SHREWSBURY – Hundreds of well-wishers enjoyed an afternoon of historical interpretation, live jazz music and a rock ‘n’ roll band at the Eastern Branch Library’s all-day Gala Celebration July 20 to show off the new library and commemorate Monmouth County’s 325^th Anniversary.

 

“It was a unique event that was very well attended,” Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said. “It was a wonderful way to show off our new county library.”

  

The Eastern Branch Library’s 10,000-square-foot addition began in 2004 and the library remained open throughout most of the project. The $10 million expansion and renovation has transformed the library into a magnificent state-of-the-art information center and facilitated its growth. It was funded though the support of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders and a $1.3 million Public Library Construction grant from the State of New Jersey.

 

The day’s festivities include concerts, performances, historical interpretations, children’s activities and prizes. While the focus was on the library itself, the re-enactors reminded visitors that the celebration also marked the county’s 325^th anniversary.

 

The county’s actual birthday was March 7, 1683 when an Act of the Provincial General Assembly divided the Province of East Jersey into four counties: Bergen, Essex, Middlesex and Monmouth. In the library’s celebration, American history came alive with historical interpreters for Gen. George Washington, his wife, Martha, Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross.

 

The day also featured a performance by the Pipes and Drums of the Atlantic Watch, followed by a dedication ceremony led by Freeholder Burry and Library Commission Chairwoman Renee B. Swartz. Library Director Ken Sheinbaum and State Librarian Norma Blake also addressed the audience. Also in attendance were Freeholders Robert D. Clifton, Barbara J. McMorrow and John D’Amico Jr., as well as Freeholder Emeritus Ted Narozanick, who gave an impromptu speech.

 

The Library Commission also unveiled one of two sculptures that were donated to adorn the exterior of the renovated library. The Friends of the Monmouth County Library Association donated the bronze sculpture called “Wild Imaginings,” created by artist Bart Walter. Local artist Nicholas Caivano created and donated a second sculpture to be installed later this year.

 

 

Two concerts followed the dedications. The John Colianni Quintet performed a vast array of swing music. Colianni, an acclaimed jazz pianist, regularly performs with guitarist Les Paul in New York. A concert featuring The Strictly 60’s Band followed.

 

The Eastern Branch Library is located at 1001 Route 35 in Shrewsbury. For more information, please call 732-431-7242 or visit the library’s Web site at www.monmouthcountylib.org.

 

 

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