Tune Into Holiday Radio Shows On Monmouth County Library Website

MANALAPAN, NJ — A trip down memory lane is just a click away at the Monmouth County Library website, which brings radio days to listeners via the internet.

The county library branches are taking some time off on the Christmas and New Year's weekends, but its website offers lots for library buffs to do - including offering radio programs such as "It's A Wonderful Life" on the site.

The library offers vintage radio programs from the "Lux Radio Hour." Lux was a popular soap that sponsored a radio version of the Christmas classic. There's also CBS Mystery Theater's "A Holiday Visit" and a variety of videos of classic movies to watch.

But a can't-miss performance comes from Monmouth County's own radio troupe - The Classic Radio Road Show Players.

Founded in 2017 by Duane Noch of Middletown, the troupe offers live performances throughout the area. Its website is full of interesting history about radio shows and performances - and information about the members. Noch is artistic director of the players.

Noch, who is also the lead carpenter for the Two River Theater in Red Bank, said the troupe just did a performance at a church for a fundraiser.

"It was just the greatest feeling," he said.

The troupe's next live performances will resume in February. But in the meantime, you can check out their rendition of "It's A Wonderful Life" recording on the library site.

Noch said live performances are the most effective, but in any format radio offers a different type of sensory experience for the listener.

As opposed to the visual punch of blockbuster movies, the more intimate radio experience "wows their ears," he said.

"People get to use their imaginations; it really engages the audience," he added.

As an actor, Noch said he likes the experience of merging into a character - and you don't have to look the part.

He said he played a 300-pound character in a radio play the troupe performed this year, and it felt fun considering his own slight frame.

The plays are presented with some excellent sound effects, too, he said.

Bringing the radio era to modern listeners seems appropriate for the Monmouth County Library System, which is marking its 100th anniversary.

The library system, headquartered in Manalapan, just celebrated its 100th year in 2022, said Laura Migliore, programming coordinator of the library.

The branches will be closed Saturday through Monday on both the Christmas and New Year's weekends. The library system saw the return of many live events and lectures this year after COVID necessitated more virtual programming.

But as the library greets its second century, it will be keeping up with the times both in-person and virtually.

As Migliore reminded patrons, "We're open 24/7 online."