August is packed with events at both the Avalon Free Public Library and Avalon History Center including a children’s behind the scenes museum tour, the return of the Bay Atlantic Symphony, ice cream, author visits and more! Enjoy Monday Fundays, Teen Tuesdays, LEGO Club, Story Time, video games, author lectures, concerts and so much more. A full calendar of events can be found at www.avalonfreelibrary.org.
WEEKLY CHILDREN’S EVENTS
Mondays
Monday Funday, 10 a.m.* (Unless indicated), Avalon Free Public Library & Avalon History Center
Aug. 5 – The Franklin Institute Visits the Library
Aug. 12 – Behind the Scenes at the Museum: Then & Now
Aug. 19 – Monday FunNIGHT: Family Astronomy Program, 7 p.m.*
Aug. 26 – Book Bingo
Tuesdays
Story Time, 10 a.m.
Teen Tuesdays, 11 a.m.* (*Unless indicated)
Aug. 6 – Mindstorms with Jon Gibson
Aug. 13 – Book Talk and Giveaway
Aug. 20 – Open Mic Night, 6 p.m.*
Aug. 27 – Art Workshop: Decorative Tiles
Wednesdays
LEGO Club, 10 a.m.
Thursdays
Story Time, 10 a.m.
Fridays, August 2nd & 9th
Video Games, 11 a.m.
FEATURED PROGRAMMING
Escape Room Challenge for Adults on Tuesday, August 6 at 6 p.m.
Join us for an exciting escape adventure and use clues, puzzles, and strategy to complete the mission. Registration is required by calling 609-967-7155 or stop by the circulation desk. Ages 18 years or older.
Author Talk: Martin Smith on Wednesday, August 7 at 6 p.m.
M. E. (Martin) Smith is the nonfiction author of “Philadelphia Big 5,” a book that traces the lore and history behind Philadelphia’s Big 5, an informal basketball league formed in 1955 that includes five of the area’s most prestigious colleges: LaSalle University, Temple University, Saint Joseph’s University, Villanova University, and the University of Pennsylvania. A book signing will follow the lecture.
Women’s Suffrage in New Jersey on Tuesday, August 13 at 6 p.m.
In 1776, New Jersey adopted its first Constitution which gave women who owned property the right to vote. In 1807, the legislative enactment revoked this right. For the next one hundred and thirteen years, the women of New Jersey would fight to regain their voting rights. From Antoinette Blackwell to Alice Paul, learn about the women who led the fight.
Author Talk: Frank Watson on Wednesday, August 14 at 6 p.m.
Dr. J. Francis (Frank) Watson is a member of the clergy and nonfiction author of “The Ghosts of Duffy’s Cut.” Watson spoke here in 2016 and returns this summer to speak about the latest book he co-authored, “Massacre at Duffy’s Cut: Tragedy & Conspiracy on the Pennsylvania Railroad,” that reveals the tragedy, mystery and discovery of what really happened at Duffy’s Cut. A book signing will follow the lecture.
Ice Cream Social on Friday, August 16 at 12 p.m.
Summer Reading Club is over! (Sob!) Help us wrap up a great summer with ice cream, music, and fun for all ages! Avalon’s Own Sundae Best will be sponsoring and scooping ice cream at the Avalon Library, and we’ll be hosting Zoom Balloons and their energy-packed show! This event is for Summer Reading program participants of all ages and their families. Be sure to turn in your log by Friday, August 9 for the chance to win a prize!
Bay Atlantic Symphony presents Passion and Fire on Saturday, August 17 at 7 p.m.
Led by Bay Atlantic Symphony’s Music Director Jed Gaylin, Passion and Fire features Schumann’s Cello Concerto and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E-flat op. 55. Led by Music Director Jed Gaylin, the Bay Atlantic Symphony is celebrating its 13th Symphony by the Sea season in Avalon. NO TICKETS REQUIRED.
Author Talk: Christine Scarpa on Wednesday, August 21 at 6 p.m.
Join us for a visit with local author Christine Scarpa as she shares details from her debut novel, “One Loose String.”
Family Comedy Show on Friday, August 30 at 10 a.m.
Come join us as we close out the summer with the “A Man and a Dog” Family Comedy Show! Fun for kids (and their caregivers) of all ages! Location: 39th Street Tennis Building.
The Avalon Library received 5 stars in Library Journal’s national rating of public libraries, based on statistical performance data collected by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Avalon Library has received the 5-Star designation eleven times since 2009. The library is located at 235 32nd Street and provides free and open access to first-class collections, services and programs that inspire, inform and enrich the community. For more information on all library programs, please visit the library website at www.avalonfreelibrary.org.