'Reading Erotica' Heats Up Summer at the Maplewood Library

Contrary to what you might think, the does not grow quiet (well, quieter) in the summer months. Instead, both library branches — Maplewood Memorial at 51 Baker Street and the Hilton Branch at 1688 Springfield Avenue — go into hyperdrive, with summer reading programs and events for book lovers of all ages.

And this year, the library is taking advantage of that publishing phenom known as "Fifty Shades of Grey" in order to drive some more interest and a touch of heat to summer programming for adults.

All programs are free and open to the public. The following information comes to us from the Maplewood Township Summer Leaflet. Read on!

Summer Reading Clubs are in Full Swing
FOR KIDS: “Dream Big … Read!”: At Main Library, kids will earn prizes for time spent reading and writing. At Hilton Branch, kids will get a Dream Journal and earn stamps and prizes for attending library programs.
FOR TEENS: “Own the Night”: We have a fun lineup of programs, prizes and reading incentives.
FOR ADULTS: “Between the Covers”: We're offering night-themed programs, weekly prize drawings and a grand prize drawing for a Nook Color in August.

Between the Covers: Short Story Time for Adults
Bring a brown-bag lunch and listen to short stories from a variety of genres read by librarian Amanda Eigen.
Thursdays, July 5 and 19, August 2, 16 and 30
12:15 pm at Main Library

Friends Bag-of-Books Sale
Stock up for the pool, the beach, and vacation. Fill a bag (provided by Friends) for $8, or fill a Friends tote for $14. Enter from the parking lot.
Saturday, July 7 10 am to 5 pm at Main Library

Creating a Moon Garden
Joanne Beckerich will teach you how to create a moon garden, designed to be enjoyed at twilight and in the evening.
Monday, July 9 7:00 pm at Main Library

Aromatherapy
Explore the world of the senses, and make your own bath salts.
For adults and teens
Thursday, July 19 6:30 pm at Hilton Branch

Origami for Beginners
Learn the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. Carol Buchanan will lead us in making some simple, basic, colorful origami creations. Beginners only, please.
Tuesday, July 24 6:30 pm at Hilton Branch

Reading Erotica: Between the Covers Book Group
The focus of this group is erotica by women. We’re starting off with the immensely popular Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James.
Thursday, July 26 7:00 pm at Hilton Branch

Paranormal Investigating: Ghost Hunting 101
Presented by L'Aura Hladik (“The Ghostckick”), founder and director of the NJ Ghost Hunters’ Society. For all ages.
Monday, July 30 7:00 pm at Main Library

Dreams Workshop
Learn how your dreams can offer you unique and important guidance. Led by Dr. Harlene Goldschmidt, PhD.
Wednesday, August 8, 7 pm at Main Library

Health Screenings:
Free blood pressure screening and health counseling for adults
Thursday, July 12 12:30-1:30 pm at Hilton Branch

Foreclosure Prevention
Thursday, August 13, 6:30-7:30 pm at Hilton Branch

Programs for Children: Visit the library branches for weekly schedules
    • Pre-school and school-age stories and crafts: weekly at Main and Hilton 
    • Teens Read to Kids for ages 4-9, and teens: July 2, 16 and 23 at Main Library 
    • Krik? Krak! Haitian stories for ages 4 and up: July 12, 7 pm at Hilton Branch 
    • African Pen Pals for all ages: July 19, 4pm at Main Library 
    • Marvelous Mondays: drop-in crafts for all ages:11 pm at Hilton Branch 
    • Monday Movies for all ages: 2:30 pm at Hilton Branch