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Search Smarter, Not Harder

Search Strategies to Find Your Hard to Find Ancestors
2026-10-16 11:00:00 2026-10-16 13:00:00 America/New_York Search Smarter, Not Harder Join us for a genealogy search strategy program with Genealogist Debbie Hadley. Jackson Branch - Jackson Meeting Room

Friday, October 16
11:00am - 1:00pm

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Jackson Branch

Jackson Meeting Room

Join us for a genealogy search strategy program with Genealogist Debbie Hadley.

Did your ancestor have a common name? Or a surname that was never spelled the same way twice? These search strategies will help you find the unfindable ancestors in census records, newspapers, and other genealogical databases.

AGE GROUP: | Seniors | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Lectures & Discussion | General |

TAGS: | |

Jackson Branch
Phone: (732) 928-4400
Hours
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Mon, Sep 14 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Sep 15 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Sep 16 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Sep 17 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Sep 18 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Sep 19 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Sep 20 1:00PM to 5:00PM
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Upcoming Events

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Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Wed, Sep 16, 9:30am - 5:45pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Hispanic Heritage Month Drop-In Craft - All Ages
Wed, Sep 16, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Join us in the Children's department of the library as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with fun crafts and coloring sheets! No Registration Required!
Paint & Sip - 3D Printed Alebrijes
Wed, Sep 16, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Makerspace
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month as we paint patterns on 3D printed alebrijes and sip on mocktails. Supplies and beverages will be provided. Potential allergens. Limit of 1 session.
Registration is now closed
Sensory Friendly Movie
Wed, Sep 16, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Sensory Space
Join us for a Sensory Friendly Movie!
English Conversation Group
Wed, Sep 16, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Jackson Quiet Study Room
New to speaking English? Visit this conversation group and practice speaking English. New members are always welcome.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Thu, Sep 17, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Tween Homeschool Makers - Ages 8 - 12
Thu, Sep 17, 10:30am - 11:30am
Storytime Room
Come learn something new. Ages 8 - 12. Please register each child separately.
This event is full
Cancelled
Bad Art Afternoon for Teens - Ages 12-18
Thu, Sep 17, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Teens, get ready to glue, color, draw, and paint to create some really, really, bad art. Use your imagination and put your creativity (or lack thereof) to the test to try and create your worst.
Jackson Friends of the Library Meeting
Thu, Sep 17, 3:30pm - 6:00pm
The Friends design and manage fundraising activities to support the library. New members are welcome.
Rescheduled
Jackson Friends of the Library Meeting
Thu, Sep 17, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
New date Thursday, September 17, 3:30pm - 6:00pm
The Friends design and manage fundraising activities to support the library. New members are welcome.
Chair Yoga
Thu, Sep 17, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Jackson Meeting Room
Join yoga instructor Belle Burns for an hour long gentle and beginner Friendly Chair yoga practice.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Fri, Sep 18, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Coffee Painting: Create Brew-tiful Sepia Art - Jackson's 25th Anniversary Art Program Series
Fri, Sep 18, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Jackson Meeting Room
Using a lot of techniques similar to watercolors, explore and learn a fun new way of painting. Who knows, this might become your daily dose of creativity! 
This event is full
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Sat, Sep 19, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Maker Drop-in Building - Kids of All Ages
Sat, Sep 19, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Join us in the Children's Department for some building fun. Kids of All Ages
Spanish Tapas with Alborada Spanish Dance Company
Sat, Sep 19, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Jackson Meeting Room
A joyous celebration of Hispanic Tapas brings Spanish and Hispanic cultures together in a dazzling display of beautiful traditional costumes and Flamenco dance and music.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Sun, Sep 20, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Mon, Sep 21, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Community Crafters
Mon, Sep 21, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Makerspace
Bring your own project - craft, knitting, crocheting, drawing, sewing, etc. - and enjoy your fellow crafters' company and conversation.  
Babytime - 0 - 18 months
Mon, Sep 21, 10:30am - 11:30am
Storytime Room
Join us for 15 - 20 minutes of songs and activities followed by an hour of adult and child socialization. Ages 0 - 18 months. REG
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Tue, Sep 22, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Sensory Play - Ages 2-5
Tue, Sep 22, 10:30am - 11:30am
Storytime Room
Explore your senses with fun station-based play. Please register.
This event is full
Hands-On Mocktail Mixology with Raven's Reserve
Tue, Sep 22, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Jackson Meeting Room
Enjoy an engaging, interactive mocktail-only experience that is educational and fun!
This event is full
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Wed, Sep 23, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Paws for Reading with Pippin! - Ages 6-12
Wed, Sep 23, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Storytime Room
Practice your reading skills in the company of gentle therapy dogs. We have four time slots (5:30, 5:45, 6, 6:15). Please call the Jackson Branch to sign up for a Time slot.
English Conversation Group
Wed, Sep 23, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Jackson Quiet Study Room
New to speaking English? Visit this conversation group and practice speaking English. New members are always welcome.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Thu, Sep 24, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Human Trafficking 101
Thu, Sep 24, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Jackson Meeting Room
Human Trafficking: Awareness, Prevention, and Empowerment.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Fri, Sep 25, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Sat, Sep 26, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Autumn Craft Drop-In - Ages 12-18
Sat, Sep 26, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Drop into the Teen Zone to create a Autumn inspired craft.
RB Express - Jackson's 25th Anniversary Concert Series
Sat, Sep 26, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Jackson Meeting Room
The vocal quartet will perform your favorites from the 1950s through the 1990s.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Sun, Sep 27, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Mon, Sep 28, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Fall Themed Storytime & Craft - Ages 3-5
Mon, Sep 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
Storytime Room
Visit us at the Ocean County Library and celebrate the cozy magic of fall with stories, songs, and a craft! Enjoy autumn-themed books and activities inspired by crisp fall days! Registration Required
Community Crafters
Mon, Sep 28, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Makerspace
Bring your own project - craft, knitting, crocheting, drawing, sewing, etc. - and enjoy your fellow crafters' company and conversation.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Tue, Sep 29, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Wed, Sep 30, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
English Conversation Group
Wed, Sep 30, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Jackson Quiet Study Room
New to speaking English? Visit this conversation group and practice speaking English. New members are always welcome.
Jackson Youth Services Scavenger Hunt - All ages
Thu, Oct 01, All day
Join us all month long in the Children's section for our monthly Scavenger hunt. Prizes Sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson Library.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Thu, Oct 01, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Books & Beyond: Magic Sand - Ages 5 -8
Thu, Oct 01, 10:30am - 11:30am
Storytime Room
Come and learn about hydrophobic polymer sand and make under water sandscapes and other fun activities. Please register.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Fri, Oct 02, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Legal, Business and Financial Online Resources
Fri, Oct 02, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Jackson Meeting Room
Want to know more about the legal, financial and business resources available online with your library card? A highlight of these resources will be discussed.
Saturday Morning Cartoons in the Sensory Space
Sat, Oct 03, 9:30am - 2:00pm
Join us for Saturday Morning Cartoons!
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Sat, Oct 03, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Holiday Baubles: Presented by Culture Chauraha - Jackson's 25th Anniversary Art Program Series
Sat, Oct 03, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Jackson Meeting Room
It's never too early to get into the holiday spirit! Perfect for decorating your tree, gifting to loved ones, or adding a personal touch to your holiday décor,
This event is full
Jenkinson Rainforest Revelations - Ages 6-12
Sat, Oct 03, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Jackson Meeting Room
Explore the different layers of the rainforest and discover the importance of this incredible habitat through live animals with Jenkinson Aquarium! Sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson Library.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Sun, Oct 04, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Mon, Oct 05, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Ocean County Health Department Information Table
Mon, Oct 05, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Learn about resources from the Ocean County Health Department.
Community Crafters
Mon, Oct 05, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Makerspace
Bring your own project - craft, knitting, crocheting, drawing, sewing, etc. - and enjoy your fellow crafters' company and conversation.  
Little Chef: Spooky Dirt Cups - Ages 8-12
Mon, Oct 05, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Makerspace
Come to the Makerspace and make your very own spook-tacular dirt pie cups! Please register. Please inquire for potential allergens. Sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson Library.
This event is full
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Tue, Oct 06, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Rescheduled
Ocean County Health Department Information Table
Tue, Oct 06, 10:00am - 1:00pm
New date Thursday, October 29, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Learn about resources from the Ocean County Health Department.
Sensory Play & Toddler Building - Ages 2-5
Tue, Oct 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
Storytime Room
Explore your senses with fun station-based play. Please register.
Tuesday Muse Book Discussion
Tue, Oct 06, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Jackson Quiet Study Room
The Lion Women of Tehran
Paint Your Own Small Plant Pot
Tue, Oct 06, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Jackson Meeting Room
Get Creative This October! Looking for a fun, low-pressure way to unwind and make something uniquely yours? Join us for a cozy, creative library program where you are the artist!
This event is full
Teen Movie Night: Frankenweenie (PG) - Ages 12-18
Tue, Oct 06, 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Stop by the library to watch a spooky movie. Join us to watch Frankenweenie (PG - 90 minutes).
Jackson Writers' Group
Tue, Oct 06, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Jackson Quiet Study Room
Bring your work, any genre.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Wed, Oct 07, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Paint Your Own Small Plant Pot
Wed, Oct 07, 9:30am - 10:30am
Makerspace
Get Creative This October! Looking for a fun, low-pressure way to unwind and make something uniquely yours? Join us for a cozy, creative library program where you are the artist!
This event is full
Tune of the Season: Autumn Tunes
Wed, Oct 07, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Jackson Meeting Room
A festive musical challenge will celebrate the sounds of the season with warm and cozy autumn songs, this special edition of Name That Tune will test your knowledge.
Think Chess: Beginner and Intermediate - Ages 8-14
Wed, Oct 07, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Storytime Room
Learn everything needed to start playing chess and take part in supervised play in our special 6-week chess class. Sponsored by the Jackson Friends of the Library. Ages 8 - 14. Please Register.
Registration opens Wednesday, September 16 2026 at 6:30pm
English Conversation Group
Wed, Oct 07, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Jackson Quiet Study Room
New to speaking English? Visit this conversation group and practice speaking English. New members are always welcome.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Thu, Oct 08, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Spams, Scams & Fraud: Part 1 - Prevention & Awareness
Thu, Oct 08, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Jackson Meeting Room
Whether you're looking to stay one step ahead of scammers or simply want greater peace of mind, this workshop will provide practical strategies you can begin using immediately.
When There Were Witches - An Exploration of the Salem Witch Trials
Thu, Oct 08, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Jackson Meeting Room
Join archivist Mickey DiCamillo as he unravels the Salem witch trials, and explore the transcripts from the 1692 interrogations of suspected witches.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Fri, Oct 09, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Baby & Me 0-18mo
Fri, Oct 09, 10:30am - 11:30am
Join us for Baby and Me, an hour dedicated to shared time in the Sensory Space for parents and their infants.
Registration opens Friday, September 25 2026 at 9:00am
The 1950's Experience - Jackson's 25th Anniversary Concert Program Series
Fri, Oct 09, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Jackson Meeting Room
With his amazing vocals and highly professional musical skills, Kevin is sure to transport you right back to that golden era of Doo-Wop harmonies and Rock and Roll hits!
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Sat, Oct 10, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Saturday Morning Cartoons and Crafts - All Ages
Sat, Oct 10, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Join us at the Ocean County Library for Saturday morning cartoons where we'll watch some spooky movies! No registration required!
Chair Yoga
Sat, Oct 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Jackson Meeting Room
Join yoga instructor Belle Burns for an hour long gentle and beginner Friendly Chair yoga practice.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Sun, Oct 11, 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Mon, Oct 12, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Spooky Storytime - Ages 3-5
Mon, Oct 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
Storytime Room
Join us at the Ocean County Library for a Spooky Storytime and Craft, perfect for children ages 3-5 years. Registration Required
Registration opens Monday, September 21 2026 at 10:30am
Paws for Reading with Molly McMuffin! - Ages 6-12
Mon, Oct 12, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Storytime Room
Practice your reading skills in the company of gentle therapy dogs. We have four time slots (5:30, 5:45, 6, 6:15). Please call the Jackson Branch to sign up for a Time slot. Registration opens 9/21.
Film: VOCES American Historia
Mon, Oct 12, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Jackson Meeting Room
Explore how Latino DNA has been woven into the identity of the United States since before her inception. A Kanopy Streaming Video. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Community Crafters
Mon, Oct 12, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Makerspace
Bring your own project - craft, knitting, crocheting, drawing, sewing, etc. - and enjoy your fellow crafters' company and conversation.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Tue, Oct 13, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Ocean County Health Department Information Table
Tue, Oct 13, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Learn about resources from the Ocean County Health Department.
Jackson Afternoon Book Discussion Group
Tue, Oct 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Jackson Meeting Room
Title: A Gentleman in Moscow
Frida Kahlo Inspired Headband
Tue, Oct 13, 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Makerspace
Make a Frida Kahlo art inspired flower headband just in time to wear to Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. Using felt, we will make custom flowers to add to the headband.
Registration opens Tuesday, September 29 2026 at 9:00am
Ghost Hunting Behind the Scene - New Jersey's Oldest Paranormal Research Team
Tue, Oct 13, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Jackson Meeting Room
Join us for an evening of education and intrigue with South Jersey Ghost Research. 
Cancelled
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Wed, Oct 14, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Wed, Oct 14, 9:30am - 5:45pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Paint & Sip - 3D Printed Alebrijes
Wed, Oct 14, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Makerspace
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month as we paint patterns on 3D printed alebrijes and sip on mocktails. Supplies and beverages will be provided. Potential allergens. Limit of 1 session.
This event is full
Sensory Friendly Movie
Wed, Oct 14, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Join us for a Sensory Friendly Movie!
Registration opens Wednesday, September 23 2026 at 6:00pm
Think Chess: Beginner and Intermediate - Ages 8-14
Wed, Oct 14, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Storytime Room
Learn everything needed to start playing chess and take part in supervised play in our special 6-week chess class. Sponsored by the Jackson Friends of the Library. Ages 8 - 14. Please Register.
Registration opens Wednesday, September 23 2026 at 6:30pm
English Conversation Group
Wed, Oct 14, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Jackson Quiet Study Room
New to speaking English? Visit this conversation group and practice speaking English. New members are always welcome.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Thu, Oct 15, 9:30am - 8:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Tween Homeschool Makers - Ages 8 - 12
Thu, Oct 15, 10:30am - 11:30am
Storytime Room
Come learn something new. Ages 8 - 12. Please register each child separately.
Registration opens Thursday, September 24 2026 at 10:30am
Teen Crafternoon - Ages 12-18
Thu, Oct 15, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Makerspace
Join us in the Makerspace to unleash you imagination. Ages 12-18.
Registration opens Thursday, September 24 2026 at 3:00pm
Jackson Friends of the Library Meeting
Thu, Oct 15, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Jackson Meeting Room
The Friends design and manage fundraising activities to support the library. New members are welcome.
Chair Yoga
Thu, Oct 15, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Jackson Meeting Room
Join yoga instructor Belle Burns for an hour long gentle and beginner Friendly Chair yoga practice.
Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours
Fri, Oct 16, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sensory Space
Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.
Ocean County Health Department Information Table
Fri, Oct 16, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Learn about resources from the Ocean County Health Department.
Search Smarter, Not Harder - Search Strategies to Find Your Hard to Find Ancestors
Fri, Oct 16, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Jackson Meeting Room
Join us for a genealogy search strategy program with Genealogist Debbie Hadley.
See all events