SOUTH AMBOY – 2020 has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on each of us. It was filled with highs and lows. As the New Year approaches, so does the hope for new opportunities and the promise for a new beginning. The Dowdell Library is ringing in the New Year with programs to help you become the best version of yourself!
Invest more time into yourself this year! The Dowdell Library is excited to offer free virtual classes through the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Three courses will be available in January. Nadine Roberts, a stress management practitioner, will present A Virtual Guided Imagery Relaxation Session on January 12 & 27. Stretch It, a Stretching and Flexibility Workshop guided by RWJ Outpatient Physical Therapy Specialist John Lancaster, will be available on January 7 & 21. Lastly, RWJ Community Health Organization, in coordination with Alzheimer’s New Jersey, presents Meredith Gemeiner, Director of Programs and Services, in a virtual meeting about Understanding Memory Loss. All classes start at 1:00 pm, and you must be pre-registered. For more information or to pre-register, please email susan.capolongo@rwjbh.org or kathleen.johnson@rwjbh.org.
The New Year also starts a whole new tax season. The Library is happy to offer contactless, drop-off tax assistance. Individuals earning less than $64,000 annually are eligible to sign up for the free VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program starting in January. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years, offering free tax help to low- to moderate-income, individuals with disabilities, and non-English speaking taxpayers. Contact the Library for additional information about this valuable service!
If the last year has taught us anything, it is to make the most of the time we have with our loved ones. The Dowdell Library is working hard to add new virtual programs to our YouTube channel that the whole family can enjoy! Please tune in this month to hear South Amboy Councilwoman Christine Noble read a holiday story about a snowman who keeps melting! Stick around and learn how to cook a new recipe during Test Kitchen, or learn a new hobby during our Virtual Exhibit! New content is added each month. Is there a new trend or technology you would like to learn about? Let us know at comments@dowdell.org.
New Year, fun new Teen Social Media challenges! For the winter months of January and February, choose from one of five categories, including a South Amboy category, and participate in our social media challenge! Look for the challenges on our website soon! Those who complete the SA category will be given credit for community service! Please take a picture and send your finished objective to comments@dowdell.org with your name and which category you chose. The Library will share your accomplishment on our Social Media pages! Each month will have a different set of objectives, and each teen will be able to choose more than one category to complete.
You still have time left to enter the Teen 3D Printer Contest. Tinkercad is a free, online 3D modeling program where you can create objects that can be 3D printed at the Dowdell Library. Watch and learn while Ms. Laura explains how to use Tinkercad and print her creation in the latest installment of Sadie’s Studio on our YouTube Channel. Then, use all your new knowledge and create your very own 3D model using Tinkercad at home or on one of the library’s computers. Please submit your name and a picture of your 3D item to comments@dowdell.org to enter our drawing! The deadline to enter is December 31st!
The Dowdell Library is still operating on a modified schedule, as well as providing staff-assisted services for faxing, notary service, photocopying, as well as assistance choosing books and media. These changes have helped us ensure the safety of our patrons and staff. Walk-in service is available Monday-Friday 12-5 pm and Thursday 12-5 pm and 6-8 pm. We offer a Grab-and-Go Curbside service Monday morning from 9:30 to-10:30 am Want to be “in the know?” Sign up for the monthly newsletter at dowdell.org
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.
