Toms River, NJ - Be part of a time-honored ritual, deeply rooted in Japanese life. Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a Japanese Tea Ceremony during the month of May at four Ocean County Library branches.

- Lacey Branch - 10 East Lacey Road, (609) 693-8566. Saturday, May 6, 2 PM.
- Manchester Branch - 21 Colonial Drive, (732) 657-7600. Thursday, May 18, 2 PM.
- Point Pleasant Borough Branch - 834 Beaver Dam Road, (732) 295-1555. Saturday, May 20, 2 PM.
- Jackson Branch - 2 Jackson Drive, (732) 928-4400. Thursday, May 25, 2 PM.

At the conclusion, four members of the audience will be invited to sit as guests in the  ceremony, partaking in bowls of Japanese powdered green tea known as matcha. All attendees will be invited to sample cups of tea and traditional confections.

Dr. Drew Hanson, owner of Boukakuan Japanese Tea House and Garden, Columbus, New Jersey, and Brandon Forsht will illustrate the ritual’s evolution through 450 years. The Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia notes that Dr. Hanson is a licensed teacher of the art, and has studied since 1995.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony began as a symbol of elegance, developed into a spiritually rejuvenating rite, and is a core component in the nation’s culture.

Please register at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/eents for this free program. For more information, visit or call any participating branch, or by calling (732) 349-6200.

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