Colts Neck

Mar 13, 2023

Monmouth County Library Highlights

By Lori Draz

Spring is here and so is a fascinating assortment of fun, fresh and free programs, brought to you by the Monmouth County Libraries.

AARP TAX Aide-Program

Free Income Tax preparation provided by AARP Foundation/Tax-Aide Volunteers is available for simple Federal and New Jersey returns only. More information regarding tax forms and documentation requirements is available at MonmouthCountyLib.org/tax-assistance. Appointments must be made by the taxpayer online. For an appointment at the Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury (Feb. 1 through April 15), visit tinyurl.com/TaxAideEasternBranch. Times are Wednesdays from 1 to 9 pm; Thursdays from 9 am to 1 pm; Fridays from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm. Face masks are required. Preparation services are also available in Marlboro and Wall Township.  

Tuesday, March 28 at 10:30 am – Frida Kahlo-Inspired Still Life (Virtual Program)

Celebrate Women’s History Month and join Barbara Freiberg to learn to draw a still life based on the artwork of Frida Kahlo. Freiberg has been teaching art classes for many years in New Jersey, New York, Florida and Georgia. Some of her students’ artwork has received television and newspaper coverage. This free Zoom session has limited registration, and supplies are required. Register online.

Thursday, March 30 at 6:30 pm – eBay 201: Beyond the Basics, Taking eBay to the Next Level

Author, auctioneer, appraiser and radio personality Mike Ivankovich and Entrepreneur Sue Ivankovich teach eBay basics and then move on to some more advanced areas such as buying tips and strategies, writing descriptions that sell, good photography, listing more items in less time, accurately describing condition, dealing with the eBay seller dashboard, how to reduce shipping costs to put more money in your pocket, tips on managing your eBay business and more. 

Tuesday, April 4 at 5 pm – Poetry for Beginners with Tony McPherson 

This four-part series for all ages featuring Tony McPherson from Urban World NYC will be examine forms of poetry and developing the beginning skills of creative writing. Each session is designed for individuals of all ages and is aimed at expanding their horizon in the arts. 

Wednesday, April 5 at 10:30 am – A Novel Idea: ‘Black Cake’ by Charmain Wilkerson

Katie Kenny, of the library headquarters, moderates this discussion. Eleanor Bennett’s death leaves behind a puzzling inheritance for her two children, Byron and Benny: a black cake, made from a family recipe with a long history, and a voice recording that shares a tumultuous story about a headstrong young swimmer who escapes her island home under suspicion of murder. As the heartbreaking mystery unfolds, the siblings’ knowledge of their lineage and themselves will come into question. 

Wednesday, April 12 at 6:30 pm – What’s It Worth? (Virtual Appraisal Program)

Author, auctioneer, appraiser and the host of the radio show “What’s It Worth?” Mike Ivankovich shares his 40 years of experience in antiques to reveal what your collectibles and personal treasures are worth today. Ivankovich is a frequent lecturer, a published author of more than 20 books and eBooks, as well as numerous articles and columns for most major national trade papers. Registration for this free Zoom program opens March 15 at 9 am. The first 25 confirmed registrants may receive an appraisal of one item, but there is no limit on the amount of viewers. Confirmed registrants should have a second item ready, and all appraisals are at the discretion of the appraiser as time permits. 

Check out these and many other programs at MonmouthCountyLib.org under “upcoming events.” The library will be closed Friday, April 7 and Sunday April 9 for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The website is open 24/7 to read, renew, request and research.