Summer Reading Magic

The 2015 summer reading program at Bernardsville Library kicks off the week of June 22nd with family sign-ups and the first of many “Amazing Mondays” events.

Parents, grandparents, and caregivers may now register their children in the library for a full summer of adventures in reading, exploration and learning. Those who register by June 29th may select a free book immediately. Incentive prizes will be distributed throughout the summer as children meet their reading or participation goals.

Our Youth Services staff is here to acquaint you with the exciting programs scheduled on almost every day of each week. In addition to programs taking place within the library, there will be occasions for children to hear stories at different locations around town, including the municipal pool. “Amazing Mondays” is a new program added to attract families to Monday evening special events designed for children in Grades 1 and up. These events include an introduction to sled dogs, a cartooning session, and a magic show with Brian Richards.  Refer here for more information about the wonderful programs planned for your children this summer at Bernardsville Public Library.

There's No Denying It

Bernardsville Library’s book group, Memoirs & Coffee, will look death in the face when they discuss a thought-provoking memoir, “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” on Tuesday, June 23, 10:30 a.m.

FYI, the smoky part of the title refers to its subtitle – “& Other Lessons From The Crematory.” Written by Caitlin Doughty, a licensed mortician with a killer sense of humor and reality, the book serves to acquaint the living with how the newly departed are handled postmortem. As a young college graduate, Caitlin took a job in a crematory and realized just how far removed most Americans are from the facts of death. She began blogging about this as Ask A Mortician and has since founded The Order of the Good Death collective. Her mission is to make people realize that death is a part of life and that acceptance of this enables us to lead good lives with less fear of death. So, if you’re up for this discussion, join the group. They’d love to have your company!

Soon in June! What's Coming Up

How concerned should you be that the precious resource, water, is endangered? In jeopardy not only from the physical effects of climate change, water reserves around the globe are now being depleted, polluted, privatized, and commoditized. Who has a handle on this? Find out at our free screening of the award-winning documentary, "Blue Gold: World Water Wars," on Sunday, June 7, at 2 p.m. in the Community Room. This viewing is sponsored by the Bernardsville Green Team. Please tell your friends about it.

Also coming up soon, Bernardsville resident Alan Winter will discuss his new novel, "Island Bluffs," which is set in a Jersey shore community. The book features fictional characters who are compelled by personal need and secrecy to act in extraordinary ways, but the story is based on true events that include bits of World War II history. Copies of his book will be available for purchase and signing by the author at this book talk on Wednesday, June 10, 7 p.m. in the Community Room. This is a free event; please come!

 "Building a Confident Retirement: A Seminar at Bernardsville Library" will be presented on Monday, June 15, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room by Keith A. Smith, a Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner™ at Smith & Associates, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. He will discuss how to bring your retirement dreams and goals more within reach; how to prioritize your retirement saving and spending plans to address what is most important to you; and how to identify risks that could throw your retirement plans off track. Sign up to attend and start now on the road to a more secure retirement! - http://www.bernardsvillelibrary.org/program/building-a-confident-retirement/.