Plumsted Library Opens Book On Future Projects

By Bob Vosseller

PLUMSTED – The new branch manager of the Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library updated those present at a recent Township Committee meeting about future plans of the library system.

Renee Bowe discussed the activities of the library and later explained to members of the governing body and the public the purpose of a survey that she circulated among the audience that evening.

“I am happy to tell you that you live in a town where many people use our services and as the world grows and changes, we are much more than books - although I like to think that books and the free flow of information are the foundation upon which we stand,” Bowe said.

She added, “to give you some specifics on how we’ve helped people in our community recently, I will name some things that have been brought up to my attention lately from employees and actions and interactions I have personally witnessed.”

“Our home school art program has grown and thrived this year. We have a large home school community that we support and all our programming is free. Our Adult Ladies Craft and Relax has grown friends and has provided an outlet for those who like to craft but are not necessarily artists,” Bowe added.

Bowe noted, “we have connected many people with the proper senior services they need to connect with for benefits and to answer questions about their care. We have also assisted with technology issues when they come up.”

She gave an example of those who needed assistance filling out job applications, e-mail and using digital data bases. “We also provide hundreds of hotspots, particularly many

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Continued From Page 11 members of the armed forces at the base who don’t have access to Wi-Fi. Our laptops are available loaded with the hotspots.”

Bowe said students find the library located on Evergreen Road, as a great place

$6,450 just to hang out after school. “They also come to hang out with our therapy dogs.”

“We print tax forms for free if you know exactly what you need. We’ve begun sensory programs for our adults and children. I’ve researched recently farming laws, local ghosts, Joint Base history and a car accident from 1963,” the branch manager said. She said her staff gets kudos for simple things like helping customers create e-mail accounts, “having a gentle ear and giving people a piece of information. Sometimes I need to even shut the door when our book club meets because they are laughing so hard and having so much fun.”

“As a public library you all have the autonomy to choose what books you want to read. We want to provide a quiet, safe space where all humans can gather together so come visit us. We believe books provide a gateway to magic and learning and we will do our best to help you access information that you need,” Bowe added.

The surveys she distributed concerned the library, “we are in a strategic planning year and we are trying to figure out in the individual communities in Ocean County what you need and how we can benefit you all. We are lucky to have a pretty decent budget in Ocean County and we are willing to listen,” she said.

“From video games to sensory spaces to a place to just get out of the cold or a little air conditioning in the summer, we are here for you all,” Bowe added.

Book Drop

Book drop off dates are the fi rst Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Items donated should be clean, gently used, mold free paperbacks, hardcovers, kids, young adults, CDs, DVDs, jigsaw puzzles, audio books on CD and video games.

VHS tapes, condensed books, encyclopedias, magazines, computer books, textbooks more than five years old are not being accepted.

The drop off trailer is located behind the library at 119 Evergreen Road and those seeking more information or who wish to join the Friends of the Plumsted Library can e-mail plumstedfriends@ comcast.net or call 609-758-0009 or 732-580-5600. To reach the Plumsted branch of the Ocean County Library call 609-758-7888.

Mental Health Association Offering Online Support Group

OCEAN COUNTY – A new, online support and discussion group for women in the workplace is being offered by a nonprofit organization, The Mental Health Association in New Jersey, which has an affiliate office in Ocean County. The focus is on women who have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual intimidation or abuse on the job.

The group, called Life in Waves, is meeting online twice a month via the Zoom App. The meeting is founded and facilitated by women who have experienced these challenges. A mental health professional with lived experience as a survivor of trauma is an advisor to the facilitators.

“Our area of South Jersey employs many women in occupations frequently associated with a higher risk for these experiences.

Think about all the waitresses, housekeepers, massage therapists, lifeguards, nurses and the many women working in the service industry,” said Bern Trendler, a wellness program manager. “This group provides a safe space to provide support and have an open discussion about topics like gender roles and power balances.”

Trendler said women who have faced these situations can experience negative health outcomes, including sleep disorders, depression, anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Through the group, members share resources and strategies to improve their mental health.

Life in Waves meets twice a month on the second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. To receive a link for this meeting, call The Mental Health Association at 609-6523800 or email lifeinwaves@mhanj.org.