Middletown Library Announces August Event Schedule

MIDDLETOWN — The Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) has announced its events for the month of August. For more information and registration, visit mtpl.org. If you have any questions, please contact the information desk at 732-671-3700, extension 320.

• Raconteur Radio presents “Frankenstein, It’s Alive!” staged presentation. Watch the “Frankenstein” radio play on Thursday, August 8 at 7:00 p.m. with Jeff Masch and Michael Jarmus featuring Alex Dawson. Join us for this live program in the community room of the Middletown Township Public Library.

About the show: Two centuries ago, a teenage genius created a monster that still walks among us. Few creatures of horror have captured and held the imaginations of readers as long as the tortured “misery” of Mary Shelley’s Modern Prometheus. The tale of Victor Frankenstein’s horrific creation and the devastation it wrought has captivated readers, listeners, and viewers for generations. Given the novel’s enduring success, it’s notable that it began as a whim of Lord Byron, who was summering on the shores of Lake Geneva with Mary and her then-lover, Percy Shelley.

“We are each going to write a ghost story,” Byron announced to his friends, as the incessant rain kept them indoors. Under this challenge, Mary Shelley began a “ghost story” that would become the most celebrated horror novel in literary history.

• Meditation “Twin Hearts”
Join us at the Middletown Township Public Library on Saturday, August 10 at 9:30 a.m. for a meditation with Debbie McCann-Call, who will lead participants in a guided meditation, “Twin Hearts.” Meditation is a practice that uses mental and physical techniques to clear or focus the mind. It promotes a sense of inner harmony, calm, and peace. Additionally, depending on the type of meditation, meditation can help people relax, reduce stress and anxiety, and more. Registration is recommended.

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• Go on a culinary adventure
Perfect for foodies. Middletown Township Public Library will host this free event on Wednesday, August 14th at 7pm. Watch the author’s recorded virtual lecture, “The Foods, People & Innovators that Feed Us” with Paula J. Johnson. Plus, virtually tour the Smithsonian Exhibit: “Food: Transforming the American Table” while enjoying indoor s’mores. Bring your favorite summer recipe and/or cooking or grilling tips/tricks to share with the group. Registration required.

• Team Trivia for the over 50s
Show off your wits. The Middletown Township Public Library is hosting a free trivia event on Thursday, August 15 at 10 a.m. in the Community Room. Participants will be divided into competing teams to answer fun basic trivia questions, such as “What was Lucy’s maiden name on the I Love Lucy Show?”

• Summer’s Insects: Learn About Ticks and Mosquitoes
Come to the Middletown Township Public Library, or watch virtually, Thursday, August 1 at 1:00 p.m. for a program with Marissa Mascaro of the Monmouth County Mosquito Control Division. Learn how to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes and ticks this summer. The program can be viewed in person in the library community room or virtually from your own device. Register at mtpl.org.

• Summer insects: make a craft jar
Come to the Middletown Township Public Library on Thursday, August 15th at 2:15pm to make an all-natural mosquito-repellent lantern. For adults 18 and older. Registration is required and limited.

• Introduction to Journaling
Discover Journaling at the Middletown Township Public Library on Friday, August 16 at 10:00 am. Retired teacher and Middletown resident Marilyn Lane will introduce journaling as a tool for getting to know yourself better. While journaling can be accomplished through writing, drawing, painting, etc., this workshop focuses on journaling through writing. This workshop introduces the benefits of journaling and provides a wealth of ideas to get your writing started. It discusses pitfalls that block writing and offers creative, fun ideas to improve writing. Sample journals will be available for viewing. Bring a photo for use during the practice session.
Maximum 10 participants, 18 years and older. Registration is required.

• Make a pop-up card: “Flowers of the World”
Get creative. Come to the Middletown Township Public Library on Thursday, August 29 at 7:00 p.m. to learn how to make a pop-up card. Create a pop-up greeting card that unfolds into a floral wreath. This program will be led by David Udovic. Materials will be provided. Limited to 12 participants, ages 18 and up. Registration is required.