The South Brunswick Public Library (SBPL) will hold the annual SB Reads Night on February 24, in partnership with libraries across the South Brunswick school district. Through book donations, read-alouds, and refreshments, the event will promote reading to students K-12 and support the literature of local authors.
Hosted at South Brunswick High School from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, the annual SB Reads Night will allow all South Brunswick community members to come together to appreciate the skills reading gives students to help them succeed in the classroom and their everyday lives. Previous themes of the event focused on the feeling of communal belonging and exploring perspectives and experiences of those across the globe, but this year’s theme is “Reading Is A Gift.”
Librarian and Media Specialist, Mrs. Lisa Manganello said, “Reading hones our critical thinking and expands our vocabulary laying the foundation for academic success… foster[ing] lifelong learning.”
Authors in the Middlesex County community, a mystery for participants until the start of the event, will be stationed throughout the Hands Hallway, Main Entryway, and cafeterias showcasing their works. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions to gain insight on an author’s literature or, more generally, their writing process, finding inspiration, and submitting to editors and publishers.
Mrs. Manganello said, “Reading encourages curiosity and intellectual development, creating a community that values knowledge and growth…they offer windows into diverse experiences and cultures helping all community members with and understand each other.”
Members of the SBPL will be in the library, holding various workshops about graphic novels and comics in two sessions, one catered towards a younger audience with arts and crafts projects and one session more for older high school students interested in the process of becoming writers themselves.
Due to the recent tragic events of the California wildfires, The Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy at SBHS is partnering with the SB Reads Night to bring awareness and support to those affected. Students and parents alike may write cards or make donations of gift cards throughout the night that will go directly to first responders in California.
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is providing refreshments of chocolate chip cookies and hot cocoa for all attendees as they listen to the numerous books being discussed around them.
While this is only its second year post-COVID, this night of reading has been inviting community members to enjoy the wonders of reading since 2011. The librarians of South Brunswick look forward to seeing you there!
This article was originally published on February 24, 2025
