Nearly every day I take a walk around the new library construction site. I like to see the progress, take a few photos, and sometimes speak with the foreman. As more of the building is completed, it gets easier and easier to picture the finished library and surrounding site. I see the library proper and the spaces inside where the community can gather to work, learn and play. But the outside will be wonderful too. The front walk will have the engraved bricks our library supporters purchased. Plantings will line the walk. The back door will open onto a patio in the town greenspace with a view of the sunset each evening. And I hope the birds that are already on site will enjoy the rain garden we are constructing.
Yes, there are already birds on site. Last fall and through the winter small sparrows and juncos would flit around and through the fence. In April new visitors arrived – robins and an eastern bluebird! I was excited to see this colorful blue bird sitting on the fence one afternoon. When I walked by the next day, he was there again! This time he was accompanied by a less colorful, but still interesting, female. They flew about together before soaring off over the ball field.
I felt this sighting was a good omen, so I did some research on bluebirds and their meaning. “Around the world, bluebirds have a wide variety of associations and meanings, all of which carry positive connotations. Some believe the bluebird is a symbol of joy and hope; others, that good news will be arriving soon,” says the Birds & Blooms website. And I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “Bluebird of Happiness.”
I also found this quote from John Burroughs, an American naturalist and nature essayist in the late 1800’s. “The bluebird enjoys the preeminence of being the first bit of color that cheers our northern landscape. The other birds that arrive about the same time--the sparrow, the robin, the phoebe-bird--are clad in neutral tints, gray, brown, or russet; but the bluebird brings one of the primary hues and the divinest of them all.”
I’m hoping this bluebird couple will stay around and maybe even raise some chicks here. Kathy Easton, our local bird expert, told me that you can also see bluebirds in Village Park. I’m hoping we might catch one or two on our next library outdoor bird program. Join us in Village Park on Saturday, June 18 at 8:00 a.m. when Kathy takes us on a bird walk. Maybe you’ll find a “bluebird of happiness” too!
Marilynn Mullen
For Youth
Outdoor Storytime is back! Join Ms. Laura in front of the Library for Family Storytime every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. We’ll have stories, songs, activities, and fun for every age. We can’t wait to see you there!
Health and Wellness Fair
Saturday, May 21 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
The library will be participating in the fair. Stop by to learn how to play disc golf!
Stem For All by AiGo Learning
Wednesday, May 25 at 5:00 p.m.
Learn coding concepts in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create a working clock! The workshop is for students in 5th grade and above! Register for the virtual class here. Part of the New Jersey Maker's Day initiative, STEM for All: Teens Teach Kids Coding (TTKC) is a nonprofit mission led by AiGo learning that aims to bring the power of education to everyone through computer science.
Paper Airplane Challenge
Thursday, May 26 at 4:00 p.m. in Village Park
Celebrate National Paper Airplane day with a contest! See who can build a paper airplane that flies the furthest and the one that stays in the air the longest! Recommended for 3rd grade and above! Register here.
For Adults
Great Decisions
Virtual Discussion Group on Foreign Policy
Tuesday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Discuss Foreign Policy issues with community members. The group meets virtually on the second Tuesday of each month. At 6:30 p.m. we watch a short video, then at 7:00 the discussion begins. This month the topic is Russia and the U.S.You can check out a Great Decisions briefing book from the library to read more about each topic. Other resources can be found at the Foreign Policy Association’s website. To receive the Zoom link register here.
The Dangers of Tech Support Scams
Monday, May 23, 6:00pm
Learn the different types of Tech Support Scams and how to identify them. Develop a plan of action to make sure you are safe at all times! The NOATS, a local high school group, will provide this presentation. Register here.
Learn how to use our online catalog, download digital materials, and more! Call the library (609-722-6992) and ask for Dean. Click here for help with Zoom.