The Belmar Public Library announced several programs for October, including a live animal event with penguins and a concert for children.Photo Credit: TAPinto Staff
By Jack Slocum
PublishedSeptember 25, 2023 at 8:30 PM
Last UpdatedSeptember 25, 2023 at 8:30 PM
BELMAR, NJ — The Belmar Public Library has announced several events for the month of October. From hanging out with penguins to a children’s concert, here’s what to expect from the library this month.
On October 3 at 6 p.m., the library will be hosting author Jo Anna Dressler Kloster who will discuss her newest book “Lily Unleashed.” The coming-of-age novel revolves around Lily Grabowski and her relationship with her teacher’s puppy mill rescue dog. Lily must either surrender the dog because his needs are bigger than her ability to help him or stand up for what she believes will save him.
“Jo Anna Dressler Kloster is a former elementary teacher, an author, and a Humane Policy Volunteer Leader with the Humane Society of the United States. She works to better the lives of animals,” a library statement read. “(The novel) focuses on an underdog whose love inspires one girl to speak up for this puppy mill rescue and all the other dogs locked in puppy mill cages. Themes of friendship, bullying, and loss are explored.”
Sign Up for FREE Belmar/Lake Como Newsletter
Get local news you can trust in your inbox.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
There will be another author at the library, featuring Mick Bennett, on October 11 at 6 p.m. Bennett will be discussing his book "Take the Lively Air."
"In Take the Lively Air, a minor traffic collision escalates into a confrontation between two families haunted by their pasts and apprehensive of their futures," a statement reads. "Rage and regret butt heads against the background of America’s toxic cultural climate.But saner voices discover that human frailties are best viewed through the microscope of compassion, and our common humanity must be acknowledged to make way for our futures."
The library will also be hosting a live animal event on Saturday, October 7, featuring penguins at the Taylor Pavilion. Jenkinson’s Aquarium will provide the penguins and will be answering questions from participants.
“Waddle into the world of Penguin biology, geography, care, feeding, and conservation,” a library statement read. “Do all penguins live in cold weather? What does a penguin eat? Why can’t penguins fly? How can we tell our penguins apart at the aquarium? Find out the answers, and more, with the help of our knowledgeable keepers!”
Registration is required, and participants will have to sit six feet away from the birds because of state law.
There will also be a concert for kids on October 28 at noon at the Taylor Pavilion. Mr. Ray’s Concert for Kids is for youngsters in grades kindergarten through eighth grade. Participants can expect a “live, energetic, engaging performance featuring original and pop songs.” The songs will focus on themes including kindness, respect, diversity/inclusion, learning, and more.
Mr. Ray, Ray Anderson, has been performing for children since 1994. In his career, he has played with the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Meatloaf. He also had formed a band in the '90s that toured in Europe. He’s also a representative of Pathways to Peace, an international peace-building, educational, and consulting, non-political organization.
The Belmar Public Library is also still offering its weekly events, including Tai Chi, storytime, meditation, knitting club, and more. To learn more about these events and registration, visit the library’s website here.