Residents of both Highlands and Atlantic Highlands are so truly fortunate in so many ways, to say nothing about living in one of the most beautiful areas of Monmouth County. feet
For now, let me draw your attention to the Atlantic Highlands Branch of the Monmouth County Library and the outstanding staff that continues to provide not only help, knowledge, courtesy, good humor, plenty of books and resources, but also a calendar so full of events and activities that everyone from the very youngest to the very oldest in the area is well served by this branch of the library.
Lauren Garcia is the branch librarian as well as children’s librarian at the Atlantic Highlands facility, located in Borough Hall on First Avenue. Effervescent, intelligent, creative, and ever busy wearing both hats, she took the time this week in response to a request to cite the variety of programs this library offers.
She and longtime associate Phyllis LaMarche who has been with the library for nearly 15 years, are the pair who keep everyone aware of everything the library has to offer; the pair who encourage people of all ages to take advantage of all the new ideas and programs the local facility offers; the pair who know what’s on the book shelves but also everything else that’s offered at no cost to anyone who stops in the borough hall facility.
Lauren’s comprehensive report for 2024 shows this library branch offers something for everyone, in addition to simply being comfortable, resourceful, and a most pleasant way of learning something new.
During 2024, there were 72 different programs offered for adults, both on weekends or evenings. Nearly 500 local residents responded to these programs throughout the year.
In addition to the programs geared specifically to adults, there were another 169 programs offered for children of all ages from infants through tweens, or early teenagers. Nearly 500 young people took advantage of library facilities to attend these programs and perhaps pick up books to take home or sign up for additional programs.
An incredible record for a librarian tasked with both overseeing the entire facility as well as the children’s library, ensuring all the requirements and suggestions of the County Library are included in the curriculum.
Nor are this library’s additional programs routine or dull. For example, the Storytime for Babies gives mom or caregiver an opportunity to cuddle an infant while the soothing voice of a great storyteller comforts the infant and starts him on a lifelong love for books and reading.
Then there are the days when Lauren sets the youngsters loose in the Library to search for “little Green Feet.” It’s a pastime she herself remembers from her library visits as a youngster.
Lauren simply hides bunches of little green feet around books, shelves, chairs, desks and even in full view and invites the children to seek them out. “It’s fun,” she laughs, enjoying the hunt as much as the children, “especially when the feet are right in front of them but they miss seeing them.”
She doesn’t even expound on how this gentle bit of tomfoolery is teaching a child how to be observant, how to notice his surroundings, and how to challenge where things are located where they should be.
The Little Green Feet will be up for hunting this Thursday, March 13 at 3:35 for a half hour or so. Stop in just for the fun of watching.
Wednesday, March 12, sounds like a busy time at the Library, and it is. But it isn’t unusual. Moms and caregivers arrive at 9:30 for that Storytime for babies; then many stay for the 10 a.m. story time for toddlers. But there’s a meditation program at 11 many parents love, and children are learning. For a half hour, Lauren and crew engage youngsters three years of age and up on the power of stillness. Parent and youngster get to enjoy the beauty of silence while thinking about the things that make them happy and content. Who can turn that down?
In the afternoon, there’s another great program at 3:30 and that’s especially geared to tweens and involves their creating and making jewelry.
There’s no doubt about it. While the Atlantic Highlands Library is loaded with books for all ages and interests, there’s even more than that offered on a regular basis.
The library is open Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 4, Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays from 1 p.m to 9 p.m. Fridays from 1 p..m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sounds like a schedule that tries to make time for everybody to visit at least once a week.
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