Experts to discuss prints on view at Newark Public Library

Three of the area’s leading art experts will present a lecture, Speaking of Prints, as a tribute to the Newark Public Library’s current exhibition featuring the most outstanding works in its fine print collection, Monday, December 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Main Library, 5 Washington Street, Newark.

The program will feature Hilda Werschkul, PhD, an art historian and adjunct professor at Montclair State University; William J. Dane, the Library’s Keeper of Works of Art on Paper, and Jorge Daniel Veneciano, director of the Paul Robeson Galleries, Rutgers-Newark, discussing the contemporary print world.  Tours of the public galleries and a reception will follow the presentation.

Its renowned collection of fine prints has been renamed the William J. Dane Fine Print Collection, in honor of Dane’s 60 year’s of service as an employee of the NPL, according to Wilma Grey, library director.  The collection is made up of over 23,000 works in traditional, as well as innovative media.

The exhibition runs through January 12, 2007 in the second and third floor galleries of the Library.  A companion exhibit is on view at Rutgers-Newark’s Paul Robeson Galleries, 350 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard through January 24. For more information, please call 973-733-7793 or log on to www.npl.org

Newark Library’s Van Buren Branch Readies for the Holidays

Holiday crafts, a parade of winter treats and some of the season’s favorite stories will be served up during the month of December at the Van Buren Branch of the Newark Public Library, 140 Van Buren Street.

The month begins with a 4 p.m. story time on Monday, December 3 and continues for two subsequent Mondays, December 10 and 17 at the same time.  Children will delight to tales from the library branch’s outstanding collection of picture books and fairy tales.

Families can come and play Bingo On Friday, December 14 at 4 p.m., but remember, prizes are for children only!

Parents, grandparents and caregivers are invited to join their youngsters in a holiday parade celebration on Wednesday, December 19 at 5 p.m. when Rick Adam offers up a one-man winter treat performance including juggling, magic, comedy, music and seasonal songs about sleds and snow.  This program is presented by Encore Performing Arts, Inc.

Also on December 19 at 6:30 p.m. Toddler Time offers fun-filled time to the littlest tots, ages 3-5, to come enjoy finger plays, arts and crafts and stories with children’s librarian Lucianne Pastorello.  A parent or caregiver must remain with each child during the program.

And to really get into the holiday spirit a Christmas Craft program on Thursday, December 20 at 4 p.m. offer young people and their families an opportunity to come to the Van Buren Library and make their own holiday ornament.

The Library continues to offer ESOL classes through Saturday, December 15.  Interested individuals have a choice of taking one of two, two day sessions: either on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or Wednesday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For more information about the programs and for library hours, please call the Van Buren Branch at 973-733-3897 or 733-7750.