The new programs include an astronomy program and an antique appraisal event.
April 9–15 is National Library Week, a time to celebrate libraries and their workers and promote library use and support, according to the American Library Association. The theme for 2017 is “Libraries Transform.”
The Moorestown Library is participating by celebrating Library Month throughout April and introducing new programs and activities.
“We try to offer different programs for different interests,” Reference Librarian Diane Cairoli said.
Cairoli says two of the biggest new programs to be introduced are an astronomy program and an antique appraisal event.
The astronomy program, “An All American Total Solar Eclipse,” will take place on Monday, April 24 at 7 p.m. Astronomer Kevin Manning will assist participants with looking into the mysteries of eclipses and other celestial events.
After the presentation, Manning will take attendees outdoors to view celestial objects such as the ice crystal rings of Saturn, craters on the moon and more through a powerful hand-crafted telescope.
According to NASA, on Monday, Aug. 21, the moon will pass in front of the sun and cast a shadow on all of North American for the first time in almost 100 years. This program is designed to get families ready to appreciate this rare event.
The antique appraisal event with appraiser Katherine Linzey will take place on Saturday, April 29 from 1–4 p.m.
Linzey is the president of Linzey Appraisals Associations, LLC and an accredited member of the American Society of Appraisers. She has a history of art degree from Ohio State University.
“We’ve never had anything quite like this before,” Cairoli said. “It’s almost like an antique type of roadshow.”
The event is limited to 40 appraisals, one per person. There will be space for 20 additional attendees to come and watch. Items accepted for appraisal include fine art, furniture, ceramics, glassware, vintage photographs, toys, musical instruments and sports memorabilia. Excluded items are weaponry, money, Nazi memorabilia and all jewelry.
Spring programs will extend into May and June with a native pollinators lesson presented by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Burlington County on Wednesday, May 3. On Wednesday, May 10 at 7 p.m., learn about slavery and freedom in New Jersey with Associate Professor of History at the University of Arkansas Jim Gigantino II. Francophile Jeff Heller will speak about undiscovered France at the library on Saturday, May 13 at 2 p.m.
“It’s a place for lifelong learning, continuing education and a place for people to meet others in the community,” Cairoli said of the library. “It’s just a nice place for people to come and learn.”
Cairoli added the library has programs for all ages, from little kids to seniors.
“It’s important to have a month just to celebrate libraries and to showcase what we do have,” Cairoli sid.
Registration is required for most events and can be done on the Moorestown Library website, www.moorestown.lib.nj.us, or by calling the reference desk at (856) 234–0333.
