HOWELL – October is shaping up as a busy month at the Howell Library, 318 Old Tavern Road.
“In Our Own Voice,” a firsthand account of what it is like to live with mental illness, will take place at 7 p.m. tonight, Oct. 4, at the library, in recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Week.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) presents “In Our Own Voice” to educate members of the public that it is possible to live well with mental illness, according to a press release.
A presenter from NAMI will humanize the topic by sharing a personal story. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenter to gain a deeper understanding of mental health conditions and to dispel stereotypes and misconceptions, according to the press release.
Attendees will learn about the range of education, support and advocacy programs offered by NAMI-Greater Monmouth to people who are dealing with an ongoing mental health issue in themselves and/or a family member.
“Too Marvelous for Words” will take place at the library at 2 p.m. Oct. 7. Musician and educator Phil Bruschi will discuss songwriter Johnny Mercer’s life and times and perform of some of his most famous songs.
Mercer wrote lyrics to “Summer Wind,” “Autumn Leaves,” “Moon River,” “Days of Wine and Roses,” “Goody, Goody” and many more. He was one of America’s best known lyricists and songwriters from the mid-1930s through the mid-1960s, according to the press release.
Mercer’s work earned 19 Academy Award nominations and he won four awards.
Monmouth County Executive Undersheriff Theodore Freeman will discuss identity theft at 10 a.m. Oct. 10. Freeman will explain what identity theft is, how criminals obtain an individual’s personal information and what people can do to keep from becoming a victim of identity theft, according to the press release.
For more information about these programs, call the library at 732-938-2300.