Literary Liaisons Series presents Marine Biologist

Jersey City native and marine biologist Thomas Belton will present his book "Protecting New Jersey's Environment: From Cancer Ally to New Garden State" at the Livingston Public Library. Mr. Belton is a scientist working for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Cancer and Toxic Substances Research.

When Belton was growing up in Jersey City in the 1950s, he and his brother thought nothing of swimming under the coal towers by the Hudson River where Liberty State Park now lies. They would go out with their father and catch fish from the river, and later eat them. They, like the rest of New Jersey, were unaware of carcinogens being dumped into their favorite swimming spot. In "Protecting New Jersey's Environments" Mr. Belton reflects on the personal anecdotes that led him to his career in environmental protection, including losing his brother and father to cancer. Thomas Belton now resides in Haddonfield, NJ.

Involved in environmental research for the past twenty-five years, Mr. Belton discusses how research on the environment translates to government policy. His book is an encapsulation of New Jersey’s key environmental issues and sheds light on the ways common citizens have sought justice when faced with health threats. Mr. Belton will detail the efforts made to find a balance between the short and long-term public interests that are at the heart of almost every environmental issue.

The New Jersey Council for the Humanities named the book a 2010 Honor Book

A book signing will follow.

This program is funded by the Friends of the Livingston Public Library as part of the Literary Liaisons Series. The program is free and open to all. No registration is required.

The SYLS Department and the Livingston Public Library are offering evening senior bus transportation to this event.  Please call the SYLS office at  973-535-7925 to schedule your pick-up/drop off. Bus space is limited. Available to ages 60+.