Join us at the Monmouth County Library as we celebrate literary and artistic contributions by our cousins from “across the pond” during the month of June.

Mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of English novelist Charles Dickens, and the 50^th year of the iconic British rock group The Rolling Stones with special performances at Library Headquarters in Manalapan.

It’s “A Dickens of a Day” on Sunday, June 3! The Library welcomes a performance by actor Hebert "Joe" Plummer as Charles Dickens, readings from Dickens’ classics by The Traveling Literary Theater and a Dickens lecture by Edward G. Pettit, who is the kens Ambassador of the Free Library of Philadelphia. And on Sunday, June 10, the Library will host a concert by The Glimmer Twins, a Rolling Stones tribute band.

Other Library programs in June will celebrate author Jane Austen and the playwright William Shakespeare. Celebrate the anniversary of  “Bloomsday” with special readings from James Joyce’s Ulysses.  You can also learn about growing English roses and the importance of tea drinking at Library programs.

Check the Library’s event calendar for a schedule of British films in June. The whole family can join us for a sing-along movie with that very magical English nanny on Saturday, June 16, with screenings at both Library Headquarters in Manalapan and Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury,

The program lineup is as follows:

A Dickens of a Day:
Celebrating the 200^th Anniversary of Charles Dickens
Beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 3
Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan  07726
732-431-7220

Actor Hebert "Joe" Plummer will bring Charles Dickens to life in Charles Dickens-Live! -  a one-man tribute to his favorite author. A Dickensian question and answer session will follow his performance.

Edward G. Pettit, author, book reviewer and teacher, is the Charles Dickens Ambassador of the Free Library of Philadelphia for celebrations of the Bicentenary of Dickens throughout 2012. He will lecture on Reading Charles Dickens:  My Journey to Read All of Charles Dickens in One Year and Why Dickens Still Matters to Readers.

Producer Maggie Worsdale presents Traveling Literary Theater's Charles Dickens' Readings, performed by actors James Dyne and Tom Worsdale.  Readings include the first chapter of Great Expectations, A Child's History of England, and David Copperfield..  The performance is capped with the perfect ending... the conclusion of the beloved classic, A Christmas Carol.

Roses for Monmouth County
7 p.m. Tuesday, June 5
Ocean Township Library, 701 Deal Road, Ocean 07712
732-531-5092

An English rose garden is an opportunity to express your personality in your garden.  Learn how to grow roses in Monmouth County with Master Gardener Bernard Dickman. 

Women and Tea in Victorian England
2 p.m. Wednesday, June 6
Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan  07726
732-431-7220

Women in England could not purchase tea on their own until the early 18th century, when the Golden Lyon Tea Shop was opened by the Twining family in London. And then they had to be accompanied by a man. Learn about the impact tea had on both upper- and working-class women. Presented by Judith Krall-Russo, tea and food historian.

The Glimmer Twins: A Rolling Stones Tribute Band
2 p.m. Sunday, June 10
Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan  07726
732-431-7220

In 1962, the Rolling Stones made their debut at London's Marquee Club, opening for Long John Baldry British Blues legend. You will be amazed at the way The Glimmer Twins are able to recreate the look and feel for The Stones during the period from the late 60's with "Beggar's Banquet" through the release of "Exile on Main Street" and beyond.
The band members:
Keith Call, vocals, harp
Bernie Bollendorf, guitar, vocals
Mike Rubino, guitar
Chris Bollendorf, drums
Rob Ekstedt, bass
Mike Dancik, piano, organ, keyboards
Valorie Steel, vocals
Bobby Michaels, sax-flute
Keith Oldt, sound tech

Speaking the Speech
6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 12
Eastern Branch, 1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury 07702
1-888-941-8188

and

6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 13
Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan  07726
732-431-7220

Shake off your "Shakes-Fear" and come play with some of the world's greatest poetry! This exciting interactive workshop will get you on your feet and speaking Shakespeare like a pro. This program is for teens 6th grade and up. Please register at library for this program.

Bloomsday: Ulysses Demystified
7 p.m. Thursday, June 14
Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan  07726
732-431-7220

Bloomsday is a commemoration and celebration of James Joyce's novel Ulysses.  Follow Leopold Bloom, Stephen Dedalus and Molly Bloom around Dublin on June 16, the day the novel is set.  Enjoy selected readings by Mícheál ÓMáille, Irish Language Chair of Monmouth's Claddagh na nGael (Irish Shore) and librarian, Donna Mansfield.  While Ulysses has a reputation as being difficult, these readings will show that it is also lyrical, clever, charming and very funny.

Family Sing-Along Movie
11 a.m. Saturday, June 16
Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan  07726
732-431-7220

and

11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 16
Eastern Branch, 1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury 07702
1-888-941-8188

Come one, come all, and have a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious day at the Library!  Sing-along with one of the all-time greatest family films ever.  Subtitles will be added so everyone can join in the fun.  Winner of five Academy Awards, including best actress for Julie Andrews.

Jane Austen: Her Life and Times
2 p.m. Saturday, June 1
Eastern Branch, 1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury 07702
1-888-941-8188

This presentation by Trish Chambers Productions will cover the realities of English society at the time of Jane Austen's life and literary career.  Learn what a woman's life was like at the time, what was expected of her and what options were open to her. 

Starlight Touring Troupe
2 p.m. Thursday, June 21
Ocean Township Library, 701 Deal Road, Ocean 07712
732-531-5092

StarLight Touring Troupe will act, sing, and dance to entertain with this interactive version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night's Dream.  For children and adults. 

Adult Craft Class: Chain Maille Bracelets
6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 28
Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan  07726
732-431-7220

Learn how to do chain maille, the ancient technique of linking metal rings to form woven sheets of metal.  Medieval artist and enthusiast Peter Lee instructs how to use this age old art form to create an edgy must-have fashion accessory. Please register at library.

This class will be repeated on Monday, July 16 for those who cannot attend, as class sizes are limited.