Worth Checking Out: Summer Happenings at the Avalon and Stone Harbor Libraries
The Avalon Free Public Library and the Stone Harbor Library will fill the summer of 2023 with music, culture, classes, games, and fun for the whole family. Here is a preview of some of the exciting programs and services at the island’s libraries.
Eloise Loenig, Cara Leonig, Kylie, Maura, Connor, Rose Lawson, Jimmy Lawson, Libby Lawson at Avalon Free Public Library’s Crafty Wednesdays in 2022.
Avalon Free Public Library
“We are thrilled to share a wide variety of events for summer 2023,” says Erin Brown, director of both the library and the Avalon History Center. “We’re particularly excited about our partnerships with the Borough of Avalon and the Avalon Environmental Commission for concerts and our speaker series at Surfside Park. From the Bay Atlantic Symphony to The Fabulous Greaseband, there are shows and events for all ages, as well as kids’ and family activities every weekday all summer long!”
Concerts
“Music is the headliner,” says Brown. “This is probably the strongest concert lineup that we’ve ever hosted. We have 11 concerts this summer that represent a really broad range of performers, everything from symphony to classic rock.”
All concerts are free and open to the public and most will be held at Avalon’s open-air, oceanfront venue, Surfside Park (2901 Avalon Ave.). “We’ve really found Surfside is such a wonderful venue for bringing the community and families of all ages together,” Brown says.
One event that will have Surfside Park jumping will be on Sunday, July 9, when The Fabulous Greaseband celebrates their own musical milestone with a concert. “The band’s 50th anniversary is this year,” says Brown, “and we are thrilled to be ‘Bringing Back the Bongo Room’ for one night only this summer.”
Another highlight of summer will be “Sunday Symphonies at Surfside” with the Bay Atlantic Symphony on June 25, July 23, and Aug. 27. “We’re thrilled with their lineup. It’s everything from Latin jazz all the way through to Vivaldi,” says Brown. Certainly, the sweet sounds of symphony sailing through the salty air will be an experience worth savoring.
“Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway” is also back by popular demand. One of the few indoor concerts of the summer, this is scheduled for July 15 in the gymnasium of the school/library complex. “We hosted this last summer and people really responded,” Brown says. “They bring Broadway performers who are backed up by a live band and they really bring a range of hits. It’s a special event.”
The library also will host The Jersey Tenors in the gym on Aug. 12. “They do a mashup of everything from Frank Sinatra to Frankie Valli, and even a little opera,” Brown says. “We think it’s going to be a pretty spectacular event, both visually and musically.”
Author/Speaker Series
The Avalon Library is also hosting a speaker series at Surfside Park this summer. All events will begin at 7pm.
While there could be some last-minute additions to the lineup, the confirmed speakers for this summer include local favorite, Flyers great Bernie Parent on Saturday, June 17. “He wrote a book about his life and experiences, and he’ll be discussing that and taking questions,” explains Brown. “We loved our Ray Didinger appearance last year and we thought having another sports figure was a fun option.”
Another interesting speaker is the author of a new mystery novel set in Avalon itself. “Strangers in the Avalon Dunes” is sure to pique the interest of local readers and author Jane Kelly will be in town on Monday, July 3 to discuss the book, her inspiration, and her writing career. “Jane Kelly is from the Philadelphia area and writes a mystery series based in Cape May County. It will be a treat to have her at Surfside Park,” Brown adds.
Later in July, Mike McGrath will share his vast knowledge and gardening experience when he speaks on Monday, July 31. McGrath is the host of the nationally syndicated weekly public radio show, “You Bet Your Garden,” which is billed as an hour of “chemical-free horticultural hijinks.” The former editor-in-chief of “Organic Gardening,” McGrath is also the author of three gardening books, a regular contributor on the weekly PBS TV series “Your Organic Garden” and the Discovery Channel’s “Home Matters,” and has appeared on Saturday mornings on NBC, Nova, “Good Morning America,” “CBS This Morning,” “PBS Healthweek,” and CNN.
Rounding out the Speaker Series on Monday, Aug. 28 will be renowned climate and environment expert, Dr. Doug Tallamy, the T.A. Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has taught for 41 years and authored 111 research papers. Tallamy is also the author of several books, including “Nature’s Best Hope” and “The Nature of Oaks,” which won the American Horticultural Society’s 2022 award. In 2021, he cofounded Homegrown National Park, a national challenge to create diverse ecosystems in yards, communities, and surrounding lands.
Children’s Programs
“Between the Avalon Library, the History Center, and the Borough, our aim is to have at least one free children’s event every weekday from late June through the end of August. In fact, there are many days that we have more than one event going on,” Brown says. “We are also aware that some families will arrive with siblings ranging from 2 to 13 years of age, so events are designed for a wide range of young ages.”
Daily events take place at the library at 10am, do not require registration, and include Monday Fundays, Storytime Tuesdays, Crafty Wednesdays, Lego Thursdays, with special events on some Fridays. (Note: Children under 8 must be accompanied by a caregiver.)
Some very special events this summer will include the Night at the Museum Movie Night hosted at the History Center on Aug. 2, as well as a Contortionist Show during the July 4th weekend, and the family-friendly comedy show, One Man and a Dog, at the end of the summer.
To keep track of all of these programs and events, a Kid’s Summer Guide is available at the library starting Memorial Day weekend. Don’t forget to pick one up!
Summer Reading Program
Encouraging the community to read is a perennial focus at the library, and summer provides a perfect opportunity to raise the stakes. “Patrons of all ages can log their reading to win prizes throughout the summer with the goal of being eligible for a completion prize,” says Brown. The program runs from May 26 to Aug. 11, and patrons can sign up online on the Avalon Library website or call for more information.
There is always a theme for the Summer Reading Program and this year’s is “All Together Now,” which focuses on kindness. To that end, the library will have monthly community service spotlights and will accept (non-monetary) donations for HurriKanen’s Kids (June), the Holy Redeemer Food Pantry (July), and the Cape May Animal Shelter (August).
College Prep
Due to high community interest, the library is hosting a series of college-prep programs this summer. “This series is designed to motivate and equip students with the information necessary to navigate the college admissions process,” says Kara Buono, Avalon Library’s assistant director of programs and outreach. Programs will be hosted by subject-matter experts and include Stress Less College Applications, SAT Prep, and Secrets to Writing a Standout College Essay.
Adult Programs
A variety of exciting classes, workshops, and programs for adults will also be happening this summer. “Workshops, classes, book clubs, and bridge always bring people into the library,” says Brown. “The art workshops tend to be very popular, so we planned them this summer with the intention of accommodating as many people as possible.” Classes and workshops require registration.
Books, Media, & More
Reading on the beach is practically as popular as building sandcastles, so don’t forget that the library has more than 60,000 books, e-books, and audiobooks available. You can walk out of the library with a book in hand, or peruse the vast digital library of magazines, games, newspapers, and books online to download onto your phone or tablet. Whether you’re looking for the latest spy thriller or the financial news, the library has you covered.
Many children’s events will take place at Chelsea Place Park.
STONE HARBOR LIBRARY
The Stone Harbor Library, which is operated by the Cape May County Library system, also has a full slate of programming for children and adults. Here are a few of the highlights.
Children’s Programs
Stone Harbor Library has recurring weekly kids’ programs, as well as special events sprinkled throughout the summer months. Almost all children’s events will take place at either Chelsea Place Park (2388-7996 Chelsea Place), the shuffleboard courts at 97th Street, or inside the Stone Harbor Library. For outdoor events, attendees are encouraged to bring a beach towel or chair. In the event of rain, events will be moved indoors to the library.
For more information about any Stone Harbor Library’s children’s programs call 609-463-6350 x300 or email children@cmclibrary.org.
A great activity for developing children’s language and social skills, Storytime, will be held at 10am at Chelsea Park every Tuesday in June and August. Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers are invited to enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, instruments, and more.
Encouraging children to explore their creativity through process art, Messy Masterpieces will explore a variety of media, and is scheduled from 10am-noon at the library on June 28, July 25, and Aug. 30. Be sure to dress for mess if you plan on attending!
You can also drop into the library for an afternoon of board games and fun on Family Game Afternoons, scheduled from 1:30-3:30pm on June 14, July 5, and Aug. 8.
Dinosaur tracks lead straight to the Summer Reading event, Dinoman Dinosaurs on Thursday, July 6 at 10am at the 97th Street shuffleboard courts. This event is best suited for children ages 5-10 and will explore the magic and mayhem of the Mesozoic era. This fun and informative program will use magnificent props to take the audience on a trip that answers the questions: How do we know dinosaurs were here? What is a fossil? How were they made? And more.
Another fun-filled Summer Reading event will feature the ever-popular Mr. Jon, a Parents’ Choice Award-winning musician. Musical Fun with Mr. Jon will include stories, puppets and music in the program, Tuesday, July 18 at 10am at the 97th Street shuffleboard courts. This event is best suited to children ages 2-8, who will be captivated as they laugh and clap along with Mr. Jon.
For the younger set, Musical Fun with Robert the Guitar Guy will be in town Aug. 29 at 10am at the library. For kids aged 0-5, the show will feature bedtime lullabies and rock ’n’ roll beats, with a cast made up of marching ants, and jumping spiders in an entertaining blend of comedy and movement.
Adult Programs
From cooking and painting to art and yoga, there is something to interest almost everyone in Stone Harbor Library’s adult programs. Please note that all adult events require registration except for the yoga class, which is walk-in only.
Here is a rundown of engaging adult programs at the Stone Harbor Library.
For more information about any adult programs call (609) 463-6350 x700 or email adultevents@cmclibrary.org.
Daily Bread Cooking Classes are scheduled on May 9, June 13, July 18, and Aug, 8 from 1-3pm and on May 15, June 19, July 24, and Aug. 21 from 5:30-7:30pm.
Cape Cuisine Cooking Classes are scheduled on May 17, June 21, July 19, and Aug. 16 from 11:00am-1pm.
Healthy Living with Holly Cooking Classes will take place on May 18, June 8, July 27, and Aug. 17 from 5-7pm.
Cooking with Carolyn Classes are scheduled from 5-7pm on June 1, June 22, July 13, and Aug. 24.
In May, there is also a fun Gift Bag Workshop scheduled on May 11 from 2:30-4pm, as well as an Acrylic Painting Workshop on May 15 from 9:30am-4pm.
In June, there is a special history presentation titled The Courage to Care on June 5 from 5:30-7:30pm. And the Write and/or Illustrate a Children’s Book class for adults, which is sure to be a popular event on July 17 from 6-7:30pm.
Throughout the summer, you can learn a very special art at the Kimekoni Ornament Workshops on June 30, July 21, and Aug. 4, from 1-3:30pm.
Finally, yoga will help you tone up and settle down, every Monday and Thursday from June 1 through September from 9:30-10:30am. Yoga is a walk-in only event, no registration required.
You should never hear “I’m bored” this summer, with all the lively events and vast resources at the Avalon Library and the Stone Harbor Library. For more details and the most up-to-date information on any of the programs and events, call or check the library websites.
Avalon Free Public Library: 609-967-7155 / avalonfreelibrary.org
Stone Harbor Library: 609-368-6809 / cmclibrary.org
