Event Details

  • Adult Events


    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 x22 to register for an appointment.

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


    Albert Einstein: Champion of Racial Justice

    Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

    The Friends of the New Brunswick Free Public Library's Black History Month presentation is supported by the New Brunswick African American Heritage Committe, Inc. and the Princeton Einstein Museum of Science and will feature guest speakers Elizabeth Romanaux and Shirley Satterfield. Learn more about Albert Einstein's advocacy for and friendships with African-Americans in Princeton and across the country. This is one aspect of the great man's life that will be found in the introductory gallery of the Princeton Einstein Museum of Science before guests explore his world-changing scientific discoveries. For more information and to register, please contact Deborah Celey at friendsnbfpl@gmail.com. Refreshments will be provided.


    Knitting/Crocheting Club

    Thursdays, February 13 & 27, 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 x20.


    Untold Stories of Storied People

    Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.
    Register here.

    To celebrate Black History Month, the library invites everyone to come experience Untold Stories of Storied People, a dynamic project by Storytelling Arts, engaging BIPOC storytellers across NJ to share defining narratives of their lives. Join us for this FREE performance, and bring a friend!

    More information from Storytelling Arts: Untold Stories is a vibrant program by Storytelling Arts Inc., celebrating diverse voices through innovative monthly StoryLabs where BIPOC storytellers find a nurturing space to develop narratives and connect. Through performances, workshops, and events, we invite you on a journey of understanding and imagination. Amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering cultural understanding through storytelling is our goal.


    LISTOS Bilingual Health Workshops

    Monday, February 24, 2025: Blood Pressure
    6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (ET) via Zoom. Register here / Regístrese aquí.

    The Literacy Initiative for Students Teaching Older Spanish-speakers (LISTOS) is offering another bilingual health workshop led by RWJMS medical students, for free, virtually via Zoom. (The first one this month was offered on Monday, February 3; the topic was Fats and Heart Health.) Find out what small changes you can make to live a healthier lifestyle. Register at tinyurl.com/5c253t56 to join the conversation. Contact librarian Kavita Pandey at kavita@nbfpl.org or 732-745-5108 x20 with any questions.


    Sewing 101

    Wednesday, March 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 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.) Please contact Librarian Hsien-min Chen at htang@nbfpl.org with any questions.


    ~ Visit the Explore LMxAC Calendar for information about events at other libraries in our consortium! (Stay tuned for a new calendar for STELLA!)

  • English Language Programs

    Our library is proud to offer many opportunities for adult emerging bilinguals who are interested in improving their English language skills. Find more information about these programs on our English Language Programs page.


    Virtual English Conversation Groups

    6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (ET) on Tuesdays, January 21 through May 13, 2025, via Zoom.
    6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (ET) on Thursdays, January 23 through May 15, 2025, 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. These programs are supported by a grant from the Rutgers Equity Alliance for Community Health.

    On Thursdays from February 13 through March 13, this program will be run as a Learning English Through Storytelling virtual program, as part of Rutgers’ Bilingual/Bicultural Education course. Download a flyer here.


    English Conversation Cafés

    At the library: Mondays, February 24 - April 14, 2025 at 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (no session on March 17),
          and Fridays, February 21 - April 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (no session on March 21).
    At Rutgers Language Center: Tuesdays, February 18 - April 15, 2025 at 6:30-8:00 p.m. (no session on March 18).
    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 are at least able to 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 required; register at https://bit.ly/Spring2025cc or at the library. The Monday evening and Friday morning cafés will be held in the library's Carl T. Valenti Community Room; the Tuesday evening cafés will be held in the Rutgers Language Center at 1 Spring Street. Download a schedule flyer here, listing all our current cafés.

    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.


    English in the Workplace for Beginners

    Through funding by the Employment and Training Administration Community Project Grant, the library has added English in the Workplace for Beginners to its English Language Programs as of April 1, 2024. This program is designed specifically for those new to the English language. Registration for this program is at capacity, but community members interested in participating may contact Kavita Pandey at kavita@nbfpl.org or call the library at 732-745-5108 x20.



    The New Brunswick Free Public Library has again partnered with The Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County to offer in-person Citizenship Classes.

    Citizenship Classes

    5:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in 2025.
    Cycle 1: 1/7/2025 - 3/25/2025; Cycle 2: 4/1/2025 - 6/17/2025; Cycle 3: 7/1/2025 - 9/16/2025; Cycle 4: 10/7/2025 - 12/23/2025.

    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@nbfpl.org with questions.

  • Kids Events


    Cuentos y Canciones

    Mondays (February 3, 10, 24, etc.) at 11:00 a.m.
    Register.

    This all-Spanish story time is for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers. Register 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.


    Young Athletes

    Tuesdays, January 7 - February 25, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
    Registration info below.

    Young Athletes is a program sponsored by Special Olympics NJ and open to children of all abilities ages 2-7. It focuses on inclusive sports play that teaches skills like balance, throwing, catching, kicking, and more. All athletes must participate with a parent or legal guardian.

    There is a 2-step registration process:
    1. Register as a Young Athlete at: https://www.sonj.org/sports/young-athletes/ya-registration
    2. Register for the New Brunswick program at: https://www.sonj.org/sports/young-athletes/community-programs.


    Inspire (programming by Techbridge Girls)

    Thursdays, January 9 - March 27, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.
    Register.

    Children in grades 3-5 will discover how powerful girls and women are using science, technology, engineering, and math to save the Earth. Participate in hands-on activities, have fun, and inspire others! Register at tinyurl.com/IgniteNB.


    Lego Club

    Last Wednesday of each of the first 5 months of 2025 (January 29, February 26, March 26, April 30, & May 28) at 4:00 p.m.
    Register.

    K-6 children are invited to create using a variety of Lego bricks. They can either choose a Lego challenge or build whatever they want. Parents are welcome to build, too! Register at tinyurl.com/ClubLego.


    Reading Buddies

    Wednesdays, February 5 - April 30, 2025, 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, games, and other activities. Register at tinyurl.com/RUBuds2025. Contact youthempowermentclubru@gmail.com for more information.

  • Teen Events


    Pre-College Support Sessions

    Navigating Financial Aid: Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.
    Resume Building & Interview Skills: Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 6:00 to 8 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.
    How to Obtain a Municipal ID: Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 6:00 to 8 p.m. in the Teen Room.
    Supporting Your Graduating Senior in Their Next Steps: Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 6:00 to 8 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

    The goal of these sessions is to provide both emotional and social support to juniors and seniors within the New Brunswick School District as they embark on their college journey, while also offering practical resources along the way. These sessions are open to both youth and parents who would like to participate. Registration is encouraged but not required: bit.ly/NBFPLteen.


    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. The current schedule runs from January 28 through May 1, 2025. Please call the Teen Room at 732-745-5108 x22 or the Reference Desk at 732-745-5108 x20 to schedule an appointment.

  • All-Ages Events


    Untold Stories of Storied People

    Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.
    Register here.

    To celebrate Black History Month, the library invites everyone to come experience Untold Stories of Storied People, a dynamic project by Storytelling Arts, engaging BIPOC storytellers across NJ to share defining narratives of their lives. Join us for this FREE performance, and bring a friend! (Please check back for registration information.)

    More information from Storytelling Arts: Untold Stories is a vibrant program by Storytelling Arts Inc., celebrating diverse voices through innovative monthly StoryLabs where BIPOC storytellers find a nurturing space to develop narratives and connect. Through performances, workshops, and events, we invite you on a journey of understanding and imagination. Amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering cultural understanding through storytelling is our goal.


    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, and there is a waiting list for appointments. Please call 732-745-5108 x28 and leave a voicemail with your full name and phone number, stating what you are calling about and a good time to call you back. Someone will call you back when we have an opening (which may take some time*) to ask you some screening questions before scheduling your appointment. (*We have experienced very high demand for this program and appreciate your patience.)


    Check back for details on upcoming events! You can view photos from past events on our Flickr page.

  • Makerspace Events

    Makerspace

    The New Brunswick Free Public Library's very own makerspace provides workshops and craft nights. The library's community room will function as the maker-space during event dates, unless otherwise noted.

    This makerspace logo was designed, handcrafted, and generously donated by Candyce Valor.


    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 x20.


    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.

  • Friends of the Library Events

    Learn more about the Friends of the New Brunswick Free Public Library here.


    Albert Einstein: Champion of Racial Justice

    Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

    The Friends of the New Brunswick Free Public Library's Black History Month presentation is supported by the New Brunswick African American Heritage Committe, Inc. and the Princeton Einstein Museum of Science and will feature guest speakers Elizabeth Romanaux and Shirley Satterfield. Learn more about Albert Einstein's advocacy for and friendships with African-Americans in Princeton and across the country. This is one aspect of the great man's life that will be found in the introductory gallery of the Princeton Einstein Museum of Science before guests explore his world-changing scientific discoveries.

    For more information and to register, please contact Deborah Celey at friendsnbfpl@gmail.com. Refreshments will be provided.

  • Past Programs


    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.


    "On Demand"


    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.