- Books & Bagels
- Date(s): Saturday, March 13
- Time: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
- Who: Teens & adults only
*** NEW! EVERY SATURDAY ***
The Friends of the Randolph Library is pleased to announce it will sponsor “Books & Bagels” every Saturday at 9:30 a.m. starting on March 13.
Do you love to read? Do you want reading suggestions? Can you share your list of “Best Loved Books?” Then join this informal discussion in the Quiet Study Room. Come meet your neighbors and enjoy a cup of coffee and a bagel. Just drop in—no registration is required. For teens and adults only.
- Registration Necessary: No
- Free Blood Pressure Screening
- Date(s): Wednesday, March 17
- Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Your blood pressure will be taken by the Public Health Nurse who will also be able to answer your questions. No registration is necessary. For more information, contact Ginny Maico, Supervisor of Nursing, at 973.537.7118.
- Registration Necessary: No
- A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the White House: 200 Years of American Humor
- Date(s): Wednesday, March 17
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Who: No children under age 7 allowed.
Political humorist Judy Bernstein will bring laughter to the library in her one-woman show that takes a light-hearted look at political leaders, and has been described as “part cabaret and part standup comedy.” She’ll recount humorous stories from colonial times to the present. “Humor was absolutely crucial to Abraham Lincoln’s well-being. He said laughter sustained him through his darkest days,” says Bernstein. “Many people feel John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan were our wittiest presidents.” Calvin Coolidge, the dour 30th president was ridiculed as “Silent Cal” and sometimes blamed for ushering in the Depression. The show will prove Coolidge “wasn’t a sour puss.”
Bernstein’s personal collection of political illustrations, including works by Thomas Nast and Bill Mauldin, will also be available for perusal.
Judy Bernstein has performed at the White House Visitor Center, as well as at the Ford, Truman, Hoover, Coolidge and Carter Presidential Libraries. A graduate of New York University’s School of Dramatic Art, she has taught at Stonehill College, Bridgewater State College and Massasoit Community College.
- Registration Necessary: Yes
- Registration Starts: January 17
- Successful Home Staging
- Date(s): Wednesday, March 24
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Who: No children under age 7 permitted.
There is no better way to help a buyer establish that emotional connection to your home than through a successful home staging. On the average, homes that are staged sell 50% faster and for 8% more than homes that are not staged.
Angela Gagauf, a home staging professional and owner of NJ Home Staging & Redesign in Montville, NJ, will show you how to attract buyers to your property, how to utilize your staging budget most efficiently, and how to make your home stand out from all the rest. Ms. Gagauf is certified by the Home Staging Resource and is a member of the American Society of Home Stagers and Redesigners (ASHSR) and the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA).
After registering, we invite you to e-mail 1 photo accompanied by one question about an area in your home to: .
Your entry may be chosen for Ms. Gagauf’s professional advice during the program. Your photo attachment must be in JPG format and will remain anonymous. Entries must be e-mailed no later than March 16. Attendees will also have the chance to win a 1-hour professional consultation by Ms. Gagauf on either home staging or redesign valued at $150.
- Registration Necessary: Yes
- Registration Starts: January 24
- Odissi: Classic Dance of Eastern India
- Date(s): Wednesday, March 31
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Who: No children under age 7 allowed.
Nilanjana Banerjee is an accomplished performer, teacher, and life-long devotee of Odissi. She will discuss as well as demonstrate this 2,000 year old dance form.
Odissi traces its origins to the ritual dances performed in the temples of ancient northern India. Today the name Odissi refers to the dance style of the state of Orissa in eastern India. Like other classical arts of India, this ancient dance style had suffered a decline as temples and artists lost the patronage of feudal rulers and princely states, and by the 1930s and 40s, there were very few surviving practitioners of the art.
The technique of Odissi includes repeated use of the tribhangi, or thrice deflected posture, in which the body is bent in three places, approximating the shape of a helix. This posture and the characteristic shifting of the torso from side to side, make Odissi a difficult style to execute. When mastered, it is the epitome of fluid grace and has a distinctively lyrical quality that is very appealing.
- Registration Necessary: Yes
- Registration Starts: January 31
- The History of Doo Wop
- Date(s): Wednesday, April 7
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Who: No children under age 7 permitted.
Learn how Rhythm & Blues harmony and Doo Wop singing developed in the 1950s. The presentation includes music clips, photographs, record labels and sheet music as well as biographic stories and anecdotes collected from the singers themselves. Doo Wop memorabilia will also be displayed.
Charles Horner, Ph.D., of Classic Urban Harmony LLC, is a recognized researcher, lecturer and authority on 1950’s Rhythm & Blues vocal harmony, commonly referred to as doo wop music. For twenty-five years he hosted a popular radio program on this music in Philadelphia. He has interviewed hundreds of singers, authored numerous articles for music magazines, and written liner notes for close to fifty albums. Horner is largely credited with the resurgence of Doo Wop music in the Philadelphia area that began in the late seventies and continues today. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame recently referred to Horner as “one of the foremost authorities on early rhythm & blues and vocal group music. We can’t imagine anyone who knows more about Doo Wop and vocals groups than Charlie.”
- Registration Necessary: Yes
- Registration Starts: January 7
- Newark & Teterboro Airports: Divergent Twins
- Date(s): Wednesday, April 14
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Who: No children under age 7 permitted.
How did two airports, 17 miles apart, start out identically, but end up so different? Aviation historian Henry M. Holden will tell the amazing story contrasting these divergent twins.
Holden, who started out as a travel writer, is the author of 34 books and over 900 magazine and newspaper articles spanning a 25-year writing career. Some of his other adult books include: To Be a Crime Scene Investigator; To Be a Secret Service Investigator; and Women in Aviation - Leaders and Role Models for the 21st Century. Holden is also a prolific writer of children’s nonfiction books on topics which include John Glenn, Sally Ride, working aboard the International Space Station, and American women of flight. In 1994, Mr. Holden was cited in the United States Congressional Record for his work in recording the history of American women in aviation, and was the recipient of the Author’s Award from the New Jersey Institute of Technology for his book Her Mentor Was an Albatross - the Autobiography of Pioneer Pilot Harriet Quimby. In 1996, he launched the Women in Aviation Resource Center, an online repository of educational, historical, and networking resources for women interested in all aspects of aviation.
- Registration Necessary: Yes
- Registration Starts: February 14
- Angela Easterling in Concert
- Date(s): Sunday, April 18
- Time: 2:00 p.m.
- Who: No children under age 7 permitted.
Angela Easterling was raised in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and began playing guitar and writing songs while studying at Emerson College in Boston. Her debut album, “Earning Her Wings,” was chosen as “Americana Pick of the Year” by Smart Choice Music. She has performed with Lucinda Williams, Deana Carter, Dave Alvin, Victoria Williams and Michelle Shocked out west. Angela’s music was featured in commercials (Southwestern Bell) and several of her songs were used in the series “Horsepower” on Animal Planet.
Angela’s second album, “BlackTop Road,” was in the Top 5 for adds to the Americana Radio charts for several weeks and debuted on the Americana Top 40 chart in September. It has been highly acclaimed and was chosen as a top pick in both Oxford American and Country Weekly. Roger McGuinn, founder of the Byrds, called her “a bright shining star on the horizon!” To preview her music, visit her web site.
- Registration Necessary: Yes
- Registration Starts: February 18
- Abraham Lincoln, Lover of Theatre
- Date(s): Wednesday, April 21
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Who: No children under age 7 permitted.
Please note the new date. This program was originally scheduled for February 10 but was postponed due to snow. If you are already signed up, you do not have to re-register. If you must cancel your reservation, please call 973.895.3556.
Dr. Peter Lubrecht will surprise and entertain you with some of the lesser known facts about Lincoln and his love of the theater. He and his wife attended opera and “theatricals” at both Grover’s and Ford’s Theater. The President was a keen Shakespearean follower who was haunted by the theme of ambition as well as intrigued by the language. Dr. Lubrecht’s presentation, aided by the modern day “magic lantern,” covers the glory days of theater in the Civil War Capital as well as Lincoln’s relationship to the local theaters of his time.
Lubrecht is a theater scholar and Civil War enthusiast. He has earned a Ph.D. from N.Y.U.’s Graduate school of Arts and Science. His experience includes award winning high school theatre productions, professional theatre and also Community Theatre at Brundage Park Playhouse in Randolph, NJ, which he founded. He is an adjunct professor and Director of Sussex County College Theatre. This program is co-sponsored with the Historical Society of Old Randolph.
- Registration Necessary: Yes
- Registration Starts: December 10
- Beautiful Butterflies (Adults)
- Date(s): Wednesday, April 28
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Who: No children under age 12 permitted.
Rick Mikula, “The Butterfly Guy,” will not only show you how to find and attract butterflies, but will also show everyone how to properly nurture caterpillars through the use of household items. From the largest moth to the smallest butterfly, Rick will explain the fascinating lives of these creatures in a humorous and offbeat way. Naturally, Rick’s live butterfly display is the highlight of every presentation. Find out why we all need to help our friends, the butterflies.
For over twenty five years, Rick has been delighting audiences with his humorous and off-beat way of exploring the amazing world of butterflies. Rick has appeared on many TV programs such as the Animal Planet Network, the Discovery Channel and Home and Garden. He has also been featured in countless magazine including People, Organic Gardening, Modern Bride and Entrepreneur.
When not leading butterfly and photography tours through Central America, Rick is president of Butterfly Rescue International and serves on the board of directors for the Center for Landscape Design & Stewardship as well as advisor to the International Butterfly Breeders Association. In the past he has also served as both president to the IBBA, vice president of the Canadian Butterfly Breeders and Exhibitors, and as the secretary and treasurer for the New Jersey Lepidopterist Society. Rick Mikula is also owner and co-founder of Butterflywebsite.com which is the oldest and largest butterfly web site in the world.
- Registration Necessary: Yes
- Registration Starts: February 15
- Writing Workshop for Adults
- Date(s): Wednesday, May 5
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Who: Adults 18 years old and over.
Julie Maloney is a writer and poet and the founder/director of WOMEN READING ALOUD, a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging writers through workshops, conferences and retreats. Since 2003, Ms. Maloney has led on-going writing workshops where writers discover and hone their authentic voices. All writers are welcome, including those “dreaming” of writing. Everyone has a story; everyone needs a voice. Julie Maloney lives in Randolph and is the author of “Private Landscape,” a book of poems. She is a featured columnist and former college professor. Her work has been published in many literary journals.
- Registration Necessary: Yes
- Registration Starts: March 5
- The Benefits of Solar Energy for Your Home
- Date(s): Wednesday, May 19
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Who: Ages 18 and over
Joe Picciallo of 4BestSolar in Robbinsville, NJ, will present this informative seminar to demonstrate how a solar system for your home can eliminate your electrical expense. Learn about the different types of solar energy systems. Homeowners in New Jersey have the advantage of the best federal and state incentive programs in the country for residential solar systems. Time permitting, there will be a Q&A session at the end of the program.
- Registration Necessary: Yes
- Registration Starts: March 19
- Watercolor Pencil Class
- Date(s): Wednesday, May 19
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Who: Adults 18 years old and over.
Doris Schwint will develop several sketches using watercolor pencils. She will demonstrate how to add water and then turn the sketches into watercolor paintings. You will experiment with the layering of colors and learn how to mix, blend and use watercolor pencils, and will go home with a completed painting. Students are required to bring their own watercolor pencil 6 - 12 set and a small brush (usually comes with the pencil set). Paper will be supplied. Schwint began her art career studying at Parson’s School of Design, NYC. She worked as an illustrator in New York and New Jersey. Visit www.schwint.com for more info about Doris. Beginners are welcome. Seating is limited.
- Registration Necessary: Yes
- Registration Starts: March 19
- Baseball Parks & the American Landscape
- Date(s): Wednesday, June 9
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Who: No children under age 7 permitted.
(Rescheduled from an earlier date)
Why do people have such strong feelings about the places where they have played and watched baseball—places that range from city streets to rural lots, from Little League fields to multi-million dollar stadiums? Why is the baseball park such an important part of cities and towns across America? Part of the answer lies in the way baseball is embedded in American culture and history, and part lies in the way people become emotionally attached to the landscapes and cityscapes they share with their families and friends.
Dr. Stanton Green’s photographic tour of baseball parks examines the complex relationship between baseball as a key aspect of American culture and the places and landscapes in which it is played. Green is a Professor of Anthropology at Monmouth University. This program is offered through the Horizons Speakers Bureau of NJ Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
- Registration Necessary: Yes
- Registration Starts: April 9
- Internet Tutoring (Ongoing)
Call the front desk to request a free tutoring session with our reference librarian. Classes will be scheduled at a convenient time for both you and the instructor. Experience with a mouse and Windows is helpful. These classes are not designed to be a first experience with a computer. These sessions are designed to enhance the knowledge you already have of your computer and the Internet.
Class 1: Internet Basics
Learn how to enter a web address, use search engines, and find the “Invisible Internet” through subject guides.Class 2: The Library Catalog and You
Missing the old card catalog? Learn how simple it is to use the online catalog to find what you’re looking for, and even place requests online.Class 3: Using Free Web-Based E-Mail
Learn how to set up a Yahoo!Mail account that can be accessed at the library or from anywhere in the world.Contact for more information.
- Registration Necessary: Yes
- Registration Starts: Ongoing