If you’re in grades 3 to 5, the Library has something special planned for you this summer!

In July and August, the Monmouth County Library will be offering a variety of Follow Your Dream workshops for kids entering grades 3 to 5, as a fun escape from the summer doldrums.

 Learn about the constellations and the legends that surround them, and step inside an inflatable planetarium! For Star War fans, sign up for some Jedi training.  There will be dance parties, music workshops and a few sessions with some scaly friends.

The summer workshops are scheduled as follows:

Bach2Rock! Music

Caryn Lin will demonstrate music on the violin, from an acoustic rendition of Bach to electric jammin’ rock.  Kids get to participate by adding sound effects and looping in new sounds for an on-the-spot recording session!  Registration required at all branches with the exception of Library Headquarters. Parents and siblings are welcome.

Wednesday, July 11 at 4 p.m. – Atlantic Highlands Library

Monday, July 23 at 4:15 p.m. – Marlboro  Library

Monday, July 30 at 4 p.m. – Holmdel  Township Library

Wednesday, August 8 at 3 p.m. – Library Headquarters in Manalapan

Thursday, August 9 at 2:30 p.m. – Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury

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Crank Up the ‘Toons with The Doodle Dude!
Art Kaney, the dynamic Doodle Dude, will lead a cartooning and clay art workshop, with an emphasis on positive feedback and having fun!  Registration is required.

Thursday, August 9 at 2:30 p.m.  – Wall Township Library

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Dream Big Dance Party

Join Rutgers summer dance camp leader Elizabeth Rose Zwierzynski for an hour of high-energy fun.  Warm up with moves drawn from hip-hop to Bollywood to Funk . . . then create a dance together!  Registration is needed.  For your safety, please wear sneakers or sandals with back straps.

Wednesday, July 18 at 2 p.m.  – Howell Township Library

Thursday, July 19 at 3 p.m. – Library Headquarters in Manalapan

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Jedi Academy

Learn the ways of the Jedi with Pannikin Moonjumper, presented by veteran actor David Engel.  You are encouraged to come dressed as your favorite Star Wars character!  Tickets are required and will be available at the door; space is limited.  Parents and siblings are welcome.

Friday, July 27 at 3:30 p.m. – Hazlet Township Library

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Dream Wild with Rizzo’s Reptiles

Explore the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians with Dominic Rizzo.  Meet live animals including a snake, turtle, frog and American alligator!  Registration is required.

Wednesday, August 1 at 4 p.m.  – Colts Neck Library

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Star Tellers present Stories in the Sky

Explore space and the nighttime sky in an inflatable planetarium.  Hear the stories behind the familiar constellations, as well as starry myths and legends from the Native American tribes, China, and Africa.  Registration is needed.

Tuesday, July 17 at 4 p.m. – Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury

Thursday, July 19 at 4 p.m. – Ocean Township Library

Thursday, July 26 at 4 p.m. – Allentown Library

Saturday, August 4 at 11 a.m. OR 2 p.m.  – Library Headquarters in Manalapan

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Creative Dramatics with Youth Stages

Be an actor and play a part in dramatizing the story Alistair in Outer Space.  We will have fun becoming aliens from the great unknown!  Registration is needed.

Thursday, August 16 at 11 a.m. – Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury

For more information on these programs, please visit the Monmouth County Library’s webpage at www.monmouthcountylib.org and click on the Children’s page.