If you are a fan of the PBS hit series Downton Abbey, then join us for a very proper
June is Horse Month!

Learn about the art of riding sidesaddle and the history of foxhunting. Meet presenter Tracy Brennan and her horse Beau, and learn about the very elegant British riding habit for women. Plus, listen to a panel of experts discuss the importance of the Standardbred horse industry to Monmouth County.

The programs will be held at the Eastern Branch Library in Shrewsbury and Monmouth County Library Headquarters in Manalapan. Be sure to check the Library’s calendar of events for special June is Horse Month movie selections.

Each year, the Monmouth County Library celebrates June is Horse Month. This annual observance gives us an opportunity to focus on New Jersey’s state animal as well as the recreational, economic, social, and therapeutic benefits provided by the equine industry.

The horse was proclaimed the state animal by the Legislature in 1977, and in May 1998 Governor Christine Todd Whitman proclaimed June as the Month of the Horse in New Jersey.

Read on for the June is Horse Month program lineup!

Summer reading clubs at the Monmouth County Library are for all ages and for the whole family! Clubs will begin on June 1 and run through August 10. Meet your goal and earn a cool prize! Library branches will also hold special summer programs for all ages.

All Library Summer Reading Clubs will be online beginning June 1. On that date you will be able to register and begin to log in your reading. Watch this webpage for new announcements!

For school-age children, the goal is to log 480 minutes (8 hours) of reading. Children who are not yet reading independently can join the Read-To-Me-Club, and listen to 20 books. For teens, the goal is 800 pages. For adults, the goal is four books. Reach the goal – and receive a prize from your library branch!

Each participant registers online with the branch library of their choice or a parent can create a family registration which gives them control of their children's accounts. Prizes can be picked up at the branch where you registered.

Special kickoff and ending celebrations for summer reading participants will be held at most Library branches. For information on children's programming, please visit our Children's Page.