By DENISE HERSCHEL
Neptune Library patrons are in for a real treat this upcoming weekend before Valentine’s Day. As they browse for some new reads or stop by for a quiet place to study, they can also satisfy their sweet tooth at the same time as the Valentine’s Day Bake Sale will take place Sat., Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Chocolate pretzels, brownies and dessert loafs are only a few of the homemade goods that will be featured with all proceeds going to the library’s tween and teen programming.
Amanda Franco, Reference Librarian and Tween/Teen Coordinator, will run the sale along with library assistant Kelly Taylor in the library’s lobby. According to Franco, the library’s previous bake sale in 2016 was a big success and she anticipates this one to be just as well-attended.
“Our bake sales are always very popular. We raised over $600 at our last sale,” she said. “This upcoming sale is a Valentine’s Day theme so you can pick up some sweet treats for your loved ones. We will have cupcakes, gluten free items, vegan treats, bread loafs, dessert loafs, brownies, chocolate pretzels, an array of different cookies and much more. Prices for the baked goods will range from $1.00 to $5.00 depending on size.”
Franco continued that the money raised from the sale will allow for more supplies, prizes and food for the tweens and teens.
“We will be able to buy all kinds of materials we need for our programs throughout the year and prizes and yummy food for our Harry Potter party coming up. All of the proceeds really help us put on the best programs we can for the kids. We are very grateful for the support,” she said. “We like to have programs that bring out the creativity in kids and to have them socialize with different people from the community. We have a bunch of exciting programs coming up in the next few months. This month we are doing paper heart chandeliers, in March we are making kinetic sand and in April the kids will be doing DIY Stress Balls. May is when we will have our Harry Potter party!”
The tweens and teen programming has been met with great success at the library and Franco added that “the kids always leave with a smile and tell us they can’t wait till the next program.”
“When I create programs for the kids I always keep their interests in mind. I want the programs to excite and intrigue them. These programs help give children a love for their library and positive memories,” she said.
There are wait lists for the tween and teen programs because they do tend to full up quickly, according to Franco. All information for dates and times are on the library’s Facebook page.
“Kids on the wait list usually get a call because of cancellations so it’s always a good idea to sign up. I have started an email for these programs so if anyone wants to know what programs are coming up or they want to register they can email me at aLemay@neptunepublcilibrary.
For further information about the Neptune Library’s programs call the library at 732-775-8241.
