Events Calendar

Computer Classes

Call or visit the library to make an appointment.

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 x 2720 to register for an appointment.

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

Knitting/Crocheting Club

Thursdays, March 12 & 26, 2026*, 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 are virtual, not in person, until further notice. For more information, please contact Librarian Kym Kirkley at kirkleyk@nbfpl.org.

Why Did Hessian Soldiers Fight with the British?

Saturday, March 14, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

The Revolution was a war with England, not any part of what is now Germany. So why were German (Hessian) soldiers here fighting alongside the British? Hessian soldiers will be here in uniform to talk about this and answer your questions. They were both highly trained and fearsome fighters, and yet they lost the war to Revolutionary American militias. Our fighters did not have all the training and supplies of the British or Hessians, but ragtag Americans won against the mighty British Empire.

Presenting will be Daniel E. McCarthy, Jaeger Officer in charge, with Von Prueschenk’s Jaeger Corp from the German province of Hesse-Kassel, who were here in the Colonies from October 1776 to December 1783. This program is free and open to everyone; appropriate for all ages!.

This program is presented in conjunction with the library’s exhibition, “Revolution 250 Historical New Brunswick and the Declaration of Independence,” part of New Jersey’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Being home to the third-ever reading of the Declaration of Independence, New Brunswick has a special relationship with the document. The exhibit showcased 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 when the room is not open. 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.

Lenape: Here, then Where? Their Legacy

Saturday, March 28, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

When Europeans arrived in NJ, Lenape were everywhere. Now there are practically none. Camilla Townsend will let us know about their sad history and where fragments of their former clans are. In NJ, part of their legacy is the names of places like Piscataway and Metuchen. What else might they have introduced us to?

Camilla Townsend is a Rutgers historian who was recently elected to British Academy; this is quite an honor and a testament to her expertise. She is accustomed to talking to all ages and we expect this to be extremely interesting for everyone!

Sewing 101

Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 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 in 2026.) Minimum age to attend is 10 years old. Please arrive on time to participate.

Registration is required for each workshop, and will open 2 weeks before the date of the workshop. Visit our new event series page* at tinyurl.com/NBFPLsewing or call 732-745-5108 x2720 to register for a workshop. (*Registration is called "booking" in this new system. From the series page, click on the event name next to the date for which you want to sign up; this will bring you to the booking page for that specific event.) 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, January 13 through May 12, 2026, via Zoom.
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (ET) on Thursdays, January 15 through May 14, 2026, via Zoom.
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

Mondays, February 23 - April 20, 2026 at 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (no session on March 16),
Tuesdays, February 17 - April 21, 2026 at 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (no session on March 17),
and Fridays, February 20 - April 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (no session on March 20 nor April 3).
in the Carl T. Valenti Meeting Room (most dates) or the Henry Guest House (a few dates).
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/Spring2026cc 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 (dates subject to change, please check with the JFS when registering.)
Cycle 1: January 6 - February 24, 2026; Cycle 2: March 10 - April 28, 2026; Cycle 3: June 2 - July 21, 2026; Cycle 4: August 4 - September 22, 2026; Cycle 5: October 20 - December 8, 2026.
Register with John Tello of 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.

Super Science

Tuesdays, March 17, April 7 & 21, and May 5 & 19, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Register.

K-6 children are invited to explore a variety of science concepts by learning about scientists through history and doing hands-on activities. In February we will learn about 2 African American science pioneers while having fun with Snap Circuits and paper circuits. In March we will learn about 2 women science pioneers while making paper airplanes and using drones. Additional science exploration will continue through May. Register at tinyurl.com/CoolSciNB.

Reading Buddies

Wednesdays, February 11 - April 29, 2026 (excluding March 18 and April 1), at 4:00 p.m.
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. Registration is suggested but not required; register at tinyurl.com/ReadBuds2026spring. Contact youthempowermentclubru@gmail.com for more information.

Young Athletes

Thursdays, February 26 - April 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

In this weekly program run in collaboration with Special Olympics New Jersey, children ages 2-7 and their caregivers are invited to celebrate what their children CAN do by participating together in basic athletic activities. Children will develop their skills in kicking, tossing, jumping, and more while rotating through stations and doing group activities. Registration is completed with 2 steps:
1. Register as a Young Athlete at www.sonj.org/sports/young-athletes/ya-registration
2. AND Register for the New Brunswick Library program at www.sonj.org/sports/young-athletes/community-programs tinyurl.com/CoolSciNB.

Lego Club

Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 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 Help

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.

Revolution 250 Exhibit

In the Carl T. Valenti Community Room through December 2026.

As part of New Jersey’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the New Brunswick Free Public Library presents an exhibit entitled Revolution 250: Historical New Brunswick and the Declaration of Independence. Being home to the third-ever reading of the Declaration of Independence, New Brunswick has a special relationship with the document. The exhibit showcases 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 when the room is not open. 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.

Revolution NJ250 Black History Month Event: An African American Patriot's Experience

Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Steven Thomas will wear the uniform of an American Patriot piper but bring us the history of the challenges and choices facing African Americans on all sides, American, British, neutral, enslaved and free, North and South, at the time of the Revolution. Their stories are not well known and this is an opportunity, especially for young people, to hear what it was like then and think about how it is now in contrast. Everyone is welcome to this free event!

Steve Thomas is a 32-year-old trained musician who specializes in fife, drum, and bugle calls of the 18th and 19th Centuries. A graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy, Steven is also a member of various 18th and 19th Century Fife and Drum Corps, The 1st Rhode Island Regiment Reenactors Inc., The 6th USCT Reenactors Inc., and is a board member and Music Director of the 1st USCT Reenactors. Steve Thomas is the CEO and Owner of Living History Co., LLC.

This program is presented in conjunction with the library’s exhibition, “Revolution 250 Historical New Brunswick and the Declaration of Independence,” part of New Jersey’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 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.

Year of the Horse Chinese New Year Celebration

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Register here.

Join us as we ring in the Year of the Horse with this free event featuring a Lion Dance performance, a Chinese Yo-Yo performance and workshop, and a craft consisting of making a plum blossom tree by blowing Chinese ink. All are welcome, though registration is required; register at tinyurl.com/nbfplhorse.

This program is made possible by The Friends of the New Brunswick Free Public Library and Asian Food Markets.

Windows of Understanding Painting Workshop: Come Back to Me

Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Register here.

The New Brunswick Free Public Library presents a free painting workshop, led by professional artist Cristina Hoyos, in partnership with Windows Of Understanding. All materials for the painting workshop will be provided, and it is open to all ages.

Through metaphorical painting ideas, we emphasize the challenges related to health and wellness as we navigate the many pressing social issues that surround us.

Registration is required; register at tinyurl.com/Paintingworkshop2026 or call 732-745-5108 x2720 or visit the Reference Desk to sign up.

Free Vision Screening

By appointment only on designated days, in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Trained medical professionals will provide free vision screening by appointment. These free eye clinics are offered in partnership with Project Better Eye-Health Services and Treatment (BEST). Please call to check if you are eligible for a free vision screening.

Registration in advance is required, and there is a waiting list for appointments. Please call 732-745-5108 x2729 to join the waiting list. (If no one answers, please leave a clear voicemail message stating that you are calling about the vision screening, your name, phone number, and the best time to call you back.)

Sewing 101

The first Wednesday of each month, at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., in the library's Carl T. Valenti Community Room.
Register here.

Stitch something special with local sewing expert Pam Brooks. We'll (usually) have a different project each month! Registration is required for each workshop, and will open 2 weeks before the date of the workshop: register at tinyurl.com/NBFPLsewing or call 732-745-5108 x2720 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@nbfpl.org with any questions.

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.

SAVE THE DATES: 2-Day Book Sale

Friday, April 10, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.* &
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 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.