2024 NATIONAL MEDAL
for Museum and Library Service Finalist

Adults

The Empty Side of the Bed

The Empty Side of the Bed by Jen Doktorski (a Short Story Contest entry) 

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.

Community Open Mic

Take this opportunity to showcase your special skills! All ages are invited to join us for this special community open mic organized by some of this summer's TLC teen volunteers. Whether you dance, sing, play an instrument, recite poetry, or something else entirely, you are invited to showcase your talent here. If you're not quite ready to take the stage yourself, join the audience to support all the amazing talent East Brunswick has to offer! Light refreshments will be provided.

Recycled Paper & Journal Craft (Gr. 8+)

This is a 2-day program for teens and adults (grades 8+).

Day 1: Create your own recycled paper! We will upcycle leftover construction paper scraps from past library programs and give them new life. Learn how to create your own recycled paper!

Day 2: Assemble your own journal using recycled paper!

This program is led by TAG volunteer Eliana. Registration is encouraged to guarantee your spot, but drop-ins welcome while supplies last. Reserve your spot at 732.390.6789.

 

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.