Hidden between the bustling cities of New York and Philadelphia, the jigsaw puzzle-shaped state of New Jersey is home to an extraordinary crew of children, known as the "Book Buccaneers." Lead by their enchanting captain, a cool imaginary character named Jovial Jersey, the Book Buccaneers are famous for their love for reading. Jersey, with his flamboyantly tall hat and eyeglasses as large as pizza pies, is no ordinary captain. With a hearty laugh that sounds like a mix between a hiccup and a sneeze, he guides the kids through uncharted territories of imagination and knowledge, sailing on a ship made entirely of books! These swashbuckling, book-loving kids hail from the sandy beaches of Cape May to the towering cliffs of the Palisades. Their adventures take them through the Pine Barrens, where they read about mythical creatures under the whispering pines, and to the streets of Princeton, where they browse through stories in the university's ancient libraries. A diverse crew they are, with each Buccaneer passionate about a different genre. Some are cupcake-faced detectives who solve mysteries just by flipping pages, while others are pony-tailed princesses who dive into enchanting fairy tales. Yet, they all share the same thrilling love for words, pages, and the magic that springs from them. The Book Buccaneers can turn even the grumpiest of grown-ups into giggling bookworms with their infectious enthusiasm for reading. They live by Jovial Jersey's motto, "The more you read, the more you know. The more you know, the further we can sail!" So, if you ever visit the Garden State, keep an eye out for these book-loving pirates, they might just whisk you away on an unbelievable reading adventure!
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Give your child the opportunity to learn a unique Olympic sport while building confidence, focus, coordination, discipline, and strategic thinking at ALLE Fencing Club in Fort Lauderdale. ALLE Fencing Club specializes in saber fencing and welcomes students from beginners discovering the sport for the first time to experienced young athletes preparing for regional and national competitions. Youth beginner classes introduce children ages 6–12 to the fundamentals of fencing, including saber handling, footwork, distance control, fencing etiquette, sportsmanship, coordination, focus, and basic rules. Junior programs are available for ages 12+ and help students progress toward competitive fencing. With experienced coaches and a supportive training environment, students develop both physical and mental skills while learning a sport that challenges them to think quickly, move confidently, and make strategic decisions. Advanced and Elite programs provide additional training for experienced fencers interested in tournaments and high-level competition. ALLE Fencing Club also offers private lessons for personalized instruction and skill development, as well as beginner-focused fencing camps that combine fencing activities with teamwork, confidence-building, focus, and fun.
The municipal library of Hillsdale, New Jersey, had its beginning as an association library in 1935. The township was formed in 1898 and previously had not possessed a library. It was not until a W.P.A. class in public speaking conducted by Elsie Hubachek (who was later a councilwoman) that support for a library took root and began to grow. A member of the class, Sarah Vander Clute, spoke on the subject of books. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and at that moment the decision to form a town library was made. Members of the class formed a committee and met with local citizens. Judge Walter J. McIntyre, an attorney, who subsequently served as a trustee for 35 years until his retirement in 1970, gave legal advice and was chairman of the public meeting. Judge McIntyre chose six library trustees and a library association, with a membership fee of one dollar, was formed. A vacant store on the main street was rented. Members of the library worked to get the building in order, washing windows, scrubbing floors, mending and cataloging books, building bookshelves. Books were donated from everywhere, including a loan collection from the State Library. Gifts and proceeds from card parties, movie benefits, and a play, The Haunted House, given by the Hillsdale Players, kept the project on its feet. The Free Public Library was opened to the people of the town on January 27, 1936. In eight months the number of borrowers was 752, a good representation from a total population of approximately 3100.