Virtually Possible: Avalon Free Public Library Offers Digital Programs, Porch Pick Up
In the age of all things digital … and all things coronavirus-related this year … the Avalon Free Public Library is at the forefront of programming by planning ahead and jumping on the opportunity to offer a wide array of summer programs, digitally!
No one can tell the future, especially when COVID-19 is involved, but the staff and planning members of the AFPL worked hard during the quarantine period to plan a wide range of remote programming that is geared to every age, interest and genre. From a star-studded list of author speakers to children’s interactive activities, historical lectures, book clubs and everything in between, the Avalon Free Public Library remains the place to go for summer entertainment … virtually.
“Programs and events are such an essential part of how we connect with the community,” says AFPL Director Erin Brown. “Our goal has been to identify ways to take events online wherever possible to both connect our patrons with each other and provide access to resources that educate and entertain.”
In addition to these remote program opportunities, the library recently launched its Porch Pick Up program, allowing for patrons to continue to enjoy the long list of services with a contactless benefit. From the latest in best-selling novels, some tech loans, Binge Boxes, DVDs and Blu-rays and so much more, the AFPL is ready and will have your bag ready on the porch with your name for easy and contactless pickup.
Need a recommendation? Staff members are working on-site and remotely to fulfill pickup requests and continue to offer their help in recommending the next best read and even remote tech help. You can reach a staff member by calling 609-967-7155 or going to the AFPL website’s Connect option to send your message.
And don’t forget to “Imagine Your Story” with the online Summer Reading Program offered by ReadSquared. Children, teens and adults can participate by logging in books and participating in fun challenges and activities throughout the summer for a chance to win prizes throughout.
For now, enjoy the summer and stay safe. Plan ahead for some of the library’s favorite programs highlighted below, just to name a few! Be sure to head to avalonfreelibrary.org to register for a long list of July programs including a self-guided historical walk, genealogy programs, language lessons and so much more! And stay tuned for a very exciting virtual author visit announcement for the end of the month!
Highlighted Programs for July
Monday Funday: Sciencetellers
Monday, July 6, 10am
A long time ago in a faraway world, two brave villagers went on a daring journey to release the dragons and save the kingdom from the Evil Ice Sorceress. When things don’t go as planned, they might need to look to science for the answer. Children will love this fun fantasy adventure featuring dry ice effects!
Teen Tuesday: 3D Printing
Tuesday, July 7, 11am
Teens will enjoy this program via Zoom, when each attendee will receive a Tinkercad account log-on and will be guided to create a 3D model of a name keychain from scratch. Once finished, the 3D model will be printed and mailed to the library for curbside pickup!
History Center Lecture: Old Glory
Tuesday, July 7, 11am
Join the Avalon History Center for a virtual lecture with Kevin Woyce detailing the history of the American flag. The presentation will feature original photographs, vintage images and music. Trace the history of the flag from its origin to the addition of the 50th star in 1960.
Lecture: I Wanna Rock: The Importance and Impact of Elvis, The Beatles and Led Zeppelin
Monday, July 13, 7pm
Join composer, educator and Bay Atlantic Symphony keyboardist Chuck Butler as he joins forces with BAS bassist Rich Kurtz and guitarist Brian Varhelyi to discuss the evolution of rock music, with a focus on the effect that innovations by Elvis, the Beatles and Led Zeppelin had on the generations of musicians that followed.
History Center Lecture: Shipwrecks, the Hidden History of Maritime New Jersey
Tuesday, July 21, 6pm
Join the Avalon History Center for a virtual lecture on the history of New Jersey shipwrecks with Stephen Nagiewicz, professor at Stockton University. An estimated 3,000 shipwrecks lie off the New Jersey shoreline, but these waters hold more mysteries than sunken hulls.
Monday Funday: Marbled Paper Workshop
Monday, July 27, 10am
This online craft workshop will require shaving foam, food coloring, stir sticks, card stock paper, a scraper, a container for used foam, a towel, and something to protect the table. Stock up and get ready for a fun morning crafting!
Highlighted Virtual Author Lectures
An Evening with Judy Christie & Lisa Wingate
Wednesday, July 8, 7pm
Judy Christie and Lisa Wingate will join the program via Zoom to discuss their book, “Before and After,” subtitled “The Incredible Real-Life Stories of Orphans Who Survived the Tennessee Children’s Home Society.” Some of the victims of this notorious adoption scandal learned the truth from Wingate’s best-seller, “Before We Were Yours,” and were reunited with birth-family members as a result of its wide reach.
An Evening with Liz Moore
Wednesday, July 14, 7pm
Liz Moore, whose latest novel, “Long Bright River,” instantly made the New York Times Best Seller list, will join the program via Zoom to discuss her story about two sisters living very different lives in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Alternating its present-day mystery with the story of the sisters’ childhood is a gripping suspense novel that is also a moving story of sisters, addiction, family and fate.
An Evening with Caitlin Mullen
Wednesday, July 22, 7pm
Presented via Zoom, Caitlin Mullen will be discussing “Please See Us,” her psychological thriller that Library Journal called a “dark, gritty and cathartic debut … with well-developed characters and a compelling plot.” In this novel, two young women become unlikely friends during one fateful summer in Atlantic City as mysterious disappearances hit dangerously close to home.
