Press Release
SOUTH AMBOY — There are no winter blues around here! The Dowdell Library is still celebrating! Join us while we ring in the Chinese New Year through new virtual programs. Celebrate while Dennis and Maryanne cook up a tasty stir fry in the latest Test Kitchen episode. Then watch Ms. Maryanne read a story and create a Chinese Fan in a special two-part Storytime. Don’t forget to stop in the library starting on February 8th to pick up the take home fan craft so you can get crafty with Ms. Maryanne too!
The Library is launching into the remainder of the month with more new virtual programs! On February 18, 2021, The Mars Rover Perseverance will land on the surface of Mars. Stop by the library the week of the 16th to pick up a rocket take home craft. Then tune into Sadie’s Studio on YouTube with Ms. Laura to learn more about the Rover and make the rocket together! After making the craft, listen to an out-of-this-world tale during Storytime with Ms. Maryanne on YouTube! Follow us on social media and check out Dowdell.org to access all the fun activities and crafts for the month!
Don’t miss the new Teen Social Media challenge! You can choose from one of five categories, including a South Amboy category, and participate in our social media challenge! Those who complete the South Amboy 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.
The New Year is often filled with the excitement of what’s to come. Maybe you have decided to start a new hobby or try that new recipe, or maybe you’re just looking forward to leaving 2020 behind. Let’s take a moment to reflect on all the small things that brought us joy during such a trying year. Library Director Gaber stated, “After reading Brooks’ uplifting Washington Post article on experiences that brought us joy in a tough year, I wanted to share the staff’s moments of joy with the community.” Check out the Library’s February newsletter for creative ideas on beating the winter blues! The Library would also like to hear about what brings you joy! What delights you? Please share! The first ten library cardholders who respond will win a 2021 calendar.
Now through March, the Dowdell Library is happy to offer contactless, drop-off tax preparation assistance. Individuals earning less than $64,000 annually are eligible to sign up for the free VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. 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!
Invest more time in yourself this year! The Dowdell Library is excited to offer free virtual classes through the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Two courses will be available in February. Nadine Roberts, a stress management practitioner, will present A Virtual Guided Imagery Relaxation Session on February 9 & 23. On Thursday, February 25, Anita Bhandarkar Au.D., CCC-A, Senior Audiologist, will hold a virtual program discussing Vertigo, its causes, signs and symptoms, and many other vertigo topics. 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.
Is there a new trend or technology you would like to learn about? Do you have an idea for a virtual program? 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. Due to all services being staff-assisted, walk-in service is available Monday-Friday 12-5pm and Thursday 12-5pm and 6-8pm. Grab & Go Service by Appointment- Monday morning 9:30-10:30am
