The white cement building that has been long known as a Red Bank
staple has been standing on West Front Street for a little more than 80
years. The building that has seen many local businesses come and go,
and it has been there to educate, inform, and create a sense of community
through it all. Yes, you’ve guessed it. It is the Red Bank Public Library, ladies
and gentlemen! I regretfully mention that I have just recently visited this
library for the rst time, which should be a sin since I have surely passed
the beautiful building at least a million times throughout the years.
Though, I did frequent the hill to the left of the building for sledding when
a heavy snowstorm hit.
I nally opened my eyes and realized that the Red Bank Public Library
has so many interesting offerings all year round. I was so relieved
to nd out that the library ve minutes from my house offers a variety
of classes from meditation to German club. As I shopped around the calendar,
the meditation class really caught my eye. In the midst of a busy
spring semester, I thought maybe I should give my mind and body a rest,
giving meditation a go. Side note: these classes are free (college-budget
friendly)! My relationship with concentration has been a rocky one, so I
had little hope that meditation was a feat I could potentially conquer.
After the meditation led by Denise Kornblatt, my mind was clear and my
future with mindfulness was looking bright.
Meditation class is held every second and fourth Saturday of the
month at 10:15 am. On the particular Saturday I decided to attend, it
was a gray, rainy day. I packed my yoga mat, ipped on the windshield
wipers, picked up my friend, Nichole, and drove down West Front Street
toward the library.
We grabbed our mats and headed into the quaint, historical
building, I took a deep breath in because something about the smell
of books puts me at ease. The view of the Navesink River is so beautiful
and completes the exact ambience you’re looking for when in search
of a clear mind and body. The meditation class was held in a room on
the lower level, which surprisingly had a large window that looked over
the Navesink too. Once we had settled onto our mats, we met Denise.
She ran us through the process of the session, along with common misconceptions
or ideas about what meditation is supposed to be. I was
relieved when she said it was common to nd difculty in clearing your
mind because I knew that was something I was going to struggle with.
The hour felt like 10 minutes. It was so relaxing, and I actually had
an easier time than I thought controlling and focusing on my breathing,
while not allowing my mind to wander to thoughts of what I was having
for lunch later that day. Walking out of that class, I felt refreshed and
clear-minded. I was ready to sit down with a book. I browsed the extensive
book selection and picked up “The Snow Child” by Eowyn Ivey. I had read
it years ago and remembered enjoying it, so I wanted to catch up with the
characters and reminisce. I sat in a chair closest to the window, read and
occasionally zoned out with my eyes xed on the river.
The Red Bank Public Library is more than just the place to go sledding
after a snowstorm; it’s a place that allows the public the chance to
try a class, meet new people and fall in love with a hobby.
30 APRIL 2020 | TheJournalNJ.com
My Visit to…
the Red Bank Public Library
BY JULIA MORTIMER
APRIL h l
/TheJournalNJ.com