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Virtual Talk with novelist Shelby Van Pelt

Virtual

2024-08-21 19:00:00 2024-08-21 20:00:00 America/New_York Virtual Talk with novelist Shelby Van Pelt To register, visit https://libraryc.org/theoceancountylibrary/52982 Toms River Branch -

Wednesday, August 21
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2024-08-21 19:00:00 2024-08-21 20:00:00 America/New_York Virtual Talk with novelist Shelby Van Pelt To register, visit https://libraryc.org/theoceancountylibrary/52982 Toms River Branch -

To register, visit https://libraryc.org/theoceancountylibrary/52982

To register, visit https://libraryc.org/theoceancountylibrary/52982

We invite you to join us as we chat with the amazing New York Times bestselling author Shelby Van Pelt about her beloved novel Remarkably Bright Creatures. You don’t want to miss this deep-dive exploration of friendship, reckoning, hope, and so much more!

Remarkably Bright Creatures is a luminous debut novel about a widow’s unlikely friendship with a giant Pacific octopus reluctantly residing at the local aquarium—and the truths she finally uncovers about her son’s disappearance 30 years ago.

After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in the Puget Sound over 30 years ago.

As she works, Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine, but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight tentacles for his human captors—until he forms an unlikely friendship with Tova.

Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. As his affection for Tova grows, Marcellus must use every trick his old, invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.

Charming, compulsively readable, and full of wit, Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a beautiful exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope–a reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible. Register now for a conversation you just don't want to miss!

About the Author: Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel, REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES, was published by Ecco/HarperCollins (US) and Bloomsbury (UK) in Spring 2022 and was an Instant New York Times bestseller and has sold a million and a half copies. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she’s now missing the mountains in the Chicago area with her husband and two children.

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 15 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Dec 16 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Dec 17 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Dec 18 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Dec 19 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Dec 20 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Dec 21 1:00PM to 5:00PM

Upcoming Events

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Rescheduled
Wed, Dec 17, 9:30am - 8:30pm
New date Wednesday, December 17, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
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.

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

Wed, Dec 17, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Wed, Dec 17, 5:00pm - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

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

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

Thu, Dec 18, 4:30pm - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

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.
This event is full

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.

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.

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.

Fri, Jan 02, All day
The Ocean County Library invites you to donate yours to provide FREE prom dresses to students in grades 8-12 at our upcoming Prom Dress Giveaways.

Fri, Jan 02, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Fri, Jan 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
Discovery Room
Drop into the Children's Department for some building fun. Ages 5 - 12. No registration required.

Fri, Jan 02, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
What Will Create Today?

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

Fri, Jan 02, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
What Will Create Today?

Sat, Jan 03, All day
The Ocean County Library invites you to donate yours to provide FREE prom dresses to students in grades 8-12 at our upcoming Prom Dress Giveaways.

Sat, Jan 03, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
You Made What?!!?

Sat, Jan 03, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch for open hours and a polar bear craft.

Sat, Jan 03, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
You Made What?!!?

Sat, Jan 03, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Sat, Jan 03, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
YS Living Room/YS Area
Play video games and make some new friends. Ages 4 - 12. No registration required.

Sun, Jan 04, All day
The Ocean County Library invites you to donate yours to provide FREE prom dresses to students in grades 8-12 at our upcoming Prom Dress Giveaways.

Sun, Jan 04, 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 on a first come, first serve basis.

Mon, Jan 05, All day
The Ocean County Library invites you to donate yours to provide FREE prom dresses to students in grades 8-12 at our upcoming Prom Dress Giveaways.

Mon, Jan 05, All day
McConnell Gallery
Come enjoy acrylic paintings by Cheryl Williams in the McConnell Gallery.

Mon, Jan 05, All day
Gallery Spaces - Second Floor
Come enjoy paintings by Donald Perrone in the Second Floor Gallery.

Mon, Jan 05, 10:30am - 11:30am
Discovery Room
Registration required; begins December 22. Please register each child individually. Learn about owls, listen to stories, and make a craft. Ages 3 - 5.
Registration opens Monday, December 22 2025 at 9:00am

Mon, Jan 05, 10:30am - 5:00pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Mon, Jan 05, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Registration required; begins December 22. Please register each child individually. Help Sherlock Holmes solve some mysteries. Ages 7 - 12.
Registration opens Monday, December 22 2025 at 9:00am

Mon, Jan 05, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Mon, Jan 05, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Home Town Dairy
Get your paint on!
This event is full

Mon, Jan 05, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Once You Get Started, You'll Be Hooked!

Tue, Jan 06, All day
The Ocean County Library invites you to donate yours to provide FREE prom dresses to students in grades 8-12 at our upcoming Prom Dress Giveaways.

Tue, Jan 06, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Tue, Jan 06, 10:00am - 11:00am
Discovery Room
Registration required, begins December 23. Please register each child individually. Make colorful art and enjoy playtime for you and your little one. Ages 6-23 months with a caregiver.
Registration opens Tuesday, December 23 2025 at 9:00am

Tue, Jan 06, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Come Make Some Art With Us!

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

Tue, Jan 06, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Come Make Some Art With Us!

Wed, Jan 07, All day
The Ocean County Library invites you to donate yours to provide FREE prom dresses to students in grades 8-12 at our upcoming Prom Dress Giveaways.

Wed, Jan 07, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Wed, Jan 07, 10:00am - 11:00am
Discovery Room
Registration required; begins December 24. Please register each child individually. Listen to winter themed stories, sing songs, and create a fun craft. Ages 2 - 3.

Wed, Jan 07, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
You Made What?!!!?

Wed, Jan 07, 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, Jan 07, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
You Made What?!!!?

Wed, Jan 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Discovery Room
Registration required starting 12/24. Join us on the first Wednesday of every month to explore, create, and learn. This month, we will make DIY Light up cards + a ski jump challenge. Ages 8 - 12.
Registration opens Wednesday, December 24 2025 at 9:00am

Thu, Jan 08, All day
The Ocean County Library invites you to donate yours to provide FREE prom dresses to students in grades 8-12 at our upcoming Prom Dress Giveaways.

Thu, Jan 08, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Thu, Jan 08, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
You Won't Hear A Chirp!

Thu, Jan 08, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
What Will You Make Today?

Thu, Jan 08, 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, Jan 08, 2:00pm - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Thu, Jan 08, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
What Will You Make Today?

Thu, Jan 08, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Discovery Room
No registration required. Stop by the Discovery Room to make a fun craft to celebrate winter! Ages 5-12.

Fri, Jan 09, All day
The Ocean County Library invites you to donate yours to provide FREE prom dresses to students in grades 8-12 at our upcoming Prom Dress Giveaways.

Fri, Jan 09, 10:30am - 11:30am
Sensory Space
Registration required; begins 12/26. Please register each child's name individually. Enjoy stories and songs while engaging your little one's senses in our calming Sensory Space. Ages 3 - 5.
Registration opens Friday, December 26 2025 at 9:00am

Fri, Jan 09, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Let's A Go!

Fri, Jan 09, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Fri, Jan 09, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Let's A Go!

Sat, Jan 10, All day
The Ocean County Library invites you to donate yours to provide FREE prom dresses to students in grades 8-12 at our upcoming Prom Dress Giveaways.

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

Sun, Jan 11, All day
The Ocean County Library invites you to donate yours to provide FREE prom dresses to students in grades 8-12 at our upcoming Prom Dress Giveaways.

Sun, Jan 11, 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, Jan 12, All day
The Ocean County Library invites you to donate yours to provide FREE prom dresses to students in grades 8-12 at our upcoming Prom Dress Giveaways.

Mon, Jan 12, All day
McConnell Gallery
Come enjoy acrylic paintings by Cheryl Williams in the McConnell Gallery.

Mon, Jan 12, All day
Gallery Spaces - Second Floor
Come enjoy paintings by Donald Perrone in the Second Floor Gallery.

Mon, Jan 12, 10:00am - 11:00am
Green Room
Registration required; begins 12/29. Please register each child's name individually. Learn about work vehicles with stories, songs, and a craft. Ages 2 - 3.
Registration opens Monday, December 29 2025 at 9:00am

Mon, Jan 12, 1:30pm - 5:00pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Mon, Jan 12, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Learn the basics of 3D modeling, software, and printing!

Mon, Jan 12, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Mon, Jan 12, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Home Town Dairy
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 peek into our futures, and create high-vibe crystal necklaces.

Mon, Jan 12, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Discovery Room
Registration required; begins December 29th. Register each child individually. Decorate a puzzle and hang out. Ages 7 - 12.
Registration opens Monday, December 29 2025 at 9:00am

Tue, Jan 13, All day
The Ocean County Library invites you to donate yours to provide FREE prom dresses to students in grades 8-12 at our upcoming Prom Dress Giveaways.

Tue, Jan 13, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Tue, Jan 13, 10:30am - 11:30am
Green Room
Registration required, begins December 30. Please register each child individually. Visit the library to develop pre-literacy skills with stories, songs, movement, & more. Ages 3-5 with a caregiver.
Registration opens Tuesday, December 30 2025 at 9:00am

Tue, Jan 13, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Let's A Go!

Tue, Jan 13, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Wed, Jan 14, All day
The Ocean County Library invites you to donate yours to provide FREE prom dresses to students in grades 8-12 at our upcoming Prom Dress Giveaways.

Wed, Jan 14, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Wed, Jan 14, 10:00am - 11:00am
Green Room
Registration required; begins December 31. 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 opens Wednesday, December 31 2025 at 9:00am

Wed, Jan 14, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Come Make Some Art With Us!

Wed, Jan 14, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
B.Y.O.C.P... Bring Your Own Crocheting Project!

Wed, Jan 14, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Home Town Dairy
Come create fun crafts using upcycled maps.
Registration opens Monday, December 29 2025 at 9:00am

Thu, Jan 15, All day
The Ocean County Library invites you to donate yours to provide FREE prom dresses to students in grades 8-12 at our upcoming Prom Dress Giveaways.

Thu, Jan 15, 10:00am - 11:00am
Green Room
Registration required; begins January 1. Please register each child individually. Move and groove along to golden oldies songs and interactive stories. For babies from 0 - 18 months.
Registration opens Thursday, January 1 2026 at 9:00am

Thu, Jan 15, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
You Made What?!!!?

Thu, Jan 15, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

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

Thu, Jan 15, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
Join us in the Makerspace for a by teens, for teens art hangout!
Registration opens Thursday, December 18 2025 at 9:00am

Thu, Jan 15, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
You Made What?!!!?

Fri, Jan 16, All day
The Ocean County Library invites you to donate yours to provide FREE prom dresses to students in grades 8-12 at our upcoming Prom Dress Giveaways.

Fri, Jan 16, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Toms River Branch.

Fri, Jan 16, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
You Won't Hear A Chirp!

Fri, Jan 16, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Sparks's Lab (Makerspace)
What WIll You Make Today?

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