Upcoming events.
Improving the Health of Barnegat Bay
Coastal Stewardship: Improving the Health of Barnegat Bay
Joins us to learn how to be a more responsible steward of our coastal marine resources and how to get involved with local efforts to improve the health of the Barnegat Bay and other marine ecosystems in New Jersey. Shellfish biology, restoration, and aquaculture will be used as the primary teaching tools about estuarine ecology and coastal stewardship.
Our presenter Dr. Douglas Zemeckis serves as a County Agent II (Associate Professor) with Rutgers Cooperative Extension. In this role, he conducts educational programming and applied research to address local issues related to fisheries, aquaculture, and marine resources management in Ocean, Atlantic, and Monmouth Counties.
Book of the Month for April, 2025
Switchboard Solders by Jennifer Chiaverini
RSVP by contacting the library at: (609) 492-7081
Paddle for the Edge
On May 14 at 1 pm, BHPL will host a representative from the Barnegat Bay Partnership’s “Paddle for the Edge” program.
No need to bring your paddleboard just yet! Our presenter will tell us all about this community science event which has been in place since 2015. Learn how you can volunteer to go out into Barnegat Bay in your kayak, canoe or paddle board to collect data on shoreline edges using an app on your smartphone. The program was developed as a way to get community members involved in wetlands science. Volunteers go out on the bay in July and collect data to later be processed and analyzed by BBP staff.
So far volunteers have paddled a total of 212 miles of shoreline and collected more than 10,233 data points with their smartphones, while enjoying a great time out on the water!
RSVP : library@beachhaven-nj.gov or 609-492-7081
Book of the Month for May, 2025
Into thin air by Jon Krakauer
RSVP by contacting the library at: (609) 492-7081
McDermott’s Handy Duo
McDermott’s Handy Live at the Beach Haven Public Library
Thursday, June 6 at 2:00 PM
Join us at the Beach Haven Public Library for a special afternoon performance by McDermott’s Handy, the dynamic husband-wife duo of Kathy DeAngelo and Dennis Gormley. Performing together since 1979, this talented pair has been delighting audiences throughout the Delaware Valley with their rich, traditional Irish music.
Award-winning multi-instrumentalists, Kathy and Dennis bring their powerful vocals, masterful musicianship, and warm stage presence to every performance. Whether it’s the soulful strains of a ballad or the lively rhythm of a reel, McDermott’s Handy delivers an unforgettable musical experience that will have your toes tapping and your heart smiling.
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to enjoy a concert filled with authentic Irish tradition, energy, and charm—right here at your local library!
HISTORICAL NEW JERSEY MARITIME EVENTS
Historical New Jersey Maritime Events from Henry Hudson in 1609 through the Revolutionary War to today, how the Atlantic Ocean defined New Jersey.
Rick Geffken
Rick Geffken has authored numerous articles on New Jersey history and presented historical papers at the New Jersey History & Historic Preservation, the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey Library Association, and the Institute for Advanced Study (Princeton).
He is part of a project called the New Jersey Slavery Records Index under the auspices of Rutgers University, (New Brunswick). He joined the New Jersey Social Justice Reconciliation Committee to commemorate the only recorded lynching of a Black man in New Jersey.
In 2023, Rick was recognized for historical contributions by The Monmouth County Historical Association, and the Monmouth County Clerk for his efforts in the preservation and knowledge of Monmouth County history.
A former U.S. Army officer and Viet Nam veteran, Rick retired from a career with Hewlett-Packard. He earned a BS from St. Peter’s University, a Teaching Certificate from Monmouth University, and an MA from Montclair State University.
Rick is a Trustee of the Shrewsbury Historical Society. He formerly served on the Boars of the Friends of Cedar View Cemetery, and the Jersey Coast Heritage Museum at Sandlass House. He is a current Board member of Truehart Productions; an advisor for the Tinton Falls Historic Preservation Commission, and the Board of the Asbury Park Museum, and a member of the Monmouth County Historical Association.
Rick Geffken has authored numerous articles on various aspects of New Jersey history for local newspapers, magazines, historical societies, and newsletters. He has presented historical papers at the New Jersey History & Historic Preservation conferences. He has participated in Symposia for groups such as the Rutgers Business School (Newark, NJ); the Navesink Maritime Historical Association, and has appeared on the New Jersey Cable TV show, Family Historian.
Rick has spoken about New Jersey historical topics – Lost Amusement Parks; Quakers & Slavery in NJ; New Jersey's Submarine Inventors: Simon Lake & John Holland; The Morris Family of NJ; Historical Maritime Events along the New Jersey Coast; Mysteries of the 1777 Battle of Navesink; The Lenape/Munsee Peoples & European Settlers in New Jersey - at dozens of historical societies and libraries. He has been a featured speaker at the Trent House Museum, the Quaker Meeting of Shrewsbury, the Battleground Historical Society, and other organizations.
Rick has taught courses on New Jersey slavery for Monmouth University (West Long Branch); and at Brookdale Community College (Lincroft). He contributes to the New Jersey Slavery Records Index project under the auspices of Rutgers University (New Brunswick).
As an active member of the New Jersey Social Justice Reconciliation Committee, Rick was instrumental in placing a memorial plaque in Eatontown, the 1886 site of the only recorded lynching of a Black man in New Jersey. He was also successful in convincing Middletown Township to erect a commemorative plaque at Cedar View Cemetery, purchased by fourteen free Black men in 1850.
He works closely with the Middletown NJ Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Rick’s books include:
The Story of Shrewsbury Revisited, 1965-2015
Lost Amusement Parks of the North Jersey Shore
Hidden History of Monmouth County
To Preserve & Protect, profiles of people who recorded the history and heritage of Monmouth County, New Jersey
Stories of Slavery in New Jersey.
New Jersey’s Revolutionary Rivalry, the Untold Story of Col. Tye vs. Capt. Huddy
Book of the Month for June, 2025
HORSE by Geraldine Brooks (F)
RSVP by contacting the library at: (609) 492-7081
Ospreys, Red Bands and engaging citizen scientists (ConserveWildlife Foundation of NJ)
Seeing Red: Engaging Future Generations in Osprey Conservation
Ospreys have made a resounding recovery throughout New Jersey, where over 800 pairs nest along the majority of our waterways. NJDEP upgraded their status from threatened to stable in early 2025. Today, citizen scientists play a crucial role in monitoring ospreys and the health of their population throughout the state.
During this talk, Ben Wurst, Senior Wildlife Biologist with Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ will talk about efforts to monitor and manage ospreys over the past two decades with emphasis on engaging the public in reporting nest activity online, through Osprey-watch.org. He will also discuss Project RedBand, an osprey banding and re-sighting project that was founded on Long Beach Island and how the public can help contribute to their long term stability.
Book of the Month for July, 2025
EXPECT GREAT THINGS by Vanda (NF)
RSVP by contacting the library at: (609) 492-7081
Book of the Month for August, 2025
JAMES by Percival Everett (FICTION)
RSVP by contacting the library at: (609) 492-7081
Book of the Month for September, 2025
JOSEPHINE by Margaret Buchholz
(the author will come to our book group on September 24th) (NF)
RSVP by contacting the library at: (609) 492-7081
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD IN NJ
Underground Rail Road in New Jersey. Enslaved people had run away from their owners for years before their methods and routes became known as the Underground Railroad. The most travelled route through New Jersey for runaways paralleled the Delaware River from Salem County to Trenton. From there, the escapees cut across the narrow part of New Jersey as they headed for New York. Black and white people supported runaways on their perilous journeys to freedom. This illustrated presentation will look at the history of enslavement in New Jersey, the Quakers who lobbied for manumission, and people involved in the Underground Rail Road.
Rick Geffken
Rick Geffken has authored numerous articles on New Jersey history and presented historical papers at the New Jersey History & Historic Preservation, the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey Library Association, and the Institute for Advanced Study (Princeton).
He is part of a project called the New Jersey Slavery Records Index under the auspices of Rutgers University, (New Brunswick). He joined the New Jersey Social Justice Reconciliation Committee to commemorate the only recorded lynching of a Black man in New Jersey.
In 2023, Rick was recognized for historical contributions by The Monmouth County Historical Association, and the Monmouth County Clerk for his efforts in the preservation and knowledge of Monmouth County history.
A former U.S. Army officer and Viet Nam veteran, Rick retired from a career with Hewlett-Packard. He earned a BS from St. Peter’s University, a Teaching Certificate from Monmouth University, and an MA from Montclair State University.
Rick is a Trustee of the Shrewsbury Historical Society. He formerly served on the Boars of the Friends of Cedar View Cemetery, and the Jersey Coast Heritage Museum at Sandlass House. He is a current Board member of Truehart Productions; an advisor for the Tinton Falls Historic Preservation Commission, and the Board of the Asbury Park Museum, and a member of the Monmouth County Historical Association.
Rick Geffken has authored numerous articles on various aspects of New Jersey history for local newspapers, magazines, historical societies, and newsletters. He has presented historical papers at the New Jersey History & Historic Preservation conferences. He has participated in Symposia for groups such as the Rutgers Business School (Newark, NJ); the Navesink Maritime Historical Association, and has appeared on the New Jersey Cable TV show, Family Historian.
Rick has spoken about New Jersey historical topics – Lost Amusement Parks; Quakers & Slavery in NJ; New Jersey's Submarine Inventors: Simon Lake & John Holland; The Morris Family of NJ; Historical Maritime Events along the New Jersey Coast; Mysteries of the 1777 Battle of Navesink; The Lenape/Munsee Peoples & European Settlers in New Jersey - at dozens of historical societies and libraries. He has been a featured speaker at the Trent House Museum, the Quaker Meeting of Shrewsbury, the Battleground Historical Society, and other organizations.
Rick has taught courses on New Jersey slavery for Monmouth University (West Long Branch); and at Brookdale Community College (Lincroft). He contributes to the New Jersey Slavery Records Index project under the auspices of Rutgers University (New Brunswick).
As an active member of the New Jersey Social Justice Reconciliation Committee, Rick was instrumental in placing a memorial plaque in Eatontown, the 1886 site of the only recorded lynching of a Black man in New Jersey. He was also successful in convincing Middletown Township to erect a commemorative plaque at Cedar View Cemetery, purchased by fourteen free Black men in 1850.
He works closely with the Middletown NJ Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Rick’s books include:
The Story of Shrewsbury Revisited, 1965-2015
Lost Amusement Parks of the North Jersey Shore
Hidden History of Monmouth County
To Preserve & Protect, profiles of people who recorded the history and heritage of Monmouth County, New Jersey
Stories of Slavery in New Jersey.
New Jersey’s Revolutionary Rivalry, the Untold Story of Col. Tye vs. Capt. Huddy
Book of the Month for October, 2025
THE BRIAR CLUB by Kate Quinn (F)
RSVP by contacting the library at: (609) 492-7081
“Water” You Doing to Your Yard?
“Water” You Doing to Your Yard?
Learn How to Water Wisely
Over 630 million gallons of water are used every day by New Jersey residents. Most of this use is for our lawns and landscape plants. Come learn about the water cycle and ways you can help to conserve water and restore the cycle of water moving through our environment.
Presented by: Dr. Steve Yergeau, County Agent
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County
Dr. Steven Yergeau is the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Agent/Associate Professor with Ocean and Atlantic Counties where he conducts education programs and research addressing water resource protection and management. He works with homeowners, government agencies, and other organizations to implement programs to support sustainable environmental management. Steve received a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Rutgers University and has 30 years of experience in coastal water quality management.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Circa 1700
Real Colonial Housewives of New Jersey
If Real Housewives of New Jersey conjures up images of big hair and general mayhem, come to the Beach Haven Public Library on April 4th at 1:00 pm and find out what the wild housewives of the 1700’s were up to.
Lesley Parness, a public garden professional and garden historian, will tell us what is was like to be a “huswife” in the 18th century. From laundry day to beauty treatments, explore the daily life of colonial and early American women and thank your lucky stars for modern conveniences! This enlightening program will not only teach us about life back then but will also introduce us to some “real housewives” who exemplified all the best qualities of their time.
Jay Daniels Music, “Jersey Boys and Girls”
Celebrate New Jersey’s rich musical heritage as pianist and vocalist Jay Daniels presents Jersey Boys and Jersey Girls: Music Born in the Garden State. It’s a concert that pays homage to legendary artists who called the Garden State home. From Frank Sinatra’s iconic "My Way," to Whitney Houston’s lively "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," Dionne Warwick's timeless "Walk on By," and Bruce Springsteen's classic "Hungry Heart," Jay Daniels reimagines these beloved songs with a fresh, jazz- inspired twist. Each performance offers a new perspective on the melodies that have shaped generations.
Book of the Month for March, 2025
Three Ordinary Girls by Tim Brady
RSVP by contacting the library at: (609) 492-7081
The Munsee/Lenape Peoples of New Jersey
For millennia before Europeans reached New Jersey shores, the Lenape/Munsee people were living on the land between the Delaware River and the Atlantic coastal shorelines. These waterways provided vital food sources and transportation routes for these people populating local forests and shores. When colonists came in the mid-17th century, the Lenape’s struggle to survive occupation began. This interactive talk will reveal more about these peoples than we learned in school.
Presenter Rick Geffken is a Trustee of the Shrewsbury Historical Society, Past-president and Trustee of the Jersey Coast Heritage Museum at Sandlass House; an advisor for the Tinton Falls Historic Preservation Commission; and advisor to the Monmouth County Historical Association. He has taught classes at Monmouth University and Brookdale Community College.
Downsizing Heirlooms & CollectiblesWorkshop
You spend a lifetime accumulating treasures, trinkets and memories. All that “stuff” can make downsizing and decluttering feel like a monumental endeavor.
Join us at the Beach Haven Library at 1:00 pm on February 28th as we bring you tips and tricks to tackle even the most daunting task of decluttering.
Book of the Month for February - 2025
Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
RSVP by contacting the library at: (609) 492-7081
The Hindenburg Disaster - Accident or Sabotage?
The Hindenburg was the largest flying object ever constructed by man. It was a modern marvel of luxury and technology, a literal ocean liner in the sky. However on May 6th, 1937 at Naval Air Station Lakewood, the Hindenburg was engulfed and destroyed in a terrible fire.
Two separate investigations, one by the U.S. and one by Nazi Germany, failed to concretely determine its cause. Like any good mystery, conspiracy theories abound. Was it sabotage? Was it pilot error? Was it lightning? Was it a coverup?
Join us at the Beach Haven Library for a deep dive into the history,
construction and destruction of one of the most famous aviation
accidents in history.
Book of the Month for January - 2025
When women ran fifth avenue by Julie Satow
RSVP by contacting the library at: (609) 492-7081
Chat and Color
ARE YOU TIRED OF JANUARY YET?
DO YOU MISS YOUR BIG BOX OF CRAYOLA CRAYONS?
Please join us on January 10th and 24th at 2:30 PM
for CHAT AND COLOR
We will chase away those dull gray days with some coloring and chatting. Please feel free to bring a beverage or snack, but we'll provide the crayons, colored pencils, and an assortment of age-appropriate pages. You may also bring along your own art supplies if you prefer.
Chat and Color
ARE YOU TIRED OF JANUARY YET?
DO YOU MISS YOUR BIG BOX OF CRAYOLA CRAYONS?
Please join us on January 10th and 24th at 2:30 PM
for CHAT AND COLOR
We will chase away those dull gray days with some coloring and chatting. Please feel free to bring a beverage or snack, but we'll provide the crayons, colored pencils, and an assortment of age-appropriate pages. You may also bring along your own art supplies if you prefer.
Book of the Month for December - 2024
Where butterflies Wander by Suzanne Redfearn
RSVP by contacting the library at: (609) 492-7081
Jay Daniels: A Holiday Film & TV Spectacular
Experience the magic of the holiday season as pianist and vocalist Jay Daniels brings you the memorable songs from some of your favorite film and television specials. Featuring selections from Rankin-Bass productions like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and favorites such as "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "Home Alone," this is a sing-along event for the young and young at heart.
Paddle for the Edge
On December 4th at 1 pm, BHPL will host a representative from the Barnegat Bay Partnership’s “Paddle for the Edge” program.
No need to bring your paddleboard just yet! Our presenter will tell us all about this community science event which has been in place since 2015.
Learn how you can volunteer to go out into Barnegat Bay in your kayak, canoe or paddle board to collect data on shoreline edges using an app on your smartphone. The program was developed as a way to get community members involved in wetlands science. Volunteers go out on the bay in July and collect data to later be processed and analyzed by BBP staff.
So far volunteers have paddled a total of 212 miles of shoreline and collected more than 10,233 data points with their smartphones, while enjoying a great time out on the water!
RSVP : library@beachhaven-nj.gov or 609-492-7081
100th Anniversary Open House
Join us for a special celebration marking our 100th Anniversary! On November 30th, from 12:00 to 3:00 pm, we’re hosting an open house with cider and cookies to commemorate this incredible milestone. Bring friends and family to enjoy the warmth of cider, delicious cookies, and an enriching journey through Beach Haven's history. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Book of the Month for November - 2024
I feel bad about my neck by Dolly Alderton
RSVP by contacting the library at: (609) 492-7081
It's Cranberry Time
Did you know that Ocean County once produced over a quarter of the nation’s cranberry supply? The county’s last commercial harvest was held in 2010 at the aptly named Double Trouble village, a former company town which is now a state historic site in Double Trouble State Park.
Join us for a presentation on the rise and fall of the local cranberry industry by Andrew Anderson, the historian at Double Trouble Village State Park. He’ll talk about Double Trouble Village, a once-thriving cranberry farm, and explain how the industry changed over time using dramatic slides, stories and rare video. We’ll also learn how the once abandoned village got its colorful name.
Just think of the great stories you’ll be able to share with your Thanksgiving guests!
Call us at 609-492-7081 to let us know you’re coming.