Library’s Sept. 11 events will focus on democracy

As part of a nationwide day of reflection on Sept. 11, the Ocean County Library will present a schedule of free programs focusing on democracy.

More than 16,000 libraries, including all 20 branches of the Ocean County Library system, are participating in The September Project, a collection of people, groups and organizations working to create a day of engagement and conversation on democracy, citizenship and patriotism in the United States.

Highlighted by a presentation by political strategist and commentator Donna Brazile – author of “Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots of American Politics “ – at the Brick branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, beginning at 3 p.m., the activities include discussions, lectures, readings, musical performances, exhibits, film screenings, children’s programs, and voter registration. “In the Mix – Looking Back, Moving Forward,” a film and discussion exploring how teens are coping with the tragedy of Sept. 11 and how it has changed their lives will also be offered at the Brick branch. All programs are locally organized and free to the public.

Additionally, all branches are participating in a “silent program” in which people of all ages can share their opinions on why they are glad they live in the United States. The messages will be posted on a map of the United States at each branch. Voter registration materials also will be available at all the branches.

The Jackson branch, 2 Jackson Drive, will be offering ongoing voter registration.

The Lakewood branch, 301 Lexington Ave., will offer a walk-in program. People are invited to stop by and share their thoughts on democracy on a U.S. flag banner created by the Lakewood SAIL volunteers. This is an ongoing project and will be on display on the picture book room wall through September.

The Plumsted branch, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, will host “Celebrate Community.” The New Egypt Emergency Management Team and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will be giving an overview of how to handle different types of emergency situations throughout the morning. For the children there will be patriotic crafts.

There will also be a patriotic poster display, “Teen Perspectives on Patriotism,” created by the 2004 SAIL volunteers. At 11:30 a.m. Mayor Ronald S. Dancer will talk with neighborhood youth about what democracy means and how important it is to the nation. Following the mayor local Scouts will be participating in the planting ceremony of Plumsted’s new Freedom Tree, donated by Big Woods Nursery. The program will also feature Liz Barnes singing “My Country ’Tis of Thee,” with Grace Samis interpreting in American Sign Language.

“We invite all county residents to be a part of this nationwide effort to think and talk about what democracy means to them by being a part of one of the many library events set for Sept. 11,” said Ocean County Library Director Elaine McConnell.

For more information residents should call their local branch or visit oceancountylibrary.org.