Library

Meetings on Call                                                                                     Library Programs

Watchung Public Library                        

12 Stirling Road,
Watchung NJ 07069

(908) 561-0117

Hours:

  Monday - Thursday    10:00 am - 9:00 pm

  Friday                       10:00 am - 4:30 pm

  Saturday                    10:00 am - 4:00 pm

  Saturdays during July and August the hours will be 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Director:  Douglas Poswencyk

Library Advisory Board Members:

  Barbara Hart                        Andrew Calendriello

  Doug Poswencyk                 Walter Fedirko

  Maureen Greenbaum            Albert Ellis, Mayor

  Alvin Levine                          Stephen Pote, Councilman

  Colleen Mehegan                  Mary Lou Malyska

 

Library Donation Form

  

BE SURE TO CHECK THE  LIBRARY’S WEBSITE

www.somerset.lib.nj.us

or

call   908-561-0117

to find out how to sign up for programs such as

·       Story Times for ages 5 and up

·       Chess Club for 2nd graders and up

·       Book Discussions 

·       New Books

 

Library Programs

March and April Programs for Children, Teens and Adults

 Registration

¾      In-person express registration from 10:00 -11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 in the Bicentennial Room.      After 11:00, please register at the main desk.

¾   Telephone registration begins at 10:00 AM on

         Wednesday, February 27, 2008.

 Registration Information

        Registration is required for ALL programs.

        For safety reasons, parents must remain in the library while children under 9 attend programs.

        Some restrictions may apply to certain programs.

        Please call the library if you cannot attend a program for which you’ve registered.

        If you have registered for a multiple-session program, and miss two sessions without calling, the library will give that place to a child on the waiting list.

        If you are on the Waiting List, you will be called before the program if an opening becomes available.

        Please remember that cell phone use is not permitted during programs in the library, the Seniors Room and Watchung Arts Center.

        Thank you for being punctual as programs will start on time.

 

Programs

 Programs are arranged in age order.  The number before the title is the registration number that will help in identifying the program when you register.  Registration is required for all programs.  (See page 8 for additional registration information.)

 1.  Music to Move By with Ann Wild

(Ages: Birth through age 4 with Caregiver)

Music, rhythms and fun for everyone!

IMPORTANT:  There is a session at 10:00 AM followed by a REPEAT of that session at11:00 AM.  You must choose either the10:00 AM session OR the 11:00 AM session.

Wednesday, March 12 and March 26, April 9 and 23  at either 10:00 AM OR 11:00 AM

 

2.  Stories for Twos

(Ages:  24 to 35 Months with Caregiver. Child MUST BE 24 MONTHS old when program begins)

Enjoy books, crafts, music, and more for the very young.

Tuesday, March 18 and April 15 at 10:30 AM

 

3.  Monday Funtime             

(Ages 2½ to 3 with Caregiver. Child MUST BE 30 MONTHS old when program begins)

You and your child will have fun singing songs, listening to stories, and more!

Monday, March 3 and April 7 at 10:30 AM

 

 

4.  Just Threes (Age 3 ONLY with Caregiver.  Child MUST BE 36 MONTHS when program begins)

Stories + Songs + Crafts = Lots of Fun for 3-year-olds!

Friday, March 7, 14, April 18, 25 at 10:30 AM

 

5.  Learning with Leisa       

(Ages 4 to 6)

Snack, craft, and stories galore are waiting for you!

Wednesday, March 5, 19, April 2, 16 from 3:00 - 4:00 PM

 

6.  Miss June’s Room

(Ages 4-6)

Relax and have fun making a project, hearing a story and enjoying a snack.

Thursday, March 6, April 3  from    4:00 – 5:00 PM

 

7.  Story & Craft with Debbie Kirsch

(Ages 4 to 6)

Unwind with a soothing story and engaging craft.  Relax and feel good about the day!

Monday, March 10, 24, April 7, 21 at 4:00 PM

 

8. Tuckers’ Tales Puppet Theater presents:  Peter Rabbit Tales

 (Ages: 4 and up)

 

Watchung Library is celebrating National Library Week a little longer.  Come and enjoy Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit stories, which children the world over have loved. See Tuckers' Tales Puppet Theater bring these books to life with irresistible style, clever scenery and turn-of-the-century costumes.  Read the tales to your children now, then see the stories unfold again on stage:       

            The Tale of Peter Rabbit,

            The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, and

            The Tale of Mrs.Tittlemouse. 

Share the tradition and joy of these wonderful stories!

Tuesday, April 22 at 11:00 AM at the Watchung Arts Center

 

 9. Central Jersey Technical Rescue

(For Ages 6 and up, Families and Adults)

Join Eric Martin and members of the New Jersey Technical Rescue - including a canine search team - and discover hands-on activities and information that just might save your life!  With warmer weather coming for family camping and hiking activities, you’ll want to know how not to get lost, how to stay comfortable if you do get lost, and how you can be found more quickly. 

Thursday, April 10 at 7:00 PM in the downstairs Seniors Room          

 

10. Baking and Books with Doug 

(Ages 6 and up)

Bake something delicious to eat and hear some great stories!

Tuesday, March 4 and April 1 at     4:00 PM

 

11.  Watchung Library Chess Club 

(Second Grade and up- for children who know how to play chess)

Enjoy an informal hour of chess playing.  Drop-ins (with chess boards) are welcome, space permitting.  Information for younger children who would like to play is available at the library.

Tuesday, March, 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15 and 29 at 6:00 PM in  the downstairs Seniors Room

 

12. Captivating Critters

Presented by:

The Environment Education Center, Somerset County Park Commission

(Ages 7 to 9)

This summer’s reading theme is Catch the Reading Bug!  Come and see some truly cool critters and learn what helps them to survive in nature. Our guest list includes Pete the praying mantis, Rosie the red rump tarantula, hissing cockroaches from Madagascar, and a special surprise guest. Join a Naturalist to learn what makes each animal special and important.

Thursday, March 13 at 3:30 PM

 

13.  The Unhuggables

Presented by:

The Environment Education Center, Somerset County Park Commission

(Ages 7 to 9)

Some animals are considered “unhuggable” because they are different from us or maybe they look icky, creepy or scary. Meet and get to know some of these amazing animals. Be prepared… some unhuggables may stop by for a visit!

Thursday, April 17 at 3:30 PM

 

AMAZING ARCHITECTS: BUILD A LIBRARY

Presented by:  Computer Technology (CT) Workshop

(For Students in Grades 5 to 8)

 

The Watchung Public Library is looking for a few creative kids to put their imaginations and skills to the test as they envision and digitally create the new Watchung Public Library.  From concept through final 3-D rendered design, complete with interior decorating, participants in CTWorkshop’s Amazing Architects Workshop Club will have the opportunity to explore, invent and create using digital technology. 

The young architects will create digital video virtual walk-throughs of their creations  and present them to the library. These video presentations will also be available for download from home via the internet so the kids can share their work with friends     and family throughout the world. 

Class size is limited to 12 and participants will be selected via lottery.  Selected participants must commit to attending all sessions.  Entry forms will be available   at the library beginning February 26.  For questions concerning this CTWorkshop program, please call 908-264-9147 or visit www.ctworkshop.com/mnj.

Monday, March 24, 31, April 7 and 14 from 3:45 to 4:45 in the downstairs Seniors Room

 

15. Songwriting Workshop

(For Students in Grades 6 to 8)

Songwriter, musician Jay Mankita presents an interactive, fast paced and humorous workshop where you’ll learn and practice body-centered writing and presentation through demonstration, exercise, and discussion.  Bring paper, pencil and an open mind!  And check out Jay’s Veggie Voyager, a solar enhanced vehicle which runs on recycled vegetable oil!

Tuesday, March 4 at 4:00 PM

 

 

WANTED: 

Creative Teens

(For Students in Grades 7-12)

Do you know how to knit, bead, paint, sculpt, or any other creative activity? Share your talents and earn community service hours. If you would like to teach others, please contact teen librarian, Karyn Gost, at wglteens@gmail.com or become a member of the Teen Action Group.

 

 

16.  Teen Action Group (TAG) Meeting

(For Students in Grades 7 -12)

Join the TAG!  As a member, you will have the opportunity to assist in creating teen programs, participate in special community service projects, discuss books, music, movies and more! Membership looks great on resumes and college applications! Counts towards community service hours. Munchies will be provided!

Thursday March 6, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

 

17.  Picture This

(For Students in Grades 7-12)

Do you like taking pictures?  Do you want to learn how to be more creative                     with your photographs? In honor of the first annual Teen Tech Week, photographer John DeCristofaro will take you step by step through the digital photography process, giving you tips and techniques that will help you realize your own creative potential. This is a two session program.  Please   bring a digital camera. Munchies will be provided!

Wednesday March 5 and Wednesday March 12 (two-session program)

7:00 – 8:00 PM

 

18.  Live.  Music.

(For Students in Grades 7 to 12)

You’re invited to an evening of amazing music featuring local teen musicians.

Friday, April 18 from 8:00 – 10:00 PM in the downstairs Seniors Room

Featuring:  Milan

 

 

DISCUSS IT!

Middle School and High School students are invited to join us for lively book discussions!  Each month we will read from a specific genre.

           

            March: Mystery

            April: Realistic Fiction

 

19.  High School Book Discussion

(Ages: Students in Grades 9-12)

Acceleration by Graham McNamee.

Stuck working in the Lost and Found of the Toronto Transit Authority for the summer, seventeen-year-old Duncan finds the diary of a serial killer and sets out to stop him.

Tuesday March 18, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

 

Godless by Pete Hautman

When sixteen-year-old Jason Bock and his friends create their own religion to worship the town's water tower, what started out as a joke begins to take on a power of its own.

Tuesday April 22, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

 

20.  Middle School Book Discussion

(Ages: Students in Grades 5-8)

Gilda Joyce, Psychic Investigator by Jennifer Allison

During the summer before ninth grade, intrepid Gilda Joyce invites herself to the San Francisco mansion of distant cousin Lester Splinter and his thirteen-year-old daughter, where she uses her purported psychic abilities and detective skills to solve the mystery of the mansion's boarded-up tower.

Thursday March 20, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

So B. It  by Sarah Weeks

After spending her life with her mentally retarded mother and agora phobic neighbor, twelve-year-old Heidi sets out from Reno, Nevada, to New York to find out who she is.

Thursday April 24, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

 

21.  Spring Has Sprung in Watchung – Floral Design Demonstration

(Ages: Adult)

Presented by:  Rosemary Allen, Floral Designer, and sponsored cooperatively by the Watchung Library and the Watchung Garden Club

Watch, learn, and be inspired as you discover what’s new for spring in fresh flower design.  Fresh floral designs will be created right before your eyes.  Enjoy hearing Rosemary’s shop   secrets, and if you’re lucky, you may   win one of her designs.

Wednesday, March 5 at 1:00 PM in the downstairs Seniors Room

 

22.  Tea and the Reading of Leaves

(Ages: Adults)

Discover the history of this ancient beverage and why it has become such   a well-liked drink.  Learn how over the centuries the reading of tea leaves has become a popular and fascinating pastime “fortune telling.”  Find out how to “read” leaves and the meaning   behind various symbols.  Be part of     this is a fun and informative program!  Please bring a shallow teacup AND saucer (NO COFFEE MUGS) if you want to try your hand at reading tea leaves.

Thursday, April 24 at 7:00 PM in the downstairs Seniors Room

 

Book Clubs for Adults

 

If you really love to read, and are looking for a group of people who share your interest, then join any or all of Watchung Public Library’s year-round book clubs:

 

Current Books Book Club

Second Monday of the Month at 7:30

 (with exceptions for holidays)

March 10: 

My Antonia  by Willa Cather

            April 14:

            A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

 

Watchung Book Club Discussion Group

Second Thursday of the Month at 7:00 PM

March 13
What is Mine by Anne Holt
A mystery set in Norway.

April 10

The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles

First published in 1949, follows three Americans as they endure the dangers of the North African desert.

 

Social Action Nonfiction Book Club

Please call library for dates and titles.

Tasty Bites and Books Book Club

Bring a bag lunch and share your thoughts!  Third Monday of the month at 12:00 Noon

March 17

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

April 21

The Samurai’s Garden by Gail Tsukiyama