RED BANK — The Red Bank Public Library, 84 W. Front St., has announced the launch of its redesigned website, which has new visuals and features. The new site has the same address at www.redbanklibrary.org.
October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. The Red Bank Public Library has set up a donation drop-off box for the SPCA. Bring canned food for both dogs and cats, toys and treats, any scoopable cat litter, paper towels, Brillo/SOS pads and washable blankets, sheets and towels.
Special library programs include the following:
“Author Talk” will be at 7 p.m. on Oct. 12. Join guest Olympian, writer, journalist and author Elliott Denman, who will discuss “Inside the Five Ring Circus” written by Ollan Cassell. For over 40 years, Cassell, an Olympic gold medal athlete, served as one of the key figures in the administration of Olympic-level sports in the U.S. as well as internationally. The book is the story of those historic years, detailing the changing face of global sports and the modern Olympic Games.
“Let’s Talk About Race” series takes place at 7 p.m. on Oct. 26 with a program called “Give Us the Ballot” — dedicated to the topic of voting. With a panel of guests including Barbara Chaudhery of the League of Women Voters, activist Elijah Nishiura and others, the evening promises to be informative and inspiring. The program, moderated by local advocate Patty Whyte, will focus on how and when women and African Americans obtained the right to vote. Open and honest dialogue is encouraged. Registration is suggested by calling 732-842-0690, ext. 111 or visiting the Reference Desk.
English as a Second Language classes for adults 18 and older are currently being conducted by the Literacy Volunteers of Monmouth County at the Red Bank Public Library through Dec. 8. Contact the Literacy Volunteers of Monmouth County at 732-571-0209 or visit www.lvmonmouthnj.org for details about the classes, volunteer tutor training classes and English conversation classes throughout Monmouth County.
Individual computer tutoring sessions are available on Wednesday and Friday afternoons by appointment only. Learn computer and Internet basics from knowledgeable and patient volunteers. Visit the Reference Desk or call 732-842-0690, ext. 111 to make an appointment. Also on Wednesdays, from 4-7 p.m., drop-in tech support is available.
Rosetta Stone Library Solution is now available to all patrons. The Red Bank Public Library now offers the premier language learning software used worldwide. It is free, and lessons include focused activities to refine grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and more. Thirty languages are offered. Visit the Research Databases page on the library’s website, select “Rosetta Stone” and create an account and then choose a language.
The Red Bank Public Library hosts an adult book discussion group, “Readin’ on the River,” on the third Wednesday of each month. The next meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on Oct. 19 to discuss “The Bookseller of Kabul” by Asne Seierstad. For more information, contact the library at 732-842-0690.
The library offers free weekly one-hour Yoga for Adults with yoga instructor Jeanette Sealy from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Fridays. The class is appropriate for all levels of yoga experience. Bring a yoga mat. Registration is not required. Participants attend on a first-come, first-served basis up to 20 people.
Yarn Arts is a group of like-minded crafters who knit and crochet. They meet to work on their own projects on the first and third Thursday of each month from 3-4 p.m. in the library’s downstairs meeting room. Anyone is welcome to join, whether experienced or novice. This program is free, and registration is not required. For more information, call 732-842-0690, ext. 111.
The Book Sale Room will hold a $5 Bag Sale the first Tuesday and Wednesday of every month. Bags will be provided to fill with books, CDs, and DVDs or purchase a Friends of the Red Bank Public Library canvas tote bag for $10 and fill it for free. Stop by the Circulation Desk for more information.
The Red Bank Senior Center, in cooperation with the Red Bank Public Library, holds a book discussion group on the last Monday of each month at the Senior Center at 1 p.m., except in December. Borough residents age 60 and over may join the Center and participate in this or any of its other programs.
The Friends of the Red Bank Public Library hold its monthly meeting every second Thursday. The next meeting will be held at 3 p.m. on Oct. 13. Everyone is welcome.
The first and third Wednesdays of the month are Tween/Teen Wild Card Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m. in the meeting room or on the back lawn (weather permitting). Crafts, games and more will be featured. Follow on social media to find out the weekly schedule. A snack will be served at every event.
“Artsy Smartsy” for children age 5 and up will be at 11 a.m. Oct. 8. Learn about the great masters of art and then create a masterpiece. The featured artist is Edvard Munch who is most famous for his painting, “The Scream.” Children will make their own versions of this spooky masterpiece. Registration is required for this free program. Contact the Children’s Room at 732-842-0690, ext. 115 to sign up.
“Bilingual Story Time” will be at 11 a.m. Oct. 15 for young children and their caregivers. Listen to stories and songs in Spanish and English and create a related craft. Registration is recommended.
“Halloween Movie Night Party” filled with tricks and treats will be held at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27. Watch a Halloween-themed program, then enjoy spooky games, crafts and tasty treats in the library’s downstairs meeting room. More fun activities for tweens/teens will take place upstairs. This program is free, and registration is suggested.
For more information about these and other free programs, visit www.redbanklibrary.org or call 732-842-0690.