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Let’s Go to the Movies: SCLSNJ Bridgewater, Mary Jacobs Branches to Host Outdoor Family Movie Nights This Summer
About Blog Post
Jul 28, 2020
by Pressroom
This August, the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey’s (SCLSNJ) Mary Jacobs and Bridgewater branches will host outdoor family movie nights. During these events, families will have the opportunity to connect with their communities while maintaining safe, social distancing standards.
"I could not be more pleased to invite members of the Library community back to SCLSNJ after several months of unprecedented closure with this inaugural family programmatic event,” said Christopher Korenowsky, director of public services. “At our essence, presenting programs that help community members connect, explore, share, and discover is what we do. We have missed you as much as you have missed us. Welcome back."
“After months of being home and feeling isolated, a great way for families to de-stress is by being outside together,” said Christine Jansen, manager of youth services programming and collaborations, public services. “According to the American Heart Association, ‘being outside reduces anger, fear, and stress.’ In order for SCLSNJ to shape our spaces to meet this need and help to create meaningful interactions and connections, we are excited to have the community connect while discovering magical movies that explore fantastical places on our Library lawns.”
On August 7, the Bridgewater branch, located at 1 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater, will screen the animated adventure film, “Toy Story 4” at 8 p.m.
“As the world begins to reopen we feel it is important for the Library to start providing safe opportunities for children to learn how to participate in a gathering space in the ‘new normal,’” said Meredith Hoyer, youth services supervisor. “By relaunching some of our in-person family events and literacy based activities this summer, we can support the social and emotional needs of children who may have anxiety about the new restrictions that will be in place when they return to school in the fall. We are thrilled to be able to screen this family-friendly adventure to help our Library customers adjust to the ‘new normal.’”
On August 25, the Mary Jacobs branch, located at 64 Washington Street in Rocky Hill, will screen Disney’s magical journey, “Frozen II” at 8 p.m.
“Our Mary Jacobs branch is ecstatic to welcome patrons back,” said Diane Valentine, youth services supervisor. “One of SCLSNJ's Strategic Priorities is to explore new ways to shape our spaces to meet community needs. What better way to do so than to transform our library lawn into a theater for an outdoor family movie night? Our staff are looking forward to seeing our patrons reconnect in a friendly, familiar environment (while maintaining safe social distancing practices).”
Library customers will only need to register one person for an entire family. Registered families will be assigned a marked off area that can accommodate up to five (5) people. Attendees can bring their own chairs; folding chairs can be provided if necessary.
Please note the following: registration is required; masks will need to be worn outside; food will not be permitted, water only; the event(s) may be canceled if there is inclement weather within 24 hours of the event. For questions or more information about these programs, contact cjansen@sclibnj.org.
In addition to the Library System hosting family movie nights, Library community partners and Somerset County’s signature baseball team, the Somerset Patriots, are hosting a summer movie series with seating on the field at TD Bank Ballpark, located at 860 East Main Street in Bridgewater. On August 6 at 7 p.m., the stadium will screen the animated family film “Ice Age.”
“The Somerset Patriots are excited to bring outdoor family entertainment to TD Bank Ballpark this summer through our movie nights on the field,” said Hal Hansen, Somerset Patriots director of marketing. “Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy family films and classic popcorn blockbusters on the big screen in a safe, socially distanced format.”
Movie Nights on the Field
- August 6 at 7 p.m., at TD Bank Ballpark, located at 860 East Main Street in Bridgewater. For more: somersetpatriots.com/schedule/summermovies.
- August 7 at 8 p.m., at the Bridgewater branch, located at 1 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater. Registration is required: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4466062.
- August 25 at 8 p.m., at the Mary Jacobs branch, located at 64 Washington Street in Rocky Hill. Registration is required: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4466105.