Belmar Public Library

Zack Alexander Holiday Concert
2025-12-11 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave., Belmar, NJ, 07719, United States
Zack Alexander Holiday Concert
Thursday, December 11th, 2025 at 6 pm
Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave., Belmar, NJ

WOW!!! The response to the Belmar Public Library ‘s upcoming Holiday Concert with Zack Alexander has been overwhelming!!!

We have now reached MAXIMUM CAPACITY for this event and

FURTHER REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.

Only attendees with E-Tickets will be admitted to the event.

THANK YOU TO ALL!

E-TICKET HOLDERS! Be alert to an upcoming Update email in the days prior to the event!

Join us for this special evening celebrating timeless music by jazz vocalist Zack Alexander at the beautiful oceanfront Taylor Pavilion. Zack’s influences include legendary performers such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin, and Nat King Cole. Light refreshments will be served. Zack Alexander performing As Time Goes By

America 250 Movie Night: Rocky
2026-01-22 18:00 - 19:30 | Belmar Public Library, 517 10th Ave, Belmar, NJ, 07719, United States
🏆 THE PEOPLE’S CHAMPION HAS SPOKEN! 🏆
ROCKY WINS! The votes are in, and Belmar has chosen the ultimate underdog story for our America’s 250th celebration!
Join us at Belmar Public Library on Thursday, January 22nd as we screen the beloved American classic ROCKY – where determination, heart, and the fighting spirit of Philadelphia came to define what it means to be an American champion.
🥊 MOVIE NIGHT DETAILS 🥊

WHAT: Rocky (1976) Screening
WHEN: Thursday, January 22nd at 6 pm
WHERE: Belmar Public Library
COST: FREE and open to the public!

Bring your friends, family, and fighting spirit! We’ll have special refreshments and a brief introduction about why this iconic film continues to inspire Americans nearly 50 years after its release.
“It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”

Living History: George Washington
2026-02-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave., Belmar, NJ, 07719, United States
George Washington – as portrayed by Doug Thomas
George Washington, General, and future First President, remained faithful to the principles of Independence for which he and his country had fought. After leading the 13 Colonies to Independence from Great Britain, he presided over the Constitutional Convention that would establish the new Republic of the United States as a Nation of Laws under a Representative Democracy.
Leading by example, Washington resigned his commission as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and then declined a possible third term as President. His well-earned retirement to his beloved Mount Vernon lasted less than 3 years, but he and Martha enjoyed living beneath “fig and vine” together until his death in 1799. Audiences will enjoy a view into the thoughts and actions of a man whose public life we all have heard so much about, but whose private life was just that, very private.

Thursday, February 5th, 2026 @ 6 PM
Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave. N, Belmar

FREE & OPEN to the public
Seating limited, registration required

Living History: Thomas Jefferson & Abigail Adams
2026-02-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave., Belmar, NJ, 07719, United States
Thomas Jefferson & Abigail Adams: A Friendly Debate About the Developing Nation

as portrayed by Steve Edenbo and Kim Hanley
Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson were, for all practical explanations, from two completely different worlds. She was New England born, the second daughter of a parson, and, in her own words “destitute in every part of education”. Thomas Jefferson was the highly educated, privileged first son of a wealthy Virginia planter. Their spheres should never have brought them together in friendship, but the extraordinary events of their lifetimes brought these two highly intelligent people into a friendship of conversation and correspondence that would provide posterity with a unique conversation about:

the different roles, expectations of, and opportunities for men and women in the 18th century
the different economies of the northern and southern states during the founding years
the developing, opposing political views of the new nation
the necessity to maintain civil and cordial conversation in the face of vastly differing experiences and opinions.

Topics of debate will include women’s rights, Shay’s Rebellion, sedition, immigration, presidential powers, Supreme Court appointments, and other issues.
Saturday, February 21st, 2026 @ noon
Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave. N, Belmar

FREE & OPEN to the public
Seating limited, registration required

Living History: Juliette Gordon Low
2026-03-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave., Belmar, NJ, 07719, United States
Juliette Gordon Low: Founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA

as portrayed by Carol Spacht
In 1912, Juliette Gordon Low (1860–1927) founded Girl Scouts of the USA, an organization that today serves millions of girl members and alumnae, and reflects the arc of her remarkable life. An ardent believer in the potential of all girls and the importance of fostering their individual growth, character, and self-sufficiency, Juliette is credited with establishing and nurturing a global movement that has changed the world.Birth of a Movement.
A meeting in 1912 with Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Boy Scouts, inspired Juliette to establish Girl Scouts that same year. Telephoning a cousin from her home, she announced, “I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we’re going to start it tonight!”
From that first gathering of a small troop of 18 culturally and ethnically diverse girls, Juliette broke the conventions of the time—reaching across class, cultural, and ethnic boundaries to ensure all girls, including those with so-called disabilities, had a place to grow and develop their leadership skills. Using her innate talent for fundraising and public relations, combined with her vast network of friends and supporters, she led Girl Scouts with passion and determination—ensuring it was, and always would be, an experience that was “girl led.”
Saturday, March 7th, 2026 @ noon
Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave. N, Belmar

FREE & OPEN to the public
Seating limited, registration required

Living History: Bessie Coleman
2026-03-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave., Belmar, NJ, 07719, United States
Bessie Coleman: America’s Pioneering Aviator
Portrayed by Dr. Daisy Century
Experience the extraordinary life of Bessie Coleman, the first African American and Native American woman pilot, and the first American to earn an international pilot’s license. Dr. Daisy Century brings to life this determined pioneer who overcame tremendous obstacles to achieve her dreams.
Born in Texas to a family of sharecroppers, Coleman’s path to the skies was anything but straightforward. After working multiple jobs to fund her education through 8th grade and a brief stint at Oklahoma Colored Agricultural Normal University, she set her sights on aviation—a field completely closed to Black women in America. Undeterred, she learned French, moved to France, and earned her pilot’s license in just 8 months.
Dr. Century’s dynamic portrayal captures Coleman’s incredible journey, thrilling barnstorming adventures, and parachute stunts that captivated audiences in the 1920s. This performance will inspire attendees of all ages with the story of a woman who refused to let racial and gender barriers ground her dreams.

Saturday, March 14th, 2026 @ noon
Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave. N, Belmar

FREE & OPEN to the public
Seating limited, registration required

2026 Irish Celebration and Soda Bread Contest
2026-03-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave., Belmar, NJ, 07719, United States
Join Us for the Celebration!
***PLEASE NOTE: As of now the Standard White Soda bread category has reached its maximum number of contestants and is now CLOSED to further contestants. The Brown Bread Category is still OPEN for new contestants to enter.
We’re thrilled to invite you to our event on Thursday, March 19, 2025, at 6 PM at the Taylor Pavilion, located at 500 Ocean Ave., Belmar, NJ.
Get ready for an exciting evening featuring a fantastic Irish Step-Dancing performance by the D’Arcy School of Irish Dance from Wall, NJ, along with some light refreshments. And of course, we’re bringing back the beloved Annual Soda Bread Contest!
This year, we’re continuing our DUAL Contest: one for Traditional Irish Soda Bread and another for Brown Bread. Each contest will have a max of 20 entrants and its own panel of judges.
Don’t forget, all contestants must register on our website to enter. The registration deadline is Friday, March 13, 2025, at 5 PM.
You can check out the rules and find registration links on our website. We’ve also attached a digital copy of the flyer for your convenience.
Since seating is limited, registration to attend is required. If you register, you’ll receive QR-coded e-tickets to show when you arrive at the event.
And remember, entry to both the contest and the event is completely FREE and OPEN to everyone!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at lpulido@belmar.com or call (732) 681-0775.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Living History: Molly Pitcher
2026-04-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave., Belmar, NJ, 07719, United States
Molly Pitcher: War Hero and Honorary Sergeant
Portrayed by Kim Hanley
Step back in time to meet Mary Ludwig Hays, better known as “Molly Pitcher,” one of America’s first female military heroes. Kim Hanley brings to life this extraordinary Revolutionary War figure who transcended traditional gender roles on the battlefield.
Originally accompanying her husband to war, Mary took on the vital role of water carrier, bringing life-saving refreshment to soldiers and cooling overheated cannons during battle. But at the pivotal Battle of Monmouth in 1778, when her husband fell wounded at his artillery post, Mary did the unthinkable—she stepped forward to take his place, operating the cannon with skill throughout the fierce fighting.
This remarkable act of courage earned her the personal commendation of General George Washington himself, who granted her the honorary rank of Sergeant. Eyewitness accounts describe her remarkable composure even when enemy fire tore through her petticoat!
Join us for this interactive historical presentation perfect for grade schoolers. Young visitors will participate in hands-on activities including learning drum cadences, loading a mock “cannon” with period household items, and experiencing some of the lighter moments of camp life through dancing and singing.

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 @ 6 pm
Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave. N, Belmar

FREE & OPEN to the public
Seating limited, registration required

Qigong and Tai Chi Demo
2026-04-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave., Belmar, NJ, 07719, United States
Discover the power of Tai Chi and Qigong—ancient Chinese practices that cultivate vital energy (Qi). Join us for an engaging evening of history, live demonstrations, and guided participation in this peaceful, moving internal martial art. Come experience it for yourself.

📅 Thursday, April 16, 2026
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave, Belmar, NJ
Free and open to the public!

Living History: Langston Hughes
2026-04-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave., Belmar, NJ, 07719, United States
Langston Hughes: Voice of the Harlem Renaissance
Portrayed by Keith Henley
Meet one of America’s most influential poets as Keith Henley brings Langston Hughes to life. Experience the voice that captured the essence of Black America during the Harlem Renaissance.
Hughes transformed American literature by infusing his poetry with jazz and the blues, using the language of everyday life. His work related the real experiences of Black Americans while challenging divisions within the Black community itself, including colorism and class prejudice.
In his portrayal, Keith Henley explores Hughes’ artistic journey and a message of self-acceptance and personal empowerment. Audiences will be moved by Hughes’ timeless inspiration that everyone has “a song to sing” and that they should deeply consider the question: “Why not me?”
This final installment in our Living History series offers a chance to connect with the artist who gave voice to Black America during a transformative era in America’s cultural history.

Saturday, April 18th, 2026 @ noon
Belmar Public Library
517 Tenth Ave, Belmar

FREE & OPEN to the public
Seating limited, registration required

Poetry Jam Night
2026-04-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave., Belmar, NJ, 07719, United States
Poetry Jam Night
LIVE at Taylor Pavilion!
A Celebration of Language and Spoken Word Poetry
Featuring NJ Native Spoken Word artist
James C. Ellerbe
Thursday, April 30, 2025, at 6 PM
Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave., Belmar

Meet Our Featured Artist
James C. Ellerbe
“James C. Ellerbe, a seasoned poet and performer from New Jersey, has appeared on BET’s Buy The Book, Showtime at the Apollo, and Spoken Word Apex at Newark’s NJPAC. He’s performed internationally at venues like Montreal’s Kola Note and at esteemed institutions like Rutgers University and Sarah Lawrence College. A finalist for the 2017 Indie Author Legacy Award for Poet of the Year, he authored poetry book Beyond the Event Horizon (2015) and spoken word album Pulsar (2018). His work also appears in the 2020 anthology On Verge: Poets of the Palisades.”

America 250: The Belmar Party
2026-05-07 17:00 - 19:30 | Belmar Public Library, 517 10th Ave, Belmar, NJ, 07719, United States
America 250: The Belmar Party

Join us as Belmar Public Library celebrates America’s 250th birthday with a community gathering on our library lawn!

📅 Thursday, May 7th, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Band starts at 5:30 PM
📍 Belmar Public Library lawn (Free and Open to Public)
Featuring:

Live music by the Ocean Avenue Stompers – New Orleans brass meets Jersey Shore soul
Special appearance by Pat Roddy
Ice cream, face painting, balloon twists, and hot dogs *While supplies last

Celebrate our nation’s milestone in the heart of Belmar!

Manifest Joy With Books and Bowls
2026-06-09 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-11 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-09-08 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-10-13 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-11-10 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-12-08 17:00 - 18:00, 2027-01-12 17:00 - 18:00, 2027-02-09 17:00 - 18:00 and 4 more dates | Belmar Public Library, 517 10th Ave, Belmar, NJ, 07719, United States
Gather with neighbors for our monthly mindfulness and affirmation session at the library with Heidi Thompson every second Tuesday at 5PM. Make time for yourself to reflect on what you love and how to manifest it in your life.

Free and open to the public!

Heidi Thompson is a mindfulness expert who leads workshops focused on cultivating joy through intentional living. After experiencing its positive impact in her own life, she was inspired to lead workshops and share these tools with others. Through her sessions, Heidi offers practical tools that help participants build positivity and nurturing habits in everyday life.

Juneteenth Celebration
2026-06-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Taylor Pavilion, 500 Ocean Ave., Belmar, NJ, 07719, United States
Celebrate Juneteenth with Music, Poetry, and Community!
Join us at Taylor Pavilion on Thursday, June 18th, at 5 PM for the Belmar Library’s Juneteenth Celebration!
Featuring:

The Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble representing the beauty of African culture through traditional African dance and drum.
The John Luckenbill Orchestra, performing an unforgettable live concert.
Spoken Word Poetry by James C. Ellerbe, sharing his own inspiring work.

Bring your family and friends to celebrate freedom, culture, and community in a meaningful and joyous way.
This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Mark your calendar, and don’t miss this special evening of celebration! Join us at Taylor Pavilion on Thursday, June 18th, at 5 PM by registering here:

Manifest Joy With Books and Bowls *reschedule*
2026-07-21 17:00 - 18:00 | Belmar Public Library, 517 10th Ave, Belmar, NJ, 07719, United States
