Events Calendar

Computer Classes

One-on-One sessions available at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment.

Call or visit the library to register.

Patrons can schedule a one-on-one appointment to learn about specific computer-related topics. Subjects include computer and internet basics, Microsoft Office, and Windows operating system. Appointments are required: Call the library at 732-745-5108 x22 to register for an appointment.

The curriculum for these appointments has been provided by Northstar Digital Literacy.

Knitting/Crocheting Club

Thursday, September 28, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Register here.

Do you like to knit and/or crochet? Or do you want to learn and already have your own supplies? Join the club -- via Zoom! Everyone is welcome, from beginners to old pros. Work on your current project, or start a new one with tips from other attendees. Participants exchange knitting/crocheting ideas while enjoying pleasant conversation. (This is an informal group and not an instructional class.) Register at tinyurl.com/KnitCrochetNB; once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link.

The Knitting/Crocheting Club regularly meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month (with some exceptions). Meetings will be virtual until further notice. For more information, please contact Librarian Kym Kirkley at kirkleyk@lmxac.org or 732-745-5108 x20.

Glass Plate Photo Collection Exhibit and Presentation

Exhibit, "New Brunswick then and now through Howell family glass plate negatives": September 6 - 27, in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Presentation, "Photography and early 20th-century New Brunswick": Saturday, September 23, at 2 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

The prosperous Howell family, who lived on George Street in New Brunswick around the early 1900s, included three adult sisters who were avid amateur photographers using glass plate negatives. They especially photographed in and around their house; family members and other people; urban and rural landscapes; buildings; beach scenes; river views; and horse drawn vehicles like carriages and sleighs. 233 pieces of Howell family glass plate negatives were digitized and selected pictures will be on display in the library's Community Room from September 6 to September 27, 2023.

A talk by historian and photographer Gary Saretzky on Saturday, 9/23/2023, at 2 p.m. will include an overview of how photographs were made in the 19th and early 20th century, followed by samples of work by the Howells from the collection of the New Brunswick Free Public Library. Attendees will learn about the daily life of Victorian women through the photographs they made and see New Brunswick as it appeared at the dawn of the twentieth century. Registration for the presentation is suggested; register at tinyurl.com/nbfplphoto or ask at the reference desk (732-745-5108 x20).

Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund.

Meditation for a More Balanced Life

Tuesday, September 26, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Register here.

People all over the world are tuning into meditation to help them lead a more peaceful and healthy life-style. Meditation is the key to a more balanced life. Scientific studies have proven that the practice of meditation provides a deep relaxation to the body that helps reduce stress and tension. Please join Sangeeta Sinha, MBA, M. Ed and longtime meditator, for this powerful virtual program and learn a simple and natural method of meditation that will help enhance your life. Register at tinyurl.com/meditateSep26 to get the Zoom link, or call 732-745-5108 x20 in advance to ask to attend by phone.

Free Immigration Workshop

Tuesday, October 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.
Register here.

Do you have an immigration question? Please join us to have some of your questions answered. The topics for this workshop include the difference between an immigration lawyer and a public notary, tips to avoid during the immigration process, choosing the correct immigration lawyer, etc. Attorney Maribel J. Allen will lead the presentation, which will be in Spanish.

Registration is encouraged; register at tinyurl.com/immigrationws or ask at the reference desk at 732-745-5108 x20.

~ Visit the Explore LMxAC Calendar for information about events at other libraries in our consortium!

Virtual English Conversation Groups

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, September 12 through December 19, 2023, via Zoom.
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays, September 14 through December 21, 2023, via Zoom.
~ No session on November 23 (Thanksgiving Day).
Register here / Regístrese aquí.

These conversation groups are for adult language learners (over age 18) who are able to speak some English. Each week the group will discuss a topic in English to help improve their conversational skills. Advance registration is required to get the Zoom link for these virtual programs.

English Conversation Cafés

In person: Mondays, October 16 - December 4, at 6:30-8:00 p.m.; and Fridays, October 20 - December 8 (no session on November 24), at 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Register here / Regístrese aquí.
Virtual: Tuesdays, October 17 - December 5 (no session on November 21) at 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Register here for virtual only.

Are you interested in practicing English and meeting new people? Join one or more of our English Conversation Cafés! The Conversation Café is an informal conversation practice group for adult language learners with all levels of proficiency. Participants engage in one-on-one or small-group conversations with Conversation Facilitators discussing a variety of topics.

The English Conversation Cafés are made possible through a partnership with The Conversation Tree: Community-Based Language Partnerships, a program created by Rutgers Graduate School of Education and The Collaborative Center for Community-Based Research and Service.

Citizenship Classes

5:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays, October 5 - December 21 (excluding November 23), 2023.

Do you need to improve your English and pass the Citizenship Test? Do you need help with your Naturalization Application? This free Citizenship class is available for beginner and intermediate English learners who are legal Permanent Residents (Green Card holders). During the class, you will work with certified teachers and dedicated tutors to improve your English. The teachers are Board Certified to represent you with your citizenship case.

To register, please call John Tello at 732-777-1940 (se habla Español). The class will take place in the library's community room or, on some dates, in the Henry Guest House next to the library. Feel free to call librarian Kavita Pandey at 732-745-5108 x29 or email at kavita@lmxac.org with questions.

Read and Play

Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. at the library.
Register.

Children ages 0-4 and their caregivers are invited to listen to stories, sing songs, and have fun during this bilingual program. Registration suggested here. Contact Karen Stuppi at kstuppi@Lmxac.org or call 732-745-5108 x31 with any questions.

Solar Science Saturdays

September 16, 23, 30 & October 7 at 2:00 p.m.
Register.

Come to the library for one or all of our solar science activities leading up to the solar eclipse happening on October 14! These programs are for all ages, though children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Register for one, some, or all of the programs at: tinyurl.com/SolarSci.

• 9/16: Intro to Solar Eclipses. Learn about solar eclipses and make a case for your solar eclipse glasses.
• 9/23: Make a Pinhole Viewer. Local astronomer Zachary Lichtmann will guide you in making your own pinhole viewer and provide fascinating information about the sun.
• 9/30: Safe Sun Viewing & Chalk Art. Learn to use a variety of solar science tools and create solar eclipse chalk art.
• 10/7: Be a NASA Scientist. Become a citizen scientist using the GLOBE Observer app.

Attendees will receive a pair of solar eclipse glasses at the end of each program listed above.

All are welcome to join us on October 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for Eclipse Day! Bring your solar eclipse glasses to the library to view the eclipse, or come inside the library to view the livestream of the eclipse as it goes across the country!

Reading Buddies

Wednesdays, October 4 - December 13 (excluding Nov. 22), at 4:00 p.m.

Reading Buddies is an after-school mentorship program run by the Rutgers University Youth Empowerment Club. Rutgers students guide K-5 children in reading, arts and crafts, games, and other activities. Contact youthempowermentclubru@gmail.com for more information.

Homework Help

Thursday afternoons in October.

Children in grades K-6 are welcome to drop by the Children's Room between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays for help with their homework. For more information, call 732-745-5108 x31 or email kstuppi@Lmxac.org.

Lego Club

Tuesday, October 3, at 4:00 p.m. at the library.
Register.

K-6 children are invited to create with a variety of Lego materials. Their creations will then be displayed in the library for a month. The Lego Club will meet once a month, usually on the first Tuesday of the month (with some exceptions), from October through April. Register at tinyurl.com/ClubLego.

Spooky Stories

Tuesday, October 24, at 6:00 p.m. at the library.
Register.

K-6 children are invited to listen to some (not very) spooky stories and enjoy a variety of crafts. Register at tinyurl.com/Misteriosos.

Solar Science Saturdays

September 16, 23, 30 & October 7 at 2:00 p.m.
Register.

Come to the library for one or all of our solar science activities leading up to the solar eclipse happening on October 14! These programs are for all ages, though children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Register for one, some, or all of the programs at: tinyurl.com/SolarSci.

• 9/16: Intro to Solar Eclipses. Learn about solar eclipses and make a case for your solar eclipse glasses.
• 9/23: Make a Pinhole Viewer. Local astronomer Zachary Lichtmann will guide you in making your own pinhole viewer and provide fascinating information about the sun.
• 9/30: Safe Sun Viewing & Chalk Art. Learn to use a variety of solar science tools and create solar eclipse chalk art.
• 10/7: Be a NASA Scientist. Become a citizen scientist using the GLOBE Observer app.

Attendees will receive a pair of solar eclipse glasses at the end of each program listed above.

All are welcome to join us on October 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for Eclipse Day! Bring your solar eclipse glasses to the library to view the eclipse, or come inside the library to view the livestream of the eclipse as it goes across the country!

Solar Science Saturdays

September 16, 23, 30 & October 7 at 2:00 p.m.

Eclipse Day! October 14, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Come to the library for one or all of our solar science activities leading up to the solar eclipse happening on October 14! These programs are for all ages, though children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Register for one, some, or all of the programs at: tinyurl.com/SolarSci.

• 9/16: Intro to Solar Eclipses. Learn about solar eclipses and make a case for your solar eclipse glasses.
• 9/23: Make a Pinhole Viewer. Local astronomer Zachary Lichtmann will guide you in making your own pinhole viewer and provide fascinating information about the sun. {Registration full.}
• 9/30: Safe Sun Viewing & Chalk Art. Learn to use a variety of solar science tools and create solar eclipse chalk art.
• 10/7: Be a NASA Scientist. Become a citizen scientist using the GLOBE Observer app.

Attendees will receive a pair of solar eclipse glasses at the end of each program listed above.

All are welcome to join us on October 14 for Eclipse Day! Bring your solar eclipse glasses to the library to view the eclipse, or come inside the library to view the livestream of the eclipse as it goes across the country!

Free Vision Screening

By appointment, in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

These free eye clinics are offered in partnership with Puerto Rican Association for Human Development (PRAHD) and Project Better Eye-Health Services and Treatment (BEST), and is for people with no insurance or limited vision insurance. Trained medical professionals will be in the Community Room providing free vision screening. Glasses can be prescribed on site if needed.

Registration is required; call 732-745-5108 x28 and leave a voicemail with your full name and phone number, stating what you are calling about. Someone will call you back when we have an opening* to ask you some screening questions before scheduling your appointment. (*At this time, we have a waiting list.)

Photography Contest 2023

Submission Deadline: Friday, October 13, 2023.

Exhibit Opening Reception: Friday, November 10th at 6:30 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

The New Brunswick Free Public Library presents its 16th Annual Photography Contest, as of in July 2023. The contest submission form with complete details is available to download here (o en español aquí). Entrants in the contest will be featured in a joint exhibition at the library and Above Art Studios (located at 55B Morris Street, New Brunswick, NJ) in the fall of 2023. A panel of professional photographers will judge the submissions for first, second, and third place. Winners will be announced at the exhibit's Opening Reception. More information is available on our Photo Contest page.

Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund.

Knitting/Crocheting Club

Second and fourth Thursday of the month (unless otherwise noted) at 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Register here.

Do you like to knit and/or crochet? Or do you want to learn and already have your own supplies? Join the club -- via Zoom! Everyone is welcome, from beginners to old pros. Work on your current project, or start a new one with tips from other attendees. Participants exchange knitting/crocheting ideas while enjoying pleasant conversation. (This is an informal group and not an instructional class.) Register here; once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link.

As of May 2023, the Knitting/Crocheting Club regularly meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, with some exceptions. Meetings will be virtual until further notice. For more information, please contact Librarian Kym Kirkley at kirkleyk@lmxac.org or 732-745-5108 x20.

Sewing 101

Tuesdays 11/7/2023 and 12/5/2023, then continuing on the first Wednesday of each month starting 1/3/2024, at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Stitch something special with local sewing expert Pam Brooks. We'll have a different project each month. Registration is suggested: please register at https://forms.gle/rd1vgjfomSvhKx4N8 or call 732-745-5108 x20 to sign up.

Minimum age to attend is 10 years old. Please arrive on time to participate; we reserve the right to deny participation to anyone arriving after 6:30. Please contact Librarian Hsien-min Chen at htang@lmxac.org with any questions.

Multicultural Festival

The New Brunswick Free Public Library and the New Brunswick Cultural Center Inc. presented their latest Multicultural Festival on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the library. The celebration featured various crafts, displays, music, dance, and food from different cultures. View professional photographs by Events Now USA at this link, and/or view the library's Flickr album here. This project is supported in part by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Poetry Month Celebration

Visit our Poetry page for information about our annual anthology and reading to commemorate National Poetry Month (April). The most recent anthology is embedded in the page, and there are links to view the recording of the most recent reading, as well as to view past years' anthologies and readings.

Holi Festival

Visit our Holi page for information about our annual Holi festival. The page includes links to photos and videos from previous Holi celebrations.

Photography Contest

Visit our Photo Contest page for information about this popular annual program. The page includes links to previous years' Photography Contest presentations, starting with 2018.

Visual Arts Contest

Visit the Visual Arts page to see information about, as well as photos and the presentation from, the New Brunswick Free Public Library's 2019 Visual Arts Contest.

Multicultural Festival: New Year Celebrations Around the World

Available to watch on YouTube here.
Originally held on Saturday, December 4, 2021, from 2:00 to 4 p.m.
In-person in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room and Virtual via Zoom

All were welcome to join us -- either in person or online -- for a vibrant, fun-filled hybrid Multicultural Festival, presented in collaboration with New Brunswick Cultural Center Inc. The festivities included cultural displays, music and dance performances, crafts, and international food. We showcased cultural celebrations from several countries such as Mexico, Hungary, India, China, Caribbean, and many more.

This program was free and open to all ages. Grant Funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of Department of State. Our additional program sponsors included Events Now USA, Holy Family Parish, Navrang Dance Academy, and American Hungarian Foundation.

Virtual Holi Festival

Available to watch on YouTube here.
Originally streamed on Saturday, April 3, 2021 from 3:00 to 5 p.m.

The Library celebrated its 12th annual and 1st virtual Indian Holi Festival in partnership with New Brunswick Cultural Center and Rutgers Indian Graduate Student Association. This celebration of the Indian Festival of colors was offered virtually via YouTube/Facebook, for free and open to all ages. There are several music and dance performances, a painting tutorial, and a delicious Indian food demonstration by Majwani restaurant! All supplies for the painting tutorial as well as dry Holi colors were provided by registration and appointment. For more information, visit this page or contact librarian Kavita Pandey at kavita@lmxac.org or 732-745-5108 x20. You can also watch our promo video here!

This project was funded with support from the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners, with support from the Folklife Program for New Jersey at the Arts Institute of Middlesex County, and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Our additional program sponsors were South Asian Total Health Initiative, Navrang Dance Academy, Sowparnika Dance Academy, Taalim School of Indian Music, Mejwani Indian Restaurant, and WRSU 88.7 FM Rutgers Radio.

You can also view photos from past events on our Flickr page.