Press Release
SOUTH AMBOY — March is nearly upon us, and we all know what that means: nobody has the slightest clue what Mother Nature has in store. Whether we see a long winter or early spring, weather as ferocious as a lion or gentle as a lamb, rain, snow, sleet, or sunny skies, the Dowdell Library’s doors will be open. Come right in: the climate is always temperate and there’s always something new to do!
Tax season is once again upon us, and the Dowdell is happy to offer its services to those who welcome a hand while preparing their returns. Individuals earning less than $64,000 annually are eligible to sign up for the free VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. An in-person session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19 from 10am to 2pm, while drop-off assistance is available on Monday, April 8 and Thursday, April 11 from 10am to 12pm. Registration is required; contact the library for additional information about this valuable service!
Need help troubleshooting or learning to use your computer, phone, tablet, e-reader, or other device? Stop by the library! Our ongoing Digital Café program offers tech assistance three times weekly: Mondays and Wednesdays from 12pm to 2pm, and Thursdays from 6:30pm to 8pm.
Have an abiding interest in the latest technology? Every Thursday between 6:30pm and 7:30pm, stop in at the Dowdell’s Adult Tech Corner, where you’ll discover a new topic every week! No devices are necessary for participation.
Parents, grandparents, and caregivers: give yourself the gift of some much-needed R&R by bringing your little ones to the Dowdell’s thrice-weekly toddler programs! Rock Along Toddler Time with Robbie the Robot runs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1pm to 2pm. Your little musician can join Robbie the Robot to have fun with magnetic shapes, practice shape, number, and color skills, and listen to delightful stories.
From Monday, March 4 through Friday, March 8, the Dowdell is hosting its Young Adult Tech Week selfie contest! Stop by to learn more about your favorite social sharing platforms and put your face to good use!
Mid-week lull got you down? Tuesdays don’t have to be so dull! Stop into Sadie’s Studio on March 12, 19, and 26 to participate in surprising pop-up activities! Options include board games, party activities, paper plane contests, video game tournaments, and much more. The only way to find out what’s happening is to come in—no two days are alike!
Monday, March 25 is the Dowdell Library’s Makers Day! Creative people of all ages are encouraged to visit the Dowdell between 3:30pm and 6:30pm to try their hand at a number of creative crafts and STEM activities. Makers can interact with Sadie’s Studio stable of friendly robots; design remote control cars; create multidimensional art with a 3-D pen; and much more. From jewelry-making to textiles to coding and beyond, there’s truly something for ages 0-100!
On Thursday, March 28 from 6:30pm to 8pm, join the Dowdell staff as they celebrate the library’s 105th birthday! South Amboy’s very own Cakes on Heels will lead a cake decorating class for sweet-eaters of all ages.
And now, for a sneak peek at April… The Dowdell Library is looking forward to celebrating Chinese culture at its Celebrate! The Year of the Pig program on Sunday, April 7, starting at 1:30pm. Program attendees will be entertained by a Lion Dance outside the library at the start of the event. Art stations will highlight interesting and delightful Asian arts, while musical ensembles, a fashion show, K-pop, and traditional dance will round out the afternoon. Attendees with tickets will be treated to a taste of China and door prizes will be available at the conclusion of the program.
Curious what else is going on at your local library? (We can never fit everything here!) Stop by in-person or visit our website to sign up for our newsletter and view adult and children’s activity calendars, which are updated on a monthly basis.
Comments, queries, compliments? Please visit www.dowdell.org, or contact the Library at 732-721-6060 or comments@dowdell.org. The library is located off John O’Leary Blvd, adjacent to South Amboy Middle High School. Fall hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10am to 8pm; Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 5pm; and Saturdays from 12pm to 4pm.
