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SCLSNJ Offers Social Hours, Programs for Developmentally Disabled Patrons

About Blog Post May 23, 2019 by Pressroom
In response to a community need, the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) will expand opportunities for the special needs population to learn, socialize, and participate in recreational activities System-wide. “As SCLSNJ continues to look for ways to address shifting demographics and welcome new residents, we are delighted to offer this series of Special Needs Social Hours for the special needs population across all 10 branch locations,” said Christopher Korenowsky, director of public services. “The public library is happy to put staff resources and creative energies behind creating meaningful programming experiences in support of individuals with intellectual and developmental needs disabilities.” “It is our mission as a Library to provide the opportunity for lifelong learning and the opportunity to connect - two of our core services - to all of our populations,” said Cathy DeBerry, adult services supervisor. Cathy DeBerry, Brian Mahon, Nicole Pascoe (Pictured are Cathy DeBerry, adult services supervisor; Brian Mahon, library page; and Nicole Pascoe, civic services supervisor at SCLSNJ 2019 job fair for teens and adults with special needs). Programs will include opportunities to connect and share ideas during social hours; to discover creativity through arts and crafts; and to explore music, storytimes, and more. “We're excited to expand the programs that we're offering to the special needs community,” said Zoe Lopez, adult services supervisor. “Our libraries have always been welcoming neighborhood spaces for all. As a librarian and as the sister of a young man with autism, I'm really proud that we're offering things like career and personal development activities, as well as just plain fun!” Explore programs by branch: The Bound Brook branch, located at 402 East High Street in Bound Brook
  • Special Needs Social Hour
    • Board Games: June 26, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
    • Puzzles: July 24, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
    • Arts and Crafts: August 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
    • Board Games: September 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
    • Puzzles: October 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
    • Arts and Crafts: November 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
    • Board Games: December 18, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
The Bridgewater branch, located at 1 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater
  • Special Needs Social Hour: June 5; July 3; August 14; September 4; October 2; November 6; December 17; 11 a.m. - noon
The Hillsborough branch, located at 379 South Branch Road in Hillsborough
  • The Art of Chinese Dance: June 12, 7-8 p.m.
  • Special Needs Social Hour
    • Bingo: June 24, 2-3 p.m.
    • Arts and Crafts: July 18, 7-8 p.m.
    • Board Games: August 29, 7-8 p.m.
    • Autumn Crafts: September 17, 2-3 p.m.
    • Bingo: October 9, 7-8 p.m.
    • Puzzles: November 13, 7-8 p.m.
    • Make Holiday Gift Cards: December 2, 2-3 p.m.
  • Open Mic Night Cafe: July 22, 7-8:30 p.m.
  • It Is All Jazz - From Bop to Pop: July 29, 7-8 p.m.
  • Ichabod Crane and Washington Irving: October 5, 2-3 p.m.
The Manville branch, located at 100 South 10th Avenue in Manville
  • For The Win Game Club: June 5, 12, 19, 26; 10-11:30 a.m.; July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; 10-11:30 a.m.; August 7, 14, 21, 28; 10-11:30 a.m.
  • Coloring With Friends: June 7, 14, 21, 28; July 5, 12, 19, 26; August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Special Needs Social Hour: June 18; July 30; August 27; September 24; October 29; November 19; December 10; 11 a.m. - noon
The Mary Jacobs branch, located at 64 Washington Street in Rocky Hill
  • Special Needs Social Hour
    • June 10; July 1; 1-2 p.m.
    • August 8; September 19; November 7; 2-3 p.m.
    • October 7; December 9; 10-11 a.m.
  • Summer Sounds
    • Amazin’ Grace: July 2, 6:30-8 p.m.
    • The Blawenburg Dixieland Band: July 9, 6:30-8 p.m.
    • Ballycastle Band: July 16, 6:30-8 p.m.
    • Tweed Schade and the Sugar Daddies: July 23, 6:30-8 p.m.
    • Trinidelphia: July 30, 6:30-8 p.m.
The North Plainfield branch, located at 6 Rockview Avenue in North Plainfield
  • Special Needs Social Hour - Adult Sensory Storytime: June 28; July 19; August 16; September 13; October 18; November 15; December 13; 11 a.m. - noon
The Peapack & Gladstone branch, located at the Municipal Complex on School Street in Peapack
  • Special Needs Social Hour - It’s Game Time: June 24; July 29; August 26; September 30; October 28; November 18; December 16; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
The Somerville branch, located at 35 West End Avenue in Somerville
  • Special Needs Social Hour: June 19; July 17; August 21; September 18; October 16; November 20; December 18; 2-3 p.m.
The Warren Twp. branch, located at 42 Mountain Boulevard in Warren Twp.
  • Special Needs Social Hour
    • June 17; July 29; September 23; October 28; December 16; 7-8 p.m.
    • August 20; November 25; 1-2 p.m.
The Watchung branch, located at 12 Stirling Road in Watchung
  • Special Needs Social Hour: June 12; July 10; August 14; September 11; October 9; November 13; December 11; 2-3 p.m.
For more information visit: sclsnj.org/social-hour.
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