Turning the Page to Summer: Adventures Galore Are in Store at the Avalon and Stone Harbor Libraries
Tess and Brynn Geyer at LEGO Thursday.
Our island is lucky to be home to two of the most spectacular libraries on the East Coast. But the soothing aesthetics at the Avalon Free Public Library and the Stone Harbor Library are only a fraction of their appeal. In fact, these libraries will be booming with activities, music, kids’ events, author appearances, fitness programs, art, history, and (of course) books for every member of the family this summer.
Here is a preview of just a few of the exciting programs and events the whole family can enjoy through the island’s libraries this summer.
AVALON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
“Adventure Begins at Your Library” is the theme for Summer of 2024 at the Avalon Library and it couldn’t be more appropriate. “We are thrilled to offer a lineup of summer programs that will spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and delight attendees,” says Kara Buono, the library’s director of programs and outreach. “From patron favorites to new and exciting offerings, there’s something for everyone this summer. I encourage everyone to stop in the library to pick up the Summer Guide with the full schedule of events.”
Kids & Family
The adventure begins early for kids at the Avalon Library. “We have children’s events Monday through Thursday at 10am from late June through August,” says Buono. With popular children’s programs attracting as many as 200 people on some days, it’s safe to say the Avalon Library has some pretty special events. Designed for a range of ages and interests, daily events do not require registration and include Monday Fundays, Tuesday Storytime, Crafty Wednesdays, LEGO Thursdays, and Family Fridays.
One particularly awesome event this summer is both a children’s event and an author visit. “We are so excited to be hosting New York Times bestselling author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka for a Storytime Takeover on July 9th,” Buono says. Krosoczka, the author of more than 40 books, including the incredibly popular “Lunch Lady” graphic novels, as well as select volumes of the “Star Wars Jedi Academy” series, also wrote “Hey, Kiddo,” which was a finalist for the National Book Award.
“He’s going to be live drawing some of his characters, reading from some of his books, and talking about his writing process,” continues Buono. “People will be able to purchase copies of his books at the event or bring their own copies and he will sign them. He’s an engaging author and illustrator and we encourage kids and families to take advantage of this great opportunity to interact with him.”
A few more highlights for kids this summer will include the opportunity to meet a real-live penguin at Penguin Pointers on June 24, Teen Minute-to-Win-It games on Fridays at 11am, the interactive STEM show Science Heroes: Adventure of the Lost Treasure on July 1, and pirate adventures with Swashbucklers and Sea Dogs on Aug. 26.
Summer Reading Challenge
Of course, keeping folks reading is always the goal at the library, and there’s no better time than summer to catch up and get hooked on reading. So, the Avalon Library Summer Reading Challenge will be in full swing from May 24 to Aug. 9. Participants only need to register and start tracking their reading. Kids 12-and-under will track their minutes spent reading, while teens and adults can track minutes or books (and audiobooks) read. The library will award benchmark prizes throughout the summer and grand prizes at the end. “The Summer Reading Challenge is just another way to make reading fun,” says Buono. “Keeping kids reading in the summer can be a bit of a challenge itself, so this program gives a boost of incentive, accountability, and positive reinforcement.”
Musical Notes
Dust off your dancing shoes because the Thursdays at Surfside concert series is back with musical guests that will have you swaying in the summer breeze at Avalon’s oceanfront open-air venue, Surfside Park (2901 Avalon Ave.). “We are thrilled to be co-sponsoring all of the Thursday at Surfside events with the Recreation Department this summer,” says Buono. “These concerts make for a lovely night, and we have so many great acts lined up.”
The series kicks off with the Sensational Soul Cruisers on June 20 and wraps up with The Amish Outlaws on Sept. 5. In between, a talented slate of bands and performers will perform concerts that include tributes to ABBA, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, and more.
The Thursday at Surfside concerts all begin at 7pm and are free and open to the public. Beer, wine, and refreshments will be available for purchase from the Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to Thursdays at Surfside, the library will also host four more exciting musical performances this summer. Back by popular demand, the Bay Atlantic Symphony will perform summer classics at Avalon’s Community Hall on Saturday, July 20 and Latin songs and rhythms at Surfside Park on Saturday, Aug. 10. On Saturday, July 13, Neil Berg will bring 102 years of Broadway to our shores with rousing performances from classic and newly popular Broadway hits. And then the MidAtlantic Men will have the library bopping on Saturday, Aug. 3 when they bring together the best hits from the U.S. and the UK in a wildly popular show that has been performed all over the globe. “This is really a fun show,” says Buono. “It’s an interactive performance and covers some of the best music from the last 50 years.”
Visiting Authors
In addition to Jarrett J Krosoczka’s author event in July, the library has a trio of speaker events set for the rest of summer. First, a Local Author Fair on June 1 at 10am at the library will offer a one-stop opportunity to meet and greet talented local authors. Find out about new books, discover up-and-coming writers, and purchase signed copies from the authors themselves.
Bestselling author Sara Goodman Confino will be at Surfside Park on Aug. 12 at 7pm as part of her book tour for “Behind Every Good Man.” The author of “For the Love of Friends,” “She’s Up to No Good,” and “Don’t Forget to Write,” which is set on the Jersey Shore, Confino writes books that have been described as humorous, heart-wrenching, wry, and irresistible.
On Aug. 17, three powerhouse authors join forces when Carola Lovering, Olivia Muenter, and Colleen McKeegan appear at Surfside Park for a discussion on thrilling summer novels. With all three writing in the suspense genre, their work has been described as searing, intense, dark, and twisted. Their event at Surfside Park will offer the lighter side of intrigue as the authors discuss their inspiration and work, with Q&A and book signings to follow.
Environmentally Focused
Sitting amid a stunning yet fragile ecosystem, the library is also committed to enlightening residents and visitors on environmental issues and opportunities. “We are co-sponsoring a variety of events with the Avalon Environmental Commission this summer,” says Buono. “These events are as popular as they are informative.”
Last summer, Dr. Doug Tallamy, the T. A. Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, attracted more than 250 patrons to his library-sponsored presentation and sold out of his books. “We’re really excited for him to come back on Aug. 26th at 7pm at Community Hall! He’s wonderful,” says Buono. “Dr. Tallamy is extremely knowledgeable about conservation and native plants, and how to turn your yard into its own little conservation effort, even if you have a very small plot.”
The topic of the weather is always top-of-mind in the summer, so learn how to find the weather answers you need with meteorologist Joe Martucci’s presentation, “Planning Your Days Activities with the Weather in Mind” on June 6 at 6pm at the library. Martucci is an award-winning meteorologist and will teach patrons how to discover their own short-term forecast without even using the internet.
June 14 and Aug. 16, both at 2:30pm, will offer two amazing opportunities for gardeners when educator, author, and longtime wildlife gardener Pat Sutton presents “Landscape Design with Pollinators and Birds in Mind.” During these interactive workshops, Sutton will offer lessons and instructions before working with participants on brainstorming and rough sketching their own projects. Each participant will head home with ideas and plans to enhance their gardens for pollinators and birds. Registration is required for these inspiring events.
Avalon History Center
Did you know that in the early days of Avalon’s development, the Avalon Beach Improvement Company offered a free building lot for the first child born on the island? That lucky baby was born on Aug. 15, 1889, to parents Emma Smith Grace and James F. Corson, promptly named Avalon Corson, and awarded a lot on 42nd Street. You can learn more about Avalon Corson and many other fascinating stories and personalities through the brand-new exhibit at the library’s Avalon History Center this summer, “Notable Women of Avalon’s Past.”
“We highlight a selection of women who left an indelible mark on Avalon and Seven Mile Island,” says Shannon Nagle, director of collections and technology. The exhibit will feature pioneers of women’s suffrage, advocates for education and environmental preservation, and entrepreneurs, and interesting characters like Avalon Corson, and “Jitney” Alice Klinshaw, a spirited, resourceful single mother who became Avalon’s first female entrepreneur more than 100 years ago.
In addition to the women’s exhibit, the History Center will also be brimming with artifacts such as historic photos and digital archives, activities such as walking tours, and events such as “The Lincoln Four” lecture that delves deep into the conspirators and events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln with historical reenactor and lecturer Michael Jesberger on June 19 at 7pm. In August, lectures on George Washington and South Jersey Legends and Lore will entertain and enlighten.
Books, Business, & Digital Resources
Beyond all of the amazing programs and events, the library is also home to more than 60,000 books, ebooks, and audiobooks, vast volumes of periodicals, newspapers, magazines, and games, and an array of business services including faxing, copying, and wireless printing. So, stop in, or check out the Avalon Library online to take advantage of the amazing variety of resources just a few steps, or keystrokes, away.
STONE HARBOR LIBRARY
Sitting on the corner between 95th and 96th streets in the heart of town, the Stone Harbor Library is beautiful and lively, with a full slate of activities for kids and adults planned for the summer. Here is a sneak peek.
Children’s Programs
“We have some exciting events coming up and we are excited to share them with our Stone Harbor patrons,” says Laura Spencer, children’s library associate for Cape May County Libraries (which runs the Stone Harbor Library branch).
All children’s events are free with no registration required.
Regularly scheduled events throughout the summer include, Sing & Stomp, Stay & Play, and Messy Masterpieces, which are all interactive, dynamic activities, designed to help kids 5-and-under expend some of that endless summer energy, express creativity, and enjoy learning.
Some very special events are also sprinkled throughout the calendar, starting with the Things that GO! Party on July 8 at 11:30am, where kids will celebrate trucks, trains, cars and all the things that GO! Just two days later, on July 10 at 10am, the zoo comes to town with Zoophoria, a hands-on educational event that introduces kids to animals from all over the world.
Kids can learn even more about the other side of the globe with the Didgeridoo Down Under program on July 24 at 10am. This show will be an energetic fusion of Australian music, culture, comedy, storytelling, and audience participation.
The adventure continues with three great programs in August. First up, Space Odyssey: An Outer Space Celebration on Aug. 5 at 11:30am will celebrate all things outer space with crafts, snacks, and activities. Then the Magic of Chad Juros takes center stage on Aug. 16 at 2pm, when Chad will wow the kids with amazing magic, and teach them a few tricks to do on their own. Finally, Robert the Guitar Guy provides a summer grand finale with his amazing blend of comedy, music, and movement on Aug. 30 at 10am.
Spencer encourages parents to check out the library’s social media feed as well as the events calendar on the Cape May County Library website for guidelines and the most up-to-date information on children’s events at the Stone Harbor Library.
Adult Events and Programs
“Cape May County Library is pleased to offer a variety of events at Stone Harbor Library this summer,” says Mariela Cifuentes, adult events coordinator for Cape May County Library.
“All events are free, though some require registration, so we encourage patrons to see our website for more information. We’re looking forward to a great summer!”
Cooking
(Registration is required for all cooking programs and attendees are encouraged to bring food safe containers for leftovers.)
At the Good Mood Good Food programs with Chef Josh Liwoch, patrons will experience a great meal and learn to cook with seasonal and local products and honor the simplicity of quality ingredients. Good Food Good Mood will be held twice each month throughout the summer (6/4, 6/18, 7/2, 7/16, 8/6, 8/20).
June 20 at 5pm, Carolyn Vinci returns with Cooking with Carolyn, where she’ll share tasty, healthy, easy recipes along with tips and food prep techniques.
Learn the art of bread making at Daily Bread with Chef Drew Gandley, the owner of Eat Well in Cape May. The program is offered twice each month throughout summer (6/11, 6/17, 7/9, 7/15, 8/13, 8/19).
Retired chef Mark Kalla, who was the chef at several iconic Stone Harbor and Avalon eateries and owned the Barrier Island Inn, will share cooking secrets with the Cape Cuisine programs on 6/19, 7/17, 8/21.
Cooking with Gourmet Mushrooms on June 25 will teach patrons a new layer to healthy eating as Lin Conover and Jess Kirk of Wood Song Mushrooms present the basics of cooking with mushrooms at home with simple preparations that will elevate any meal.
Art and Crafts
There are a variety of programs for art enthusiasts at the Stone Harbor Library this summer, including Color Exercises and Color Mixing with Stephanie DiMuzio on May 28. A graduate of Moore College of Art & Design, DiMuzio currently exhibits and sells her work throughout the tri-state area and creates and markets a line of greeting cards that merges her artwork with inspiring words. In this class, DiMuzio will teach students how to mix colors, use a palette knife, apply, and layer paint. Students will leave with a complete painting. Attendees should bring a sketchbook/notebook; all other materials (canvas, paint, brushes) will be provided.
You can learn how to write your own children’s book with the three-part Picture Book Workshop with award-winning author Nancy Viau on July 22, July 29, and Aug. 5. Students will brainstorm ideas and create a “dummy” (book industry lingo for a book in progress) during the workshop. Viau has written more than 12 children’s books and delights in sharing her experience, wit, and wisdom with classrooms and audiences.
Fitness
Zumba with Kellie will be held every Friday throughout summer at 9:30am with instructor Kellie Wood, who’ll help people of all ages get moving to improve fitness and relieve stress and anxiety.
All levels are welcome at Suzanne Kubik’s Yoga classes on Mondays and Thursdays from June 24 to Sept. 12 at 9:30am (with a few exceptions). Bring your own yoga mat and get ready to feel stronger, more flexible, and more at ease as you move through summer.
“The best things in life are free” is more than just a saying at the Avalon Library and Stone Harbor Library. Be sure and take advantage of the amazing variety of FREE programs, events, and resources from these incredible libraries this summer.
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
