Events Calendar

Computer Classes

Appointment slots: 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Call or visit the library to register.

Patrons can schedule a one-on-one session 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 to register for an appointment.

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

Virtual Spanish Conversation Circle

Wednesdays, October 8 - December 3, at 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., via Zoom.

Register here.

Are you interested in practicing Spanish and meeting new people? Join us online! This program has been made possible through a collaboration with the Department of English: Language Engagement Project at Rutgers University New Brunswick.

You must be over 18 years old to attend. Registration is required; register at tinyurl.com/nbfplLearnSpanish.

Spanish Language Workshop

Thursdays, October 9 and 23, at 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Register here.

Do you want to have fun while speaking Spanish and meeting new people? Join us in this in-person Spanish Language Workshop, made possible through a collaboration with the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at Rutgers New Brunswick. We'll review some basics and practice our speaking skills, covering such things as greetings and introductions; common phrases and expressions; pronunciation tips; and numbers and counting.

You must be over 18 years old to attend. Registration is required; register at tinyurl.com/NbfplLearnSpanish2025.

Knitting/Crocheting Club

Thursdays, October 9 & 23,etc.*, at 6:00 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 on your own device! 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 (such as November and December. Dates are listed on our calendar and in the Zoom registration.) Meetings will be virtual until further notice. For more information, please contact Librarian Kym Kirkley at kirkleyk@nbfpl.org or 732-745-5108.

Rondalla Strings: Music, Song, and Dance

Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

The New Brunswick Free Public Library is pleased to co-sponsor this free concert presented by the University of the Philippines Alumni & Friends Rondalla. Experience the sounds of Philippine native string instruments by the rondalla, as they perform traditional and contemporary pieces from various countries. No registration required!

Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Fund. For information on events, go to MiddlesexCountyCulture.com.

Revolution NJ250 Featured Speaker: Maxine N. Laurie

Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

As a part of New Jersey’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the New Brunswick Free Public Library will host Maxine N. Laurie, author of Taking Sides in Revolutionary New Jersey: Caught in the Crossfire. Maxine Laurie is an early American historian, with an interest in the 17th and 18th centuries. She has worked on multiple books and scholarly articles.

This talk is presented in conjunction with the library’s exhibition, “Revolution 250 Historical New Brunswick and the Declaration of Independence,” which is now open to the public. Being home to the third-ever reading of the Declaration of Independence, New Brunswick has a special relationship with the document. The exhibit will showcase the events and people that have made up the history of New Brunswick. Highlights include a look into the lives of New Brunswick’s earliest inhabitants, the murder case that changed media forever, and a forgotten jazz legend. The exhibition aims to examine historical events in New Brunswick and inspire viewers to think about whether the community is on a path to fulfilling the goals of the Revolution.

This exhibit was created by Karlene Collins, Rutgers Library Student, and Zachariah Brackett, Assistant Archival Librarian, with E. K. Adams, Archival Librarian, supervising. The exhibit will run until December 31, 2026; it is available during the library's usual hours of operation. The exhibit is located in the library's Community Room; please ask a librarian for entry. 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. For information on events, go to MiddlesexCountyCulture.com.

Sewing 101

Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Register here.

Stitch something special with local sewing expert Pam Brooks. This is a recurring program, usually on the first Wednesday of each month, and we’ll have a different project each month. (Dates fall on the first Wednesday of every month except January and April in 2025.) Minimum age to attend is 10 years old. Please arrive on time to participate.

Registration is required: register at https://forms.gle/rd1vgjfomSvhKx4N8 or call 732-745-5108 to sign up. (Registration is only available for one program date at a time; the registration form will be reset after each month's program ends, and it fills up quickly!) Please contact Librarian Hsien-min Chen at htang@nbfpl.org with any questions.

Virtual English Conversation Groups

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (ET) on Tuesdays, September 23 through December 16, 2025, via Zoom.
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (ET) on Thursdays, September 25 through December 18, 2025, via Zoom. (No session on November 27.)
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. Download a flyer here.

These programs are supported by a grant from the Rutgers Equity Alliance for Community Health.

English Conversation Café

Tuesdays, September 30 - November 18, 2025 at 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (no session on March 18),
Mondays, October 6 - December 1, 2025 at 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (no session on October 13 nor November 24),
and Fridays, October 10 - December 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (no session on November 28).
All in the Carl T. Valenti Meeting Room.
Register here.

Are you interested in practicing English and meeting new people? Join one or more of our English Conversation Cafés! This program is an informal conversation practice group for adult language learners who can hold a simple conversation in English. Participants engage in one-on-one or small-group conversations with Conversation Facilitators discussing a variety of topics. You must be over the age of 18 to participate. Registration is required; register at bit.ly/Fall2025cc or at the library. Download a schedule flyer for these cafés here.

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. Please feel free to email conversationcafes@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Citizenship Classes

5:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in 2025. (Check calendar for exact dates.)
Register with John Tello of The Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County at 732-777-1940.

Do you need to improve your English and pass the Citizenship Test? Do you need help with your Naturalization Application? This 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 x2732 or email at kavita@nbfpl.org with library-related questions.

Cuentos y Canciones

Mondays at 11:00 a.m.
Register.

This all-Spanish story time is for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers. Registration suggested at tinyurl.com/NBcuentos.

Read and Play

Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.
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 at tinyurl.com/LeeYJuega.

Reading Buddies

Wednesdays, October 1 - December 3, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. (excluding November 5 & 26).
Register.

Reading Buddies is an after-school mentorship program run by the Rutgers University Youth Empowerment Club. Rutgers students guide K-6 children in reading, arts and crafts, and other activities. Register at tinyurl.com/ReadBuds2025. Contact youthempowermentclubru@gmail.com for more information.

RU Pilot Me

Fridays, October 3 - December 5, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. (excluding November 28).

RU Pilot Me is a community service-oriented organization that enriches the kids in the local New Brunswick area through play and practical activities. This free mentoring program is provided by Rutgers University students. For more information, please contact rupilotme@gmail.com.

Clouds and Cards

Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Register.

Children ages 7 and up are invited to learn about different types of clouds, help NASA scientists by identifying clouds using a mobile device, and show off their knowledge of clouds with a fun Uno-like card game called Nube. Register at tinyurl.com/CloudNube.

Spooky Stories

Monday, October 27, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
Register.

K-6 children are invited to enjoy some snacks while participating in an interactive story time. Jess from Fresh Theatre Arts will share the story There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Bat by Lucille Colandro, and attendees will have fun becoming part of the story! Register at tinyurl.com/Misteriosos.

Lego Club

Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
Register.

K-6 children are invited to create with a variety of Legos each month. Each session, they will be given a new theme. They can either build according to the theme or create something completely different. The main goal is to have fun! Each child's creation will be on display in the library for a month. Register at tinyurl.com/ClubLego.

Homework Center

Mondays - Thursdays: 2:30 - 6:00 p.m.; Fridays: 2:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Remember that the Teen Room and its computers, tables, chairs, books, and other resources (such as the librarian!) is available for all 6th - 12th graders to use for doing homework, studying, etc.

Homework Help

One-hour appointments at 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Full details for this Homework Help program can be found on our Tutoring Page. Please call the Teen Room at 732-745-5108 x2722 or the Reference Desk at 732-745-5108 x2720 to schedule an appointment.

Rondalla Strings: Music, Song, and Dance

Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

The New Brunswick Free Public Library is pleased to co-sponsor this free concert presented by the University of the Philippines Alumni & Friends Rondalla. Experience the sounds of Philippine native string instruments by the rondalla, as they perform traditional and contemporary pieces from various countries. No registration required!

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

Day of the Dead Celebration

Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

The library, with support from the Friends of the New Brunswick Free Public Library, once again commemorates the Day of the Dead with a free, celebratory event, open to all ages! Take part in creating the Day of the Dead altar by writing the name of someone you want to remember and honor on a colorful paper. You can bring photos or draw a picture of your loved one(s) to take place at the altar.

The celebration will be a rich cultural experience featuring a movie screening, story time, papel picado (paper flower making), and other Day of the Dead crafts. {More details may be posted closer to the event date.} The festivities will culminate with a delightful sampling of pan de Muertos (bread) and champurrado (Mexican hot chocolate). Please note that food samples are limited.

Registration is required due to limited capacity. Register at tinyurl.com/2025DOD or call 732-745-5108 x2720 to sign up. Please contact Gaby Mora at gaby@nbfpl.org with any questions.

Free Vision Screening

By appointment only on designated days, 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, and there is a waiting list for appointments. Please call 732-745-5108 and we will see if we can get you on the waiting list!

Knitting/Crocheting Club

Second and fourth Thursday of the month (unless otherwise noted) at 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 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 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 (check the Zoom registration link or our calendar for exact dates). Meetings will be virtual until further notice. For more information, please contact Librarian Kym Kirkley at kirkleyk@nbfpl.org or 732-745-5108.

Sewing 101

Usually on the first Wednesday of each month (except for January & April of 2025, when it will be on the second Wednesday), at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Register here.

Stitch something special with local sewing expert Pam Brooks. We'll (usually) have a different project each month! Registration is required: register at https://forms.gle/rd1vgjfomSvhKx4N8 or call 732-745-5108 x20 to sign up. (Registration is only available for one program date at a time; the registration form will be reset after each month's program ends.)

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@nbfpl.org with any questions.

2-Day Book Sale

Friday, April 4, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.* &
Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Tons of books as well as DVDs, CDs, puzzles, and more will be available to purchase at low, low prices! Profits from this sale go to help fund library programs, etc.

*The Book Sale takes place in the Community Room; please note that the library closes at 5 p.m. on Friday and only the Community Room will be open until 7:00 that evening.

Holi Festival

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

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.

Photography Contest

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

Genealogy Workshops

During the summer of 2023, the library presented three genealogy workshops, cosponsored by the New Jersey Library Association History and Preservation Section.
    An Introduction to Starting your Genealogy Research was held on June 6th; it covered tips of how to start a new genealogy project, including how to use popular websites such as Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.com. Download the presentation slides here.
    An Introduction to Starting your African American Genealogy Research was held on July 11th, and covered an introduction to African American Genealogy records. Download the presentation slides here.
    The final workshop was held on August 1st, and went over genealogy resources in and out of the library. The presentation slides for this workshop are available to download here; please note that the file is too large to preview, as it contains a lot of photos.

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.

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. 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.