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Virtual Talk with Smithsonian Curator Dr. Jennifer Levasseur

Virtual

2024-08-07 14:00:00 2024-08-07 15:00:00 America/New_York Virtual Talk with Smithsonian Curator Dr. Jennifer Levasseur To register, visit https://libraryc.org/theoceancountylibrary/52120 Toms River Branch -

Wednesday, August 07
2:00pm - 3:00pm

Add to Calendar 2024-08-07 14:00:00 2024-08-07 15:00:00 America/New_York Virtual Talk with Smithsonian Curator Dr. Jennifer Levasseur To register, visit https://libraryc.org/theoceancountylibrary/52120 Toms River Branch -

To register, visit https://libraryc.org/theoceancountylibrary/52120

To register, visit https://libraryc.org/theoceancountylibrary/52120

You’re invited to virtually step inside one of the greatest international achievements with a behind-the-scenes guide to space exploration with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum curator Dr. Jennifer Levasseur.

Revealing a new perspective into the world of space exploration and the daring astronauts who make it possible, Dr. Levasseur will guide you through the Smithsonian’s Behind the Scenes at the Space Station and take you on a once-in-a-lifetime virtual tour of the International Space Station. 

You will learn what the astronauts do once they make it to the space station, from experiments to repairs and so much more! Have you ever wondered if plants could grow in outer space? Or how the space station doesn’t break down in outer space? Or how astronauts go to the toilet in microgravity?

Behind the Scenes at the Space Station is a treasure trove of information. Did you know that during a 24-hour period, the space station completes 16 orbits of Earth and the astronauts on board see 16 sunrises and sunsets every day? Or that the International Space Station is so enormous that it was launched in pieces and constructed in orbit?

Brimming with astonishing visuals, step-by-step explanations of everyday space work in action, and job profiles of the adventurous people who make it happen, Dr. Levasseur’s tour Behind the Scenes at the Space Station is the perfect way to spend an hour and experience life in space.

Register now for your all-access pass to a spectacular home in space!

 

About the Author: Dr. Jennifer Levasseur is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan (BA, 1999). She received an MA from George Washington University (2002) and a PhD from George Mason University (2014). Her first book, published in 2020, examined the cultural significance of astronaut photography. She is the responsible curator for the Museum's astronaut cameras, chronographs, the Space Shuttle, and International Space Station programs. In 22 years at NASM, Jennifer has worked on artifact loans, a biennial museums conference, and numerous digital projects. She curated the 2015 exhibit Outside the Spacecraft: 50 Years of Extra-Vehicular Activity, co-curated One World Connected, and is lead curator for the forthcoming At Home in Space gallery.

 Jennifer started her Smithsonian career with an internship in the National Portrait Gallery, where she cataloged photographs and developed strategies for recording portrait information in the museum's artifact database.

AGE GROUP: | Seniors | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Virtual Program | Author Event |

TAGS: | |

Toms River Branch

Phone: 732-349-6200

Hours
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Mon, Dec 01 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Dec 02 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Dec 03 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Dec 04 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Dec 05 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Dec 06 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Dec 07 1:00PM to 5:00PM

Upcoming Events

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Tue, Dec 02, 9:30am - 1:00pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Tue, Dec 02, 10:00am - 11:00am
Green Room
Registration required; begins 11/18. Please register each child individually. Grow little one's love for the library with stories, songs, playtime, and more. Ages 12-23 months with a caregiver.
Registration is now closed

Tue, Dec 02, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Can We Build It? Yes, We Can!

Tue, Dec 02, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Tue, Dec 02, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Can We Build It? Yes, We Can!

Tue, Dec 02, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Home Town Dairy
Join players on an adventure in the world of Dungeons and Dragons! Open to new and experienced players. Space is limited, be sure to register. Ages 13-18.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 02, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Green Room
Come play video games at the library and make new friends.

Wed, Dec 03, 10:00am - 11:00am
Home Town Dairy
New to speaking English? Join us and talk about current events and more. New members welcome.

Wed, Dec 03, 10:30am - 11:30am
Green Room
Join us for a fun and relaxing afternoon designed for adults with special challenges.
Registration is now closed

Wed, Dec 03, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
What Will You Create Today?

Wed, Dec 03, 12:30pm - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Wed, Dec 03, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Teen Zone
Gain valuable leadership skills and earn community service hours through our Teen Advisory Board (TAB). Meet us in the Teen Zone to Participate in our school year volunteer program!

Wed, Dec 03, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
B.Y.O.C.P.... Bring Your Own Crocheting Project!

Wed, Dec 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Discovery Room
Registration required starting 11/19. Join us every month to explore, create, and learn. This month, we will make DIY Light Up Cards using a simple circuit. Ages 8 - 12.

Wed, Dec 03, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Mancini Hall
Actors from WREP will perform skits from radio's Golden Age of the 1940s and 1950s. This broadcast will feature episodes from Ozzie and Harriet, Life of Riley and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Thu, Dec 04, 9:30am - 1:00pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Thu, Dec 04, 9:30am - 11:30am
Green Room
The Library Equal Access Program (LEAP) provides free training in the use of assistive technology on the iPad or iPhone. iPad experience is a prerequisite for this course.

Thu, Dec 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Home Town Dairy
Come learn about the Operation Homeplate program and see if you are eligible for NJSNAP benefits with the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.

Thu, Dec 04, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
What Will You Create Today?

Thu, Dec 04, 2:00pm - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Thu, Dec 04, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Come Craft With Us!

Thu, Dec 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Discovery Room
No registration required. Stop by the Discovery Room to create colorful sand art. Ages 5-12.

Fri, Dec 05, 9:30am - 1:00pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Fri, Dec 05, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Robots Have Taken Over Sparks's Lab!

Fri, Dec 05, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Fri, Dec 05, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Robots Have Taken Over Sparks's Lab!

Sat, Dec 06, 9:00am - 10:00am
As supplies last, check out a bundle of books and a craft to take home. Ages 3 - 7.

Sat, Dec 06, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch for open hours and a paper gingerbread puppet craft.

Sat, Dec 06, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Can We Build It? Yes, We Can!

Sat, Dec 06, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Sun, Dec 07, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch. Due to the high demand, there is a limit of 15 minutes in the Space on Sundays. Availability is first come, first serve.

Mon, Dec 08, All day
McConnell Gallery
Come enjoy acrylic paintings by Cheryl Williams in the McConnell Gallery.

Mon, Dec 08, All day
Gallery Spaces - Second Floor
Come enjoy paintings by Donald Perrone in the Second Floor Gallery.

Mon, Dec 08, 10:00am - 11:00am
Green Room
Registration required; begins 11/24. Please register each child's name individually. Visit the library for an interactive program for you and your baby. For babies up to 12 months with a caregiver.

Mon, Dec 08, 10:30am - 2:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Mon, Dec 08, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Teens: Relax and unwind as you meet with friends, do hands-on activities, and learn about and practice self-care. In this session, we'll make our own totally chill snow globes to gift or keep!
This event is full

Mon, Dec 08, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Mancini Hall
Christmas with The King is a heartwarming and high-energy holiday showcase starring award-winning Elvis tribute artist Ruben Castillo.

Mon, Dec 08, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Bishop (upstairs)
Registration required; begins November 24th. Please register each child's name individually. Join us to play BINGO and win some prizes. Ages 7-12. Sponsored by the Friends of The Toms River Library

Mon, Dec 08, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
No experience using a mouse is required

Tue, Dec 09, 9:30am - 1:00pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Tue, Dec 09, 10:00am - 11:00am
Green Room
Registration required, begins November 25. Please register each child individually. Enjoy stories, songs, and more for you and your little one. Ages 2-3 with a caregiver.
This event is full

Tue, Dec 09, 11:00am - 3:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
What Will You Create Today?

Tue, Dec 09, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Tue, Dec 09, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Join us for some monthly crafts and conversations in the Maker Space. This program is for those who identify as LGBTQIA+ and their allies. All are welcome. Please Register.

Tue, Dec 09, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Green Room
This month the selection is "The Light Pirate," by Lily Brooks-Dalton. Please register for this discussion.

Wed, Dec 10, 9:30am - 3:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Wed, Dec 10, 10:00am - 11:00am
Home Town Dairy
New to speaking English? Join us and talk about current events and more. New members welcome.

Wed, Dec 10, 10:30am - 11:30am
Green Room
Registration required; begins November 26. Please register each child individually. Learn about penguins, listen to stories, and make a craft. Ages 3 - 5.
This event is full

Wed, Dec 10, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Can We Build It? Yes, We Can!

Wed, Dec 10, 5:00pm - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Wed, Dec 10, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Can We Build It? Yes, We Can!

Wed, Dec 10, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Teen Zone
Join us for LGBTeens, a club for LGBTQIA+ and allied teens to participate in fun activities, support one another, explore our collection of LGBTQ books, and help create library programs.

Thu, Dec 11, 9:30am - 1:00pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Thu, Dec 11, 9:30am - 11:30am
Home Town Dairy
The Library Equal Access Program (LEAP) provides free training in the use of assistive technology on the iPad or iPhone. iPad experience is a prerequisite for this course.

Thu, Dec 11, 10:00am - 11:00am
Green Room
Registration required; begins 11/27. Please register each child's name individually. Join us for stories, songs, and a craft. Ages 12 - 23 months.

Thu, Dec 11, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
What Will You Create Today?

Thu, Dec 11, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Teen Zone
Drop in and de-stress with therapy dogs. You can talk to the dogs about your troubles, relax, play, and hang out with the visiting furry friends.

Thu, Dec 11, 2:00pm - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Thu, Dec 11, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
What Will You Create Today?

Thu, Dec 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Teen Zone
Gain valuable leadership skills and earn community service hours through our Teen Advisory Board (TAB). Meet us in the Teen Zone to Participate in our school year volunteer program!

Fri, Dec 12, 10:00am - 11:30am
Librarian Allison Nazzaro will walk you through the best strategies you can use to search for obituaries, as well as how to locate a loved one's grave site.

Fri, Dec 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
Sensory Space
Registration required; begins November 28. Please register each child individually. Enjoy stories and songs while engaging your little one's senses in our calming Sensory Space. Ages 3-5

Fri, Dec 12, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Fri, Dec 12, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Home Town Dairy
Join us to learn about the benefits of using sugar scrubs and create your own to take home. Please register.

Sat, Dec 13, 10:00am - 11:00am
Bishop (upstairs)
Join Yoga and Pilates instructor, Belle Burns, for an hour long Gentle Yoga class. This program is great for beginners. Please bring a mat.

Sat, Dec 13, 10:30am - 2:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Sun, Dec 14, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch. Due to the high demand, there is a limit of 15 minutes in the Space on Sundays. Availability is first come, first serve.

Mon, Dec 15, All day
McConnell Gallery
Come enjoy acrylic paintings by Cheryl Williams in the McConnell Gallery.

Mon, Dec 15, All day
Gallery Spaces - Second Floor
Come enjoy paintings by Donald Perrone in the Second Floor Gallery.

Mon, Dec 15, 1:30pm - 5:00pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Mon, Dec 15, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Mon, Dec 15, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Home Town Dairy
Do you want to build a gingerbread house? Come out to make one you can keep (or eat!) as we sip hot chocolate and listen to festive music. Potential allergens.
This event is full

Mon, Dec 15, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Once You Get Started, You'll Be Hooked!
This event is full

Tue, Dec 16, 9:30am - 1:00pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Tue, Dec 16, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
What Will You Create Today?

Tue, Dec 16, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Tue, Dec 16, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Mancini Hall
Registration required; begins December 2. Please register each child individually. Practice your reading skills in the company of gentle therapy dogs. Ages 6 - 12.

Tue, Dec 16, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
What Will You Create Today?

Tue, Dec 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Home Town Dairy
Learn to create DIY hoop art! Ages 12-18

Wed, Dec 17, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Wed, Dec 17, 10:00am - 11:00am
Home Town Dairy
New to speaking English? Join us and talk about current events and more. New members welcome.

Wed, Dec 17, 10:00am - 11:00am
Green Room
Registration required; begins December 3. Please register each child individually. Listen to winter themed stories, sing songs, and create a fun craft. Ages 2 - 3.
Registration opens Wednesday, December 3 2025 at 9:00am

Wed, Dec 17, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Robots Have Taken Over Sparks's Lab!

Wed, Dec 17, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
B.Y.O.C.P.... Bring Your Own Crocheting Project!

Thu, Dec 18, 9:30am - 1:00pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Rescheduled
Thu, Dec 18, 11:00am - 2:30pm
New date Thursday, December 18, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Can We Build It? Yes, We Can!

Thu, Dec 18, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Can We Build It? Yes, We Can!

Thu, Dec 18, 2:00pm - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Thu, Dec 18, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Join us in the Makerspace for a by teens, for teens art hangout!

Thu, Dec 18, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Can We Build It? Yes, We Can!

Thu, Dec 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Discovery Room
Registration required; begins 12/4. Please register each child's name individually. Test your creativity and engineering skills by constructing a gingerbread house using cardboard. Ages 7 - 12.
Registration opens Thursday, December 4 2025 at 9:00am

Thu, Dec 18, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Home Town Dairy
Join us at the Teen Pop Culture Crafting Club as we make custom character keychains and cell phone charms out of shrink plastic!

Fri, Dec 19, 9:30am - 1:00pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Fri, Dec 19, 10:30am - 11:30am
Discovery Room
Registration required; begins 12/5. Paint a ceramic cactus and hang out. Ages 6 - 12.
Registration opens Friday, December 5 2025 at 9:00am

Fri, Dec 19, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Sat, Dec 20, 10:30am - 11:30am
Discovery Room
Drop in and create a snowy owl pinecone. No registration required. Ages 3-12.

Sat, Dec 20, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Mancini Hall
Come now friends into the light of the stranger and witness a thrilling adventure in the world of dungeons and dragons.

Sun, Dec 21, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Mon, Dec 22, All day
McConnell Gallery
Come enjoy acrylic paintings by Cheryl Williams in the McConnell Gallery.

Mon, Dec 22, All day
Gallery Spaces - Second Floor
Come enjoy paintings by Donald Perrone in the Second Floor Gallery.

Mon, Dec 22, 10:30am - 5:00pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Mon, Dec 22, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
What Will You Create Today?

Rescheduled
Mon, Dec 22, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
New date Monday, December 22, 11:00am - 1:00pm
What Will You Create Today?

Mon, Dec 22, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
What Will You Create Today?

Rescheduled
Mon, Dec 22, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
New date Monday, December 22, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
What Will You Create Today?

Mon, Dec 22, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Tue, Dec 23, 10:00am - 11:00am
Green Room
Registration required; begins December 9th. Please register each child's name individually. Enjoy an interactive program for you and your baby. For babies up to 12 months with a caregiver.
Registration opens Tuesday, December 9 2025 at 9:00am

Tue, Dec 23, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Robots Have Taken Over Sparks's Lab!

Tue, Dec 23, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Robots Have Taken Over Sparks's Lab!

Tue, Dec 23, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Atrium
Come unwind and listen to curated vinyl records under the stars of the Toms River library atrium.

Fri, Dec 26, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Can We Build It? Yes, We Can!

Fri, Dec 26, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Can We Build It? Yes, We Can!

Sat, Dec 27, 10:30am - 2:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Sun, Dec 28, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Mon, Dec 29, All day
McConnell Gallery
Come enjoy acrylic paintings by Cheryl Williams in the McConnell Gallery.

Mon, Dec 29, All day
Gallery Spaces - Second Floor
Come enjoy paintings by Donald Perrone in the Second Floor Gallery.

Mon, Dec 29, 9:00am - 10:00am
As supplies last, check out a bundle of books and a craft to take home. Ages 3 - 7.

Mon, Dec 29, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
YS Living Room/YS Area
Play video games and make some new friends. Ages 4 - 12. No registration required.

Tue, Dec 30, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Robots Have Taken Over Sparks's Lab!

Tue, Dec 30, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Robots Have Taken Over Sparks's Lab!

Wed, Dec 31, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.