Let Us Entertain You: The Libraries Have Booked a Full Slate of Programs and Features
Of the many incredible resources that this island offers, our libraries are two of the rarest gems. Not simply beautiful buildings where you can pick up a beach read (though they’re good for that, too!), the Avalon and Stone Harbor libraries provide fun, interactive, engaging, and entertaining programs for the whole family … all summer long. Read on for some of the highlights of the Summer of 2025.
AVALON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
“We’re providing something for the community that you don’t see very often anymore: completely free, publicly funded programming that reflects what our patrons want to see,” says Kara Buono, the Avalon Library’s assistant director of programs and engagement. “I love that our community tells us what they want, and we get to make that happen. So, we’re creating programs that are meaningful because they come from real interest.”
To that end, the Avalon Library is gearing up for more entertainment than ever. “I’m really excited about our lineup this summer, as we’re expanding our entertainment options,” says Buono. “We’re still focused on learning, but in recent years we’ve been combining that with even more fun and it’s really resonating.”
Here are some of the exciting programs and events available through the Avalon Library this summer:
Summer Spotlight Series
“This summer we’re launching the revamped Summer Spotlight Series, which is a collection of large-scale events and a truly entertaining mix of authors, music, and performance,” Buono explains. “It’s a variety of things we’ve handpicked because our community has seen and asked for them. It’s a really stellar lineup!”
Here is the Avalon Library’s Summer Spotlight Series lineup along with Buono’s inside scoop on each one: (Note that books will be sold on site by Beach Bound Books at author events.)
Recommended Summer Reads with Carol Fitzgerald (June 30): “She really puts together some wonderful lists. If you miss her talk, we’ll post it on YouTube.”
Bay Atlantic Symphony (July 7): “They’re performing Mozart’s Flute Concerto No. 2 and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4. Soloist Kimberly Reighley joins on flute. It’s going to be very classic and beautiful.” This concert will be at the library this summer.
The Fabulous Greaseband (July 13): “The History Center brings The Fabulous Greaseband back to Surfside Park. We like to say we’re bringing back the Bongo Room!”
Bachelors of Broadway (July 14): “A trio of bachelors straight from Broadway performing hits you know and love.”
Author David Grann (July 21): “A New York Times bestselling author and an award-winning staff writer at The New Yorker magazine, David is the author of ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ among other books and he’ll be bringing extra visuals like photos not included in his books.”
Author Taylor Jenkins Reid (July 28): “She is the New York Times bestselling author of books like ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,’ and ‘Daisy Jones & The Six,’ to name a few. She’ll be talking about her newest book, ‘Atmosphere.’ It will be a great time and we're really excited. She’s lovely and I’m absolutely thrilled that I’ll be in conversation with her.” (At this event, the author will only be signing one book per person.)
Author/Podcaster Jo Piazza (Aug. 6): “Jo is a Philly native, bestselling author of books such as ‘The Sicilian Inheritance,’ an award-winning journalist, a podcaster … and we’re so excited she’s coming to the library. The library and local book clubs have read her books! Her new book is ‘Everyone Is Lying to You.’”
Riddlesbrood Theatre Company (Aug. 11 & 12): “They’re doing a slapstick pirate comedy show called ‘Shiver Me Timbers’ for the 16-and-over crowd. It’s clever and fun.”
Anthony Salazar Adult Magic Show (Aug. 18): “He’ll be doing illusions, sleight of hand, and big stage magic, for ages 16+.”
Dr. Doug Tallamy (Aug. 25): “This is Dr. Tallamy’s third year back in Avalon and we’re excited to hear about his new book ‘How Can I Help?’ – focused on the Homegrown National Park idea.”
“The Summer Spotlight Series events provide amazing opportunities for our community to be entertained this summer – whether you’re here for the summer or for a week,” says Buono. “They are free and open to the public, with no tickets required. You do not have to have a library card, either. You just come to the event, sit down in a chair, and enjoy your evening.” (Check the Avalon Library website or pick up a copy of its Summer Guide at the library for exact times and locations.)
Music Under the Stars
Nothing says “magical” like the sweet sound of live music, in harmony with crashing waves and dazzling sunsets. And the Avalon Library delivers all that and more with the extremely popular “Thursdays at Surfside” concert series, co-sponsored with the Avalon Recreation Department. Held at Avalon’s oceanfront, open-air venue, Surfside Park (2901 Avalon Ave.), these free concerts fill the lawn with tapping toes, dancing feet, and sing-alongs.
“The series begins on June 19th with the Sensational Soul Cruisers and ends September 4th with Triple Rail Turn,” says Buono.
In between, there will be a new concert every Thursday night at Surfside Park with a talented lineup of bands performing tributes to legendary performers like Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles, Billy Joel, Elvis, and the Beach Boys, as well as a variety of popular songs from genres like rock, country, and yacht rock.
The Thursdays at Surfside concerts all begin at 7pm and are free and open to the public. Be sure to bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on.
Children’s Programs
The Avalon Library will be buzzing with children’s programs. Though this summer, there is a little twist. “We’re changing up our children’s programming a bit this year,” explains Buono. “We’re still offering Monday through Thursday programs at 10am, but we’ve updated daily themes to better target age groups.”
The weekly schedule of summer fun begins on Monday, June 23 and runs until the final Thursday, Aug. 21. However, the final week of summer will be a “Family Fun Week” full of special events every day from Aug. 25 to 29.
Here are a few highlights for the Avalon Library’s children’s programming:
Monday Family Fun Day: “Mondays are open to all ages. We’ve got an incredible lineup, from butterfly shows to magic shows, including a couple different magicians,” says Buono. “We also have animals, sea creatures, and even dogs. We’re bringing back a fan favorite, too, a contortionist who can fit himself through almost anything, including a hanger and a toilet seat. He’s a Do-Not Miss!”
Tuesday Storytime (6 & under): “Tuesdays are for our early readers, though we’ll never turn anybody away – all ages are welcome,” Buono explains. “We’ll have storytime, songs, and visiting musicians.”
Crafty Wednesdays (3 & up): Crafty Wednesdays are the days for arts and crafts! “Wednesdays are designed for ages 3-and-up, but we’ll also be offering an alternate craft option for kids who might find the main one a bit too complex,” explains Buono.
STEAM Thursdays (7 to 12): The library has partnered with Challenge Island for these STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) hands-on activities. “We’re also collaborating with the History Center for mini camps like ‘Art at the Museum,’ where kids recreate a famous painting,” says Buono. "Each week is something a little bit different. It's going to be a lot more tactile and very productive. We’ll be doing building challenges, LEGOs, engineering, art, and science. The only Thursday that breaks the format is July 3rd, when we host our Bubble Party for all ages – we did it last year and it was so well received.”
Fridays Game & Craft Zone (12 to 14): The Friday teen programs run from July 11 to Aug. 15. “Each week is something different like minute-to-win-it games or crafts,” says Buono. “We’re really excited for July 11th, when we’re making friendship bracelets to go with the concert that night by the award-winning tribute band, ‘Fearless, the Taylor Swift Experience’ playing at Surfside Park at 7pm. They usually sell out their shows, so we’re really excited to bring them in.”
Family Fun Week (Aug. 25 -29): The grand finale of children’s programming. Events include:
Penguin Pointers (Aug. 25): The return of the penguins in two 20-minute sessions.
All-Ages Storytime (Aug. 26): A very special Storytime for the end of summer.
Spoon Man (Aug. 27): Music and wild-and-crazy tricks with spoons.
Magic and Illusion Workshop (Aug. 28): A grand magic and illusion show suggested for ages 7+.
Give and Take Jugglers (Aug. 29): The big closers on Friday with an awe-inspiring juggling act.
Summer Reading Challenge
The library is once again hosting a Summer Reading Challenge to encourage lifelong reading habits for readers of all ages and abilities. “This year’s theme is ‘Color Our World,’ and it’s all about spreading kindness and brightness,” says Buono. “We’re even doing rock painting so people can hide cheerful messages around the community.”
To participate in the Summer Reading Challenge, readers just need to register at the library or online at the library’s website. Kids and teens will track minutes spent reading, while adults can track minutes or books. The goal is 1200 points, and everyone earns prizes as they go and a grand prize for finishing.
Nurturing Nature
The Avalon Library is also partnering with the Environmental Commission and The Wetlands Institute for a once-a-month Wednesday night nature series at 6pm. Programs include:
Comeback Story for the Ages: The Osprey in New Jersey (June 25): This presentation will reveal the story of the osprey, the once-endangered bird that can now be seen nesting throughout New Jersey. What caused their demise? How did they come back? And what challenges lie ahead for the osprey?
Turtles of New Jersey (July 16): Interact with several species of turtles at this lively presentation about the turtles you can see swimming in the ocean or wandering nearby.
Horseshoe Crabs: Living Fossils (Aug. 13): Safely touch a horseshoe crab at this interactive presentation where you’ll meet and learn about this fascinating creature that so many other animals (including humans) rely on to survive. Also learn about The Wetlands Institute’s horseshoe crab research and conservation efforts.
Monarch Migration & Butterfly Tagging (Sept. 17): One of the most popular events of the season, this event includes a live tagging and release of beautiful monarch butterflies.
Back to the Future
The Avalon Library and History Center join forces for a variety of events that explore local events, places, and historical figures. Most events will be held at the Tennis Building at 250 39th St. Times vary.
The Grand Old Flag (June 13): Celebrate Flag Day with this informative program on the incredible story of the U.S. flag.
Olde House Tour (June 20): The Historical Society’s popular Olde House Tour is back! “You’ll get to tour historical homes in Avalon through a self-guided tour,” shares Buono. Tickets are available for purchase on the day of the event or ahead of time. Then you can pick up the list of houses at the History Center starting at 1 o’clock and visit the homes at your own pace anytime between 1pm and 4pm.
Stories and Songs of Old Sailing Days (June 23): “We’re hosting Matthew Dodd for this fun program,” says Buono. “He’ll sing sea shanties and talk about the history behind them while dressed in 1800s seafarer clothing. He’ll take listeners back to the days of merchantmen, navy sailors, whalers, fishermen, and pirates aboard square-rigged sailing ships.”
Victory or Death: The Battle of Trenton (July 30): “We’re presenting this program in honor of the U.S.’s 250th anniversary. It’s a bit of a ‘December in July’ event, commemorating Washington’s crossing of the Delaware,” explains Buono.
Teddy Roosevelt (Aug. 9): Jerry McNeff will present a lecture-style program honoring one of America’s most influential presidents, including Roosevelt’s story, key accomplishments, and some lesser-known facts.
Paper Peddler Trivia Night (Aug. 26): Registration is required for this fun, popular evening celebrating Avalon’s history through trivia. This Quizzo-style game is sponsored by the former owners of the Paper Peddler and will include old photographs, stories, memorabilia, and prizes. (7-9pm at Bobby Dee’s Rock ’n Chair, 2409 Dune Drive.)
And more…!
A few other special events sponsored or co-sponsored by the Avalon Library include:
Sand Sculpture with Brendan Schaffer (June 7): Brendan Schaffer is back and he’s going to be sculpting sand into a beautiful work of art at the 30th Street Beach. “He created wonderful art for us last year and this year he’ll be creating something different,” says Buono. “He’ll be working all morning until it’s complete – weather permitting.”
Jimmy and the Parrots (June 21): “We are co-sponsoring this amazing concert with the History Center as part of our Solstice Festival,” says Buono. Jimmy and the Parrots are one of the most in-demand Jimmy Buffett cover bands in the country. They perform all the great Buffett songs fans love, but also a variety of classic rock and great original songs. Their cover songs include fan favorites from Zac Brown Band, Bob Marley, and Harry Belafonte. (6pm at Surfside Park)
Fearless: The Taylor Swift Experience (July 11): The Eras Tour might be over, but Swifties can relive some of the magic with this award-winning tribute act. Featuring iconic songs and new hits, fans will be dancing and singing the night away with this “Enchanted” performance at Surfside Park at 7pm.
From arts and crafts to rock ‘n’ roll, the Avalon Library will keep the whole family entertained and amused all summer long. Beyond all the incredible programs and events, the library also has regularly scheduled book clubs, meditation events, culture clubs and thousands of digital and print books, audiobooks, periodicals, and more.
A world of discovery is quite literally at your fingertips with the Avalon Library. For more information and details, check out the library’s website at avalonfreelibrary.org or call 609-967-7155.
Stone Harbor Library
Right in the heart of Stone Harbor’s business district, the Stone Harbor Library is also a center for activities, education, cooking, arts and crafts, and excellent programs. Renovated in recent years, the Stone Harbor Library is as lovely as it is enlightening. Part of the Cape May County Library system, the Stone Harbor Library has a full slate of summer activities and events for the whole family, as well as a Summer Reading Challenge to keep everyone engaged and reading all summer long. (Go to the Cape May County Library website cmclibrary.org for details and updates.)
Here is a sneak peek:
Kids’ Corner
The Stone Harbor Library has regularly scheduled weekly kids’ programs and very special events that take the entertainment up a notch. Regular events include Sing & Stomp, an active, interactive storytime for ages 2-7; Stay & Play, an arts and crafts and playtime for ages 0-5; and ArtQuest, a cool opportunity to learn about famous artists and create art in their style for ages 5-14.
Special events for kids at the Stone Harbor Library:
“Kindie Rock” Concert with Jumpin’ Jamie (June 10): This in-demand performer has entertained kids of all ages at venues as small as a birthday party and as large as Citi Field in NYC and Comic Con in Baltimore. Jumpin’ Jamie is high-energy entertainment and foot-stomping fun.
Rock Painting (June 23): Get crafty at the library with this Craft O’Clock drop-in style program aimed at school-aged kids and tweens. They’ll be decorating river rocks with fun designs and positive messages to add colorful fun to vases, fairy gardens, porches, or yards.
Zoo-To-You (July 8): The Cape May County Zoo brings the zoo to the library with hands-on, interactive techniques for kids to meet animals and build a deeper understanding of the natural world. Memorable and unique, Zoo-To-You will be a summer highlight for the young animal lovers.
Musical Fun with Mr. Jon (July 22): A Parents’ Choice Award-winning musician, Mr. Jon will be using puppets, stories, and music in an engaging performance that will have the kids clapping hands and singing along (Best suited for kids 2-8).
Adult Programs
The Cape May County Library system offers a variety of events and interesting programs for adults throughout the summer at the Stone Harbor Library. Please note that registration is required for many programs.
Arts & Crafts
Picture Book Workshop (July 14, 21, 28): In this three-part series, award-winning author Nancy Viau teaches the class how words and art come together to create a children’s book. She will take aspiring writers and illustrators through the “nuts and bolts” of how to brainstorm, write, and produce a picture book. Registration and materials required for this event.
Melt & Pour Soap Making (July 17): Dee Mason, the owner of Perchcove Soap Co. will teach the art and craft of making soap. In this two-hour session, you’ll learn the basics of making beautiful, colorful, glycerin soaps and how to add your own custom scents, exfoliants, and colors. The possibilities will feel endless! For ages 18+, this event requires registration.
Jigsaw Puzzle Swap (Aug. 4): While doing puzzles isn’t exactly a craft, it does feel like an art form to many! So, if you’ve already finished all the puzzles that you have … be sure and go to the library’s Jigsaw Puzzle Swap and trade in your puzzles for some new challenges!
Cooking
Soups, Sides, and Snacks (June 25, Aug. 7): Chop, boil and blend up some magical mixtures in this interactive cooking class with Jess Kirk, who will take you through the beautiful process that turns a rainbow of ingredients into a healing, heartfelt brew. Registration is required and patrons should bring a small heat safe container.
Cape Cuisine (June 18, July 16, Aug. 20): Explore the exquisite cuisine of Cape May County with chef Mark Kalla, who was the chef at several iconic Stone Harbor and Avalon establishments and owned the Barrier Island Inn. Mark will share cooking secrets and flavorful dishes. Registration is required and patrons should bring food-safe containers to take samples home.
Superfood Secrets: Cooking with Microgreens (June 9, July 8, Aug. 18): Presented by Ozzy Elqaisi, who transformed an abandoned church in Cape May County into a sustainable microgreens farm, this program explores recipes that are delicious, easy, and packed with nutrient-rich superfoods grown at his farm. Registration is required.
Yoga
Expert yoga teacher Suzanne Kubik will be teaching three different yoga classes at the Stone Harbor Library beginning in June. The current schedule includes Core Yoga on Mondays, Yoga Sculpt on Thursdays, and Slow, Flow Yoga on Fridays. Suzanne enjoys creating yoga classes that blend music, asanas, self-care, and positivity. No registration required, check website for most up-to-date schedule and times.
Be sure to take advantage of the incredible FREE(!) resources, events, and programs available through the Avalon Library and the Stone Harbor Library this summer.
For more details and the most up-to-date information on any of the programs and events, call or check the library websites.
Avalon Free Public Library
609-967-7155
avalonfreelibrary.org
Stone Harbor Library
609-368-6809
cmclibrary.org
