Books to Get You Through the Long Winter

Do you want to read more in 2019? Did you make a New Year’s resolution to learn something new, or a goal that seems a little too intimidating? Maybe you’re just looking for a way to escape the cold without spending money. Some of our staff members have set reading challenges for the year, so here are a few fun ways we’ll be working on them:

• Try an audiobook—Your library card gives you access to thousands of FREE digital audiobooks to take with you wherever you go via the Libby, Hoopla, & Freading apps. Download them on the App or Google Play Store.

• Read a nonfiction book that will get you closer to another goal. Curious about the vegan movement? Check out The Reducetarian Solution by Brian Kateman. Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Lonely Planet guides, Fodor’s, and more can be found on the library’s shelves and as downloadable eBooks.

• Read a book about to hit the screen so you can say you knew all about it “before it was cool.” Here are a few coming out this year:

Native Son by Richard Wright

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

The Passages trilogy by Justin Cronin

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett

• Try a graphic novel for a fast read that will pull you out of your comfort zone and dazzle your eyes with stunning artwork. So much more than superheroes, a few of our favorite graphic novels are Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, Blankets by Craig Thompson, and From Hell by Alan Moore.

• Start a gripping series sure to propel you through its pages. A few suggestions: The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness (also about to be turned into a TV series), the Chief Inspector Gamache mysteries by Louise Penny, Craig Johnson’s Longmire series, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, and of course A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin.

What's Happening in the Children's Room?

We’ve added another session to our popular weekly Storytimes! Now you can drop in on Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m, and Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. for stories, songs and crafts. Books n' Blankets is an evening story time for children ages 4-8 on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m, where kids can bring a stuffed animal or blankie and settle in for stories with Miss Gail.

For school-age children, our RAD Lab emphasizes Reading, Activity & Discovery through hands-on programs that focus on our environment and local surroundings. Upcoming offerings include Reading with Rabbits, Artsy Smartsy, and Fun with Forts. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter @redbanklibrary and Instagram @redbankpl for alerts about fun RAD Lab pop-up events like making indoor obstacle courses, crafts and more! And don’t forget Game On! and Movie Nights for more family fun in the Children’s Room.

Outside of the Library, check out our Story Walk in Riverside Gardens Park. Take a brisk walk and keep your eyes peeled for these great books:

January: Penguin and Pinecone: a friendship story by Salina Yoon;

February: Duck on a Bike by David Shannon;

March: My Garden by Kevin Henkes;

April: The Earth Book by Todd Parr.

New Year, New Library

We have lots of new programs and changes in 2019, from added hours to new computers to new books, movies, magazines, and more, as well as a brand-new-and-improved website!

Teens can stop by on the 1st Thursday of the month for Arts & Crafts night where they can make fun projects and new friends.

Senior Day (every 2nd Thursday of the month) offerings are expanding, and seniors can now sign up for free personal computer tutoring in addition to fine forgiveness, a hand crafts group, and much more to come.

Adults looking to be more active in the new year can now join a free belly dancing class on the 2nd Friday of each month, or Zumba on the 4th Friday, with YMCA instructor Eryka Andrex.

We’ve also recently purchased a Nintendo Switch gaming system, so come help us break it in on Super Bowl Saturday (February 2nd) with a Mario Kart tournament for all ages! Full details on these and all of our programs are available on our website calendar.

Extended Hours Offer More to Library Community

The Red Bank Public Library Board of Trustees is pleased to announce extended hours beginning immediately. The Library will now be open additional hours on Tuesday night and Friday morning, bring the regular schedule to 48 hours per week. The regular schedule is now:

Monday 10 am-5 pm

Tuesday 10 am-9 pm

Wednesday & Thursday 1 pm-9 pm

Friday & Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Sunday Closed

“We’re so pleased to be able to fulfill the community need for more Library hours,” stated James Whyte, Library Board President. “We have been able to gradually increase hours for several years now. With the increasing popularity of Library programs, an additional evening was really important.”

Mike Gordon Volunteer of the Year 2018

For over 10 years, the Red Bank Public Library has benefited from the contributions of its volunteers.  They are a daily inspiration to both customers and staff, helping deliver great services and programming. We are so very grateful for the many volunteers who help us manage the Library day to day.  We truly could not function without their generous donation of time and skills.

On Friday, November 23, 2018, the Red Bank Public Library recognized its over 50 volunteers by hosting its fifth annual Volunteer Reception.

This year the Library was proud to name Michael Gordon, a member of the Library’s Foundation Board, as the 2018 Volunteer of the Year. Throughout 2018, Mike did an array of things for the Library including planning and hosting a 3-part “Fake News” series for the Library last spring. After hosting the series, Mike went on to build a Fake News information page for our website. Mike has written and published several articles in the Two River Times regarding members of the Library staff. He and his wife Sally also made a significant donation to the Children’s Room at the Library.

Past Volunteers of the Years include Beth Hanratty, Sue Goldberg, Joan Boucher and Kathy Lou Colmorgen.

We invite you to join our dedicated volunteer team that have freely offered their skills and experience to benefit Red Bank’s youth, adults and local residents.