or unfamiliar games will be taught during play.
Monday, August 12 / 10am-11am
MONDAY FUNDAY: BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MUSEUM
Behind the scenes at the museum! Look, touch, learn and explore with hands-on activities. All ages welcome, best for 10+. Participants under the age of 8 should be accompanied by a caregiver. At the History Center.
Tuesday, August 13 / 11am-11:45am
TEEN TUESDAY: BOOK TALK & BOOK GIVEAWAY
Are you a teen who likes to read? Or maybe you’re not sold on the whole book thing yet, but you’re into free stuff? Come to our book talk & giveaway – search through stacks of books to find your next read (or five!). Plus – enjoy snacks and hear about books coming out in the next year and get a chance to read books that haven’t even been published yet! Don’t want to talk? Listen to others. You can even ignore all the talk and just come to look through the tons of books available to take home and keep.
Tuesday, August 13 / 6pm
WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE IN NEW JERSEY
In 1776, New Jersey adopted its first Constitution which gave women who owned property the right to vote. In 1807, the legislative enactment revoked this right. For the next one hundred and thirteen years, the women of New Jersey would fight to regain their voting rights. From Antoinette Blackwell to Alice Paul, learn about the women who led the fight.
Wednesday, August 14 / 6pm-7pm
AUTHOR LECTURE WITH FRANK WATSON
Dr. J. Francis (Frank) Watson is a member of the clergy and nonfiction author of The Ghosts of Duffy’s Cut. Watson spoke here in 2016 and returns this summer to speak about the latest book he co-authored, Massacre at Duffy’s Cut: Tragedy & Conspiracy on the Pennsylvania Railroad, that reveals the tragedy, mystery and discovery of what really happened at Duffy’s Cut. A book signing will follow the lecture.
Friday, August 16 / 12pm-1pm
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Summer Reading Club is over! (Sob!) Help us wrap up a great summer with ice cream, music, and fun for all ages! Avalon’s Own Sundae Best will be scooping ice cream at the Avalon Library and we’ll be hosting Zoom Balloons and their energy-packed show! This event is for Summer Reading program participants of all ages and their families. Be sure to turn in your log by Friday, August 9 for the chance to win a prize!
Saturday, August 17 / 7pm-9pm
BAY ATLANTIC SYMPHONY CONCERT: PASSION & FIRE
Led by Bay Atlantic Symphony’s Music Director Jed Gaylin, Passion and Fire features Schumann’s Cello Concerto and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E-flat op. 55. Led by Music Director Jed Gaylin, the Bay Atlantic Symphony is celebrating its 13th Symphony by the Sea season in Avalon. Our summer events will not be ticketed.
Monday, August 19 / 7pm-8pm
ASTRONOMY NIGHT
Kids and families, join us for a night under the stars. South Jersey Astronomy Club will be here with their telescopes for this very special program. Look up!
Tuesday, August 20 / 7pm
CHAUTAUQUA: EARLY AVALON & THE RAILROAD
At the First United Methodist Church of Avalon. Chautauqua assemblies provided education and enrichment for adults in communities across the United States beginning in the late 19th century. Join in a revival of this tradition by attending a variety of lectures on cultural and historical topics. This week, learn about Avalon’s origins and enjoy old photos of undeveloped Avalon and the train coming to town. Presented by Bill Mengel.
Wednesday, August 21 / 6pm-7pm
AUTHOR LECTURE WITH CHRISTINE SCARPA
Local author Christine Scarpa will join us to discuss her book One Loose String:
Everyone has that one loose string. For Anni, that is Michael. Searching for him on Facebook would open a wound she has been trying to close for two decades, but the curiosity gets the best of her. She was a local girl, Michael spent summers on the island. Their unlikely friendship blossomed each summer until Michael met up with the guys from Beacon. Desperate to hold on to each other, they struggle with a way to define their friendship, but Michael can’t hide his attraction for her any longer. As their relationship changes, Michael makes a decision that would end their friendship. Anni’s Facebook search will tempt her, tease her and ultimately lead to a choice that could change her life forever. As a wife and a mother, will she risk it all for another chance with her first true love?
Thursday, August 22 / 12pm-1:30pm
ART WORKSHOP: MOSAIC PLAQUE
Create a unique wall hanging for your beach house. Use your imagination along with sea glass and shells to make a personalized 12″ x 4″ plaque. All materials will be provided but please bring special pieces to add if desired. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stop by the circulation desk (18 years or older). Avalon property owners may register beginning July 22. All other may register beginning August 1.
Friday, August 23 / 11am-12pm
LEGO BOOST CREATIVE CLUB
Open the Lego Boost Creative Toolbox and build with Jon Gibson! Recommended for ages 7-12, this fun workshop will demonstrate robotics and coding tools.
Monday, August 26 / 10am-11am
BOOK BINGO
B-I-N-G-O! You just won a book! Kids, if you’re feeling lucky, join us for a few rounds of Bingo and win books or other prizes
Tuesday, August 27 / 11am-12pm
TEEN ART TUESDAY: DECORATIVE TILES
Teens are invited to this creative art workshop. Instructor Paige Cunningham will lead participants through the design of their very own decorative tiles.
Friday, August 30 / 10am-10:45am
FAMILY COMEDY SHOW
Come join us as we close out the summer with the “A Man and a Dog” Family Comedy Show! Fun for kids (and their caregivers) of all ages!