In this week's Frugal Family, tt's all about the greatest free resource we have in Monmouth County: our wonderful libraries. There are more than just books these great homes for the best works of literature and public opinion. Each branch has programs galore for residents. Some are free, some charge a nominal fee, but all of them have your unique interests in mind.

Read to the Dogs

• Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125, Symmes Road, Manalapan

The popular Read to the Dogs program returns to Monmouth County Library Headquarters on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Children in first grade and above will get a chance to read a favorite story to their canine pals. Registration is required. Call 732-431-7226 for more information.

Rock Out with Rock It!

• Middletown Public Library, 55 New Monmouth Road, Middletown

 On Sunday Sept. 18 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., head on over to the Middletown Public Library's community room for a fabulous monthly musical program called Rock It! Musical selections will be performed by the talented teens and tweens from Count Basie Theater's Rock It! program, under the direction of Bruce Gallipani. There are no age restrictions on the program and all are welcome. No registration is required and light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 732-671-3700.

Kids Yoga

• Red Bank Public Library, 84 West Front Street, Red Bank

On Mondays, starting Sept. 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., join Miss Sam for the most fun you'll ever have stretching! This weekly program will have children ages 6 and up learning basic yoga techniques and proper breathing. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or towel to each session. Call 732-842-0690 for more information.

Invention Adventure for Grades 3-6

• Marlboro Free Public Library, 1 Library Court, Marlboro

On Thursday, Sept, 15, join Marlboro educator and Camp Invention director Marilyn Kravetz will teach your kids how to become inventors. Do your kids always have a unique solution to everyday issues? Do they like to be hands-on in creating new things? Then this is a program that is just for them. They'll have fun brainstorming ideas, problem solving, and socializing with other inventive kids. Best of all, all participants will have a chance to compete for a spot at the Invention Fair to be held at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters on Oct. 22. Call 732-536-9406 for more info.

Creating Super Coasters

• Eastern Branch, Monmouth County Library, 1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury

On Sunday, Oct. 2 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m, kids in sixth grades and up will enjoy an engineering challenge like no other. Want to construct your imagination's version of the next Kingda Ka or Green Lantern? In this fun program, teens will games involving a ball rolling through various twists and turns in the style of an amusement park ride.

Everyone will have access to flexible pipe insulation, marbles, and other materials to build their design. This great program also demonstrates the forces of motion, which enhances the science lessons they are learning in school. Registration is required. Call 732-683-8980 for more information.