Stafford Branch,

Ocean County Library

129 North Main St. (Route 9)

Manahawkin (609-597-3381)

Theoceancountylibrary.org

Is it possible to foretell the future, move objects with your mind or read someone’s thoughts?

That will be explored when the branch presents “ESP and Mind Reading With Amore,” on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m.

In this program, Amore, the stage name of James Lazzarini, will be using numerous audience volunteers for mind reading demonstrations.

“It could involve a book someone is reading, or lottery numbers,” he said. “In a sense, the audience members become stars of the show. I use psychology and parapsychology. It is a show where people can discover the power of their own mind.”

Lazzarini said that he will also mix in some comedy and music.

A performer for more than 15 years, the Long Island-based magician has a college degree in psychology and holds a doctorate in clinical hypnotherapy. Besides various venues in the United States, Lazzarini has taken his act to China, Canada, Bermuda and Puerto Rico. He has performed at corporate functions for WABC-TV, Burger King, Philip Morris, Nabisco and UPS.

“Ever since I was a little kid, I always had a fascination with the power of the mind,” said Lazzarini. “I have various shows to offer. For the library programs, they are family oriented, and we all have a lot of fun and get a lot of laughs.”

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Are you curious about Numerology? John Fierro discusses this ancient science on Monday, Oct. 22, 7 p.m. He will talk about how numerals and letters from a person’s birth date and name reveal talents, abilities, personality traits and trends in one’s life. 

The HealthEase “Move Today” exercise program is offered on Wednesday afternoons. From 3 to 4 p.m., seniors can participate in non-aerobic exercise to help flexibility, balance and strength training, using resistance bands. Sponsoring the program with the branch are the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and the Ocean County Office on Senior Services.

The String of Purls knitting and crochet group meets Saturday, Oct. 20, 10:30 a.m. and Thursday, Nov. 1, 1 p.m. Beginners and experienced knitters are welcome.

The Friends of the branch meet Thursday, Oct. 18, 9:30 a.m. New members are welcome. The group holds its monthly book sale on Thursday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Look for big bargains within a wide selection of fiction and nonfiction titles. The group is also seeking donations of childrens books for the sale.

Rosemary Molloy, a Little Egg Harbor Township resident, will present a program on the Dionne Quintuplets at the next Friends Thursday Adventure on Nov. 1, 10:30 a.m.

The branch gets a jump on Halloween when South Jersey Ghost Research conducts a program on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. The group conducts investigations on haunted sites and talks with people who believe had experienced paranormal activity in their home or business.

For the young children, there will be a Halloween story time on Monday, Oct. 29, 4 p.m. Children ages 3 and up are welcome to come in costume.

The next family film is “The Lorax” on Saturday, Oct. 27, while “Hunger Games” is the feature film scheduled Saturday, Nov. 10. Both movies begin at 2 p.m.

Brain Games is scheduled Wednesday, Nov. 7, 1 p.m. Older adults will engage in various mental exercises to keep their minds sharp.

The First Wednesday book discussion group delves into Shanghai Refuge by Ernest G. Heppner on Nov. 7, 7 p.m.

Jeffrey Archer’s Path of Glory is the subject for Second Tuesday book discussion meeting Nov. 13, 1 p.m.

Need help with using the Internet? The technology room on the lower level has numerous courses available for beginners and experienced computer users. Check the front desk for times and dates.

The room is open for public use on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 3 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday, 3 to 4:45 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Sunday 1 to 4:45 p.m.

— Eric Englund