Speed Friending - Ocean County Library

Skip to main content

Font size options

Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.

Contrast options

Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

Registration opens:
November 11th, 2026

Speed Friending

2026-12-11 11:00:00 2026-12-11 12:00:00 America/New_York Speed Friending Find potential new friends or acquaintances with shared interests through speed friending. The Library will provide questions for conversation starters. Light refreshments will be served. Jackson Branch - Jackson Meeting Room

Friday, December 11
11:00am - 12:00pm

Add to Calendar

Jackson Branch

Jackson Meeting Room

Find potential new friends or acquaintances with shared interests through speed friending. The Library will provide questions for conversation starters. Light refreshments will be served.

Speed friending is a social activity where participants have short conversations with multiple people in a limited time. Speed friending is all about quickly connecting with others through interesting questions and brief chats. The goal of speed friending is to find potential new friends or acquaintances with shared interests. The Library will provide questions for conversation starters. Light refreshments will be served.

AGE GROUP: | Seniors | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | General |

Jackson Branch

Hours

About the Branch

Upcoming Events

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Sun, Oct 25, 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 26, 9:30am - 8:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Drop in Lego Challenge - Ages 6-12

Mon, Oct 26, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Stop by the Children's section to play with Lego and see if you can conquer our October STEM Challenge! Ages 6-12

Community Crafters

Mon, Oct 26, 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 27, 9:30am - 8:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Teen Advisory Board (TAB) - Ages 12-18

Tue, Oct 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Gain valuable leadership skills and earn community service hours through our Teen Advisory Board (TAB).

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Wed, Oct 28, 9:30am - 8:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Flower Arranging with Amy of the Whiting Flower Shoppe - Session 1 - Jackson's 25th Anniversary Art Program Series

Wed, Oct 28, 10:00am - 10:45am

Makerspace

Discover the basics of floral arrangement in this introductory class, where you will develop your own unique, design to take home and enjoy.

This event is full

Flower Arranging with Amy of the Whiting Flower Shoppe - Session 2 - Jackson's 25th Anniversary Art Program Series

Wed, Oct 28, 11:00am - 11:45am

Makerspace

Discover the basics of floral arrangement in this introductory class, where you will develop your own unique, design to take home and enjoy.

This event is full

Think Chess: Beginner and Intermediate (Class Full) - Ages 8-14

Wed, Oct 28, 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. Ages 8 - 14. CLASS FULL, PLEASE CALL BRANCH FOR ADDITIONAL INFO!

Registration is now closed

English Conversation Group

Wed, Oct 28, 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 29, 9:30am - 8:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Ocean County Health Department Information Table

Thu, Oct 29, 10:00am - 1:00pm

Learn about resources from the Ocean County Health Department.

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Fri, Oct 30, 9:30am - 4:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Trick or Treat in the Library - All Ages

Fri, Oct 30, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Come in costume to Trick or Treat in the library for candy, crafts and more! Sponsored by the Jackson Friends of the Library.

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Sat, Oct 31, 9:30am - 4:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Sun, Nov 01, 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Jackson Youth Services Scavenger Hunt - All ages

Mon, Nov 02, 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

Mon, Nov 02, 9:30am - 8:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Community Crafters

Mon, Nov 02, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Makerspace

Bring your own project - craft, knitting, crocheting, drawing, sewing, etc. - and enjoy your fellow crafters' company and conversation.

Sensory Storytime (Ages 3-5)

Tue, Nov 03, 10:30am - 11:30am

Sensory Space

Join us for a Sensory filled Storytime in our Sensory Space. This event is for ages 3-5 years. REG

Cancelled

Babytime - 0 - 18 months

Tue, Nov 03, 10:30am - 11:30am

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, Nov 03, 11:45am - 8:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Tuesday Muse Book Discussion

Tue, Nov 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Jackson Quiet Study Room

Anxious People

Star Votive Candle Holders in Honor of Veteran's Day

Tue, Nov 03, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Jackson Meeting Room

Decorate a candle votive holder.

Teen Movie Night - Ages 12-18

Tue, Nov 03, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Stop by the library to watch a fun movie.

Elvistory: The King of Vegas - Jackson's 25th Anniversary Concert Program Series

Tue, Nov 03, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Jackson Meeting Room

Through live performances, storytelling, and fascinating connections to U.S. and world history, discover how this remarkable era shaped both Elvis's career and the world around him.

Jackson Writers' Group

Tue, Nov 03, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Jackson Quiet Study Room

Bring your work, any genre.

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Wed, Nov 04, 9:30am - 8:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Cancer Prevention: Lowering Your Risk

Wed, Nov 04, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Jackson Meeting Room

Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against cancer. Take a proactive step toward protecting your health. Prevention and early detection can make all the difference.

English Conversation Group

Wed, Nov 04, 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.

Think Chess: Beginner and Intermediate (Class Full) - Ages 8-14

Wed, Nov 04, 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. Ages 8 - 14. CLASS FULL, PLEASE CALL BRANCH FOR ADDITIONAL INFO!

Registration is now closed

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Thu, Nov 05, 9:30am - 8:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Tween STEAM Activity - Ages 8-12

Thu, Nov 05, 10:30am - 11:30am

Storytime Room

Come and celebrate National STEM/STEAM Day with a cool activity in the Children's Department. Please register.

This event is full

DIY Home Decor: Piggy Banks

Thu, Nov 05, 2:30pm - 3:30pm

Makerspace

Create and decorate your own personalized piggy bank! Choose colors and designs while celebrating how small savings can help you reach big goals. Please limit your registration to one session.

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Fri, Nov 06, 9:30am - 4:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Drop-In Crafts - Kids of All Ages

Fri, Nov 06, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Visit the library to make some fun crafts with us! No registration required!

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Sat, Nov 07, 9:30am - 4:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Sat, Nov 07, 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, Nov 08, 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Mon, Nov 09, 9:30am - 8:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

DIY Home Decor: Piggy Banks

Mon, Nov 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm

Makerspace

Create and decorate your own personalized piggy bank! Choose colors and designs while celebrating how small savings can help you reach big goals. Please limit your registration to one session.

This event is full

Babytime - 0 - 18 months

Mon, Nov 09, 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

Drop-In Sensory Craft

Mon, Nov 09, 12:30pm - 4:30pm

Create your own fidget at this Sensory Space drop-in craft!

Community Crafters

Mon, Nov 09, 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, Nov 10, 9:30am - 8:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Jackson Branch 25th Anniversary Celebration

Tue, Nov 10, 10:00am - 11:00am

Join us as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of our Library. Guests will enjoy words from local representatives and a commemorative cake-cutting ceremony.

Jay Daniels Presents: Jersey Boys and Jersey Girls - 25th Anniversary Concert Series

Tue, Nov 10, 11:00am - 12:30pm

Jackson Meeting Room

Featuring songs made popular by Frank Sinatra, Dionne Warwick, Bruce Springsteen. Whitney Houston, and others!

25th Anniversary Cotton Candy! - All Ages

Tue, Nov 10, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Makerspace

Asbury Park Cotton Candy co will be making cotton candy! Stop by for a sweet treat in honor of the 25th Anniversary of the Jackson Branch.

Jackson Afternoon Book Discussion Group

Tue, Nov 10, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Jackson Meeting Room

Title: The Golden Spoon

English Conversation Group

Wed, Nov 11, 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, Nov 12, 9:30am - 8:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Messy Art - Ages 2-5

Thu, Nov 12, 10:30am - 11:30am

Storytime Room

Station based art play. Dress for a mess! Please register.

Mix it Up! DIY Dry Pantry Mixes

Thu, Nov 12, 2:30pm - 3:30pm

Jackson Meeting Room

Cozy Kitchen: Chicken Rice Soup Mix

This event is full

Altered Book Upcycling with Lindsey Jonin - Jackson's 25th Anniversary Art Program Series

Thu, Nov 12, 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Jackson Meeting Room

An art workshop where you will transform unloved/old books into expressive art books.

This event is full

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Fri, Nov 13, 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Sat, Nov 14, 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, Nov 14, 10:00am - 2:00pm

REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED

Mindfulness Meditation: On New Beginnings

Sat, Nov 14, 10:30am - 11:30am

Jackson Meeting Room

Every moment is a new beginning. Experience deep relaxation as you witness and embody new beginnings. Sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson Library

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Sun, Nov 15, 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Community Crafters

Mon, Nov 16, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Makerspace

Bring your own project - craft, knitting, crocheting, drawing, sewing, etc. - and enjoy your fellow crafters' company and conversation.

Adults with Developmental Disabilities Storytime - Berry Painting in Celebration of Native American Heritage

Mon, Nov 16, 10:30am - 11:30am

Jackson Quiet Study Room,Sensory Space

Celebrate Native America Heritage Month with a fun storytime and craft.

This event is full

Pumpkin Yarn Creations - Ages 3-5

Mon, Nov 16, 10:30am - 11:30am

Storytime Room

Create a cozy pumpkin craft using colorful yarn, perfect for ages 3-5. Please Register

Registration opens Monday, October 26 2026 at 10:30am

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Mon, Nov 16, 12:00pm - 8:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Paws for Reading with Molly McMuffin! - Ages 6-12

Mon, Nov 16, 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 10/26.

Public Benefits For Older Adults - Presented by AARP

Mon, Nov 16, 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Jackson Meeting Room

Life happens. And sometimes, unexpected life events can lead to long-term financial challenges. An AARP volunteer will discuss benefits that could help with expenses and more. Please register.

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Tue, Nov 17, 9:30am - 8:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Ocean County Health Department - Healthy Aging

Tue, Nov 17, 10:00am - 11:00am

Jackson Meeting Room

The Ocean County Health Department will educate adults on the continuum of cognitive impairment and the differences between typical memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease.

Crochet Basics Part 1

Tue, Nov 17, 2:30pm - 4:00pm

Makerspace

Learn the basic stitches in crochet to create a stitch sampler. This is Part 1 of 2 in this Crochet series.

Registration opens Monday, November 2 2026 at 9:00am

Teen Advisory Board (TAB) - Ages 12-18

Tue, Nov 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Gain valuable leadership skills and earn community service hours through our Teen Advisory Board (TAB).

Registration opens Tuesday, October 27 2026 at 6:00pm

Jackson Writers' Group

Tue, Nov 17, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Jackson Quiet Study Room

Bring your work, any genre.

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Wed, Nov 18, 9:30am - 8:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Move & Do - Ages 6 Months - 3 Yrs.

Wed, Nov 18, 10:30am - 11:30am

Storytime Room

Meet, socialize, and play with toys in the Children's Department. Please register.

Registration opens Monday, October 26 2026 at 9:00am

Spams, Scams & Fraud: Let's Not Be a Victim Part 2

Wed, Nov 18, 2:30pm - 4:30pm

Jackson Meeting Room

If you were compromised today, would you know what to do first? This workshop provides a step-by-step approach. This is part 2 of a 2 part series with Laura Reeves, CFP®, CRPC®, MPAS.

English Conversation Group

Wed, Nov 18, 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.

Think Chess: Beginner and Intermediate (Class Full) - Ages 8-14

Wed, Nov 18, 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. Ages 8 - 14. CLASS FULL, PLEASE CALL BRANCH FOR ADDITIONAL INFO!

Registration opens Wednesday, October 28 2026 at 6:30pm

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Thu, Nov 19, 9:30am - 5:45pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Dental Storytime w/ Ocean Pediatric Dental - Ages 3 -5 years

Thu, Nov 19, 10:30am - 11:30am

Jackson Meeting Room

Hear some stories and learn about dental care with Ocean Pediatric Dental. Followed by an age appropriate craft. Ages 3-5. Please Register.

Registration opens Thursday, October 29 2026 at 10:30am

Crows, Cornfields, and Crops! Drop-In Crafts - Kids of All Ages

Thu, Nov 19, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Visit the library to create some fall-inspired crafts with us! No registration required!

Sew A Drawstring Gift Bag

Thu, Nov 19, 2:30pm - 4:30pm

Makerspace

Make a charming drawing string fabric bag just in time for wrapping a gift!

Registration opens Thursday, November 5 2026 at 9:00am

Teen Crafternoon - Ages 12-18

Thu, Nov 19, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Storytime Room

Join us to unleash your imagination. Ages 12-18.

Registration opens Thursday, October 29 2026 at 3:00pm

Jackson Friends of the Library Meeting

Thu, Nov 19, 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Jackson Meeting Room

The Friends design and manage fundraising activities to support the library. New members are welcome.

Sensory Friendly Movie

Thu, Nov 19, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Sensory Space

Join us for a Sensory Friendly Movie!

Registration opens Thursday, October 29 2026 at 6:00pm

Thu, Nov 19, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Jackson Meeting Room

Join yoga instructor Belle Burns for an hour long gentle and beginner Friendly Chair yoga practice.

Baby & Me 0-18mo

Fri, Nov 20, 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.

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Fri, Nov 20, 11:30am - 4:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Sat, Nov 21, 9:30am - 4:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

NGXB - Jackson's 25th Anniversary Concert Program Series

Sat, Nov 21, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Jackson Meeting Room

NGXB is a classical crossover pianist, arranger and content creator who is no stranger to an audience. The hits that were never envisioned to be classically crossed over come to life.

Eyes of the Wild for Teens - Ages 12-18

Sat, Nov 21, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Jackson Meeting Room

Meet live animals and learn something new with Eyes of the Wild! Ages 12-18. Please Register

Registration opens Saturday, October 31 2026 at 2:00pm

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Sun, Nov 22, 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Mon, Nov 23, 9:30am - 8:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

County Connection Mobile Unit

Mon, Nov 23, 11:00am - 3:00pm

The County Connection mobile unit will be on-site to take passport photos, assist with forms, notarize documents, and create veteran identification cards.

Little Chef: Apples and Pumpkins - Ages 8-12

Mon, Nov 23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Makerspace

Come to the Makerspace and make some baked apple treats and a pumpkins dessert. Please register. Please inquire for potential allergens.

Registration opens Monday, November 2 2026 at 4:00pm

Community Crafters

Mon, Nov 23, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Makerspace

Bring your own project - craft, knitting, crocheting, drawing, sewing, etc. - and enjoy your fellow crafters' company and conversation.

Adults with Developmental Disabillities Craft

Tue, Nov 24, 10:30am - 11:30am

Jackson Quiet Study Room,Sensory Space

Come craft with us!

Registration opens Tuesday, November 3 2026 at 10:30am

Jackson Sensory Space Open Hours

Tue, Nov 24, 11:45am - 8:30pm

Sensory Space

Visit the Sensory Space on the 2nd floor of the Jackson Branch.

Zoophoria: Animal Art Program - Rock Mosaics - Jackson's 25th Anniversary Art Program Series

Tue, Nov 24, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Jackson Meeting Room

See live animals! Cheeseburger the Cane Toad and Arnold the American Alligator will guide you through this exciting rock mosaic program.

Makerspace Apple Boat Challenge - Ages 6-12

Tue, Nov 24, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Makerspace

Visit the Ocean County Library Makerspace for an Apple Boat Challenge, where kids ages 6-12 will design and build a floating boat using apples and other materials. Please Register.

Registration opens Tuesday, November 3 2026 at 3:30pm