Option Green 2021 Programs

January 13 at 7:30 p.m. = Documentary Discussion: "Decoding the Weather Machine" with Dr. David A. Robinson

February 9 at 7:00 p.m. = Sustainable Agriculture Projects in Zimbabwe with Dr. Tait Chirenje, Stockton University

March 11 at 7:00 p.m. = Disparate Environmental Impacts: Causes and Solutions to Environmental Injustice with Dr. Maritza Jauregui, Stockton University

The New Brunswick Free Public Library is proud to be a community partner for the Option Green: Climate Change & Community virtual event series, a partnership between the East Brunswick Public Library and the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission. Please visit the EBPL's webpage for details.

Book Club

Monday, January 25, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.

The Friends of the New Brunswick Free Public Library Book Club will discuss the first half of Caste by Isabel Wilkerson via Teleconference phone call. This Book Club is free and open to everyone: To register, please call the Reference Desk at 732-745-5108 x20. Log-in information will be sent out to registrants before the meeting.

Community Outreach Focus Group for New Brunswick Seniors

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.

Register in advance for this program.

New Brunswick Tomorrow and New Brunswick Free Public Library will host a community presentation and discussion to better understand the needs of the senior population. The participants will be able to present their thoughts and ideas to the group in order to establish and/or improve community relations and to develop programs for seniors.

To register or for any questions, please contact Alisha Cook, New Brunswick Tomorrow's Associate Dir. of Senior Services, at 848-228-2328 (leave a message) -or- Kym Kirkley, Principal Librarian, at 732-745-5108 x20 -or- register directly with Zoom.

Friday Fun Day!

Fridays at 3:00 p.m. (All ages welcome.)

Register in advance here.

Every Friday afternoon, all are welcome to join Ms. Karen online for a virtual game of Kahoot or Bingo or maybe a Scavenger Hunt! Children under age 8 may need the assistance of a parent or older sibling. Register using this form -- advance registration is required.
On January 29, test your musical knowledge and listening skills with a game of Name That Tune!

Mending Holes for Your Favorite Garment - Virtual Sewing Program

Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.

Register in advance here.

Learn to use the Sashiko Mending, or visible mending method to repair holes in your favorite knits and jeans with a stylish pattern, with virtual instruction from Pam Brooks. Registration is required: register here to get the Zoom link. Download the list of supplies you will need here. This program is free and open to the public.

Meditation for Inner Peace

Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.

Register in advance here.

Many people all over the world are turning to meditation. Scientific studies have proven that the practice of meditation reduces stress and anxiety, as well as decreases the risk of disease. Learn how meditation can bring a healing power to help you in all spheres of your life. Please join Nirav Sheth for this engaging and informative workshop. Nirav has been conducting meditation classes at Smiths Medical, Medtronic, and other venues in the Minnesota area as well as in different parts of the country for 10 years, and has been practicing meditation for over 15 years. Nirav will share a simple yet powerful technique that will be explained and practiced during the session. This can help you achieve a lasting state of peace and happiness found through no outer experience.
Registration is required: register here to get the Zoom link. This program is free and open to the public, geared to ages 40 or above.

Knitting/Crocheting Club

Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Register in advance for this meeting here.

Do you like to knit and/or crochet? Or do you want to learn and already have your own supplies? Join the club -- now 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.

The Knitting/Crocheting Club meets on the second Thursday of each month. For more information, please contact Librarian Joye Crowe-Logan at joye@lmxac.org

Chinese New Year

Friday, February 12, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.

Register in advance here.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with two Chinese ancient folk arts - Chinese Knotting and Paper Cutting. Librarian Hsien-min Chen will teach you tying the Double Coin Knot, and cut out a paper Chinese character with you. The two projects will then be combined into one pretty hanging decoration that will bring you luck and fortune for the upcoming new year. Register for the workshop to be contacted to pick up the material kit. If you prefer to use your own supplies, you will need the following:
1. 1 piece of 8'' x 8'' construction or origami paper. Red is the best, but other colors also work.
2. 1 small piece of colored card stock (any color), about 2' x 6.5'
3. print the Chinese character "Luck" template and the "Year of Ox" bookmark here.
4. 1 piece of 2mm or 3mm satin cord or parachute cord, 15".
5. 1 piece of 0.8mm or 1.4mm or 1.5mm statin or metallic cord/string, 36".
(for 4 and 5, you'll want a piece of thicker cord, and a piece of thinner cord with two different colors that compliment each other)
6. 2 jewelry beads with holes big enough for two of your thinner cords to go through together.
You will also need (not included in the kit): a pair of scissors, a glue stick, and a hole puncher (the hole will be punched for you if getting a kit from the library).
Registration is required: register here to get the Zoom link. This program is free and open to the public.

Need Help Buying Groceries? Learn about the NJ SNAP!

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 3 p.m.

Register in advance here.

Join the representatives from NJ SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to learn if you qualify and how to apply for assistance in buying food to support your family. The session will also include time to answer any question you have.
Registration is required: register here to get the Zoom link. This program is free and open to the public.

~ Check out other tabs on this page -- under "Event Details" -- to see what else the library has to offer! ~

Virtual English Conversation Group

Mondays 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., from January 25 to May 3, 2021.

UPDATE: Our English Conversation Group is not meeting in person until further notice. However, you are welcome to join us virtually via Zoom.

This virtual group meets weekly via Zoom. Each week the group will discuss a topic in English to help improve their conversational skills. This program is intended for adults who know some English and want to improve their language skills. Please call 732-745-5108 ext. 20 or email kavita@lmxac.org with any questions or requests for more information.

**If you are interested in volunteering to lead or assist our Virtual English Conversation Group, please contact Kavita Pandey at kavita@lmxac.org before registering.

Virtual Citizenship Class

Mondays 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. via Zoom from January 25 to March 15, 2021.

The New Brunswick Free Public Library has again partnered with The Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County to offer Citizenship Classes, this time via Zoom. Do you need to improve your English and pass the Citizenship Test? Do you need help with your Naturalization Application? This free virtual 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). Zoom link will be provided once registered for the class. For questions, feel free to call librarian Kavita Pandey at 732-745-5108 x29 or email at kavita@lmxac.org

Read and Play

Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.

Our beloved Read & Play program is now virtual, via Zoom! Register using our read-and-play-form to receive a link via email to our weekly Zoom Room.

For kids ages 0-4 and their caretakers. Call 732-745-5108 x13 with any questions.

¡Cuentos y Canciones!

los jueves a las 4 p.m.

Acompañanos de la plataforma Zoom para una programa de cuentos en español para niños/niñas y sus guardianes. ¡Registrate ahora! Llame al 732-745-5108 con preguntas.

Friday Fun Day!

Fridays at 3:00 p.m.

Every Friday afternoon, all are welcome to join Ms. Karen online for a virtual game of Kahoot or Bingo or maybe a Scavenger Hunt! Children under age 8 may need the assistance of a parent or older sibling. Register using this form; advance registration is required.
On January 29, test your musical knowledge and listening skills with a game of Name That Tune!

Inspiring Inventors

Monday, February 8, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.

A virtual story time for ages 5-12. Celebrate African American history by listening to true stories of inspiring inventors. We will spend time planning our own inventions, too! Register here to receive the Zoom link.

Lego Challenge

February Lego Challenge: Build something that flies!

Join our monthly Lego Challenge on Facebook! A new challenge will be posted on the library's Facebook page at the beginning of each month. After you build your creation, post a picture of it in the comments below the Lego Challenge post!
Don't have Legos at home? Contact Ms. Karen at kstuppi@lmxac.org or 732-745-5108 ext. 13 to make arrangements to pick up a small bag of random Legos.

Teen Tuesdays

February 2, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. - What are you reading?
February 9, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. - How's it going?
February 16, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. - Book vs. Movie
February 23, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. - Teen Advisory Group

You can register for one or all of these February Teen Tuesdays! When registering, you will need to provide an email address so we can you send the Zoom meeting link. Details and registration links are listed here:

• Register for 2/2: All teens are welcome to join this virtual program to discuss what books they are reading and what draws them to the titles they pick.
• Register for 2/9: This program is a chance for teens to meet up virtually and discuss everything going on in the world today.
• Register for 2/16: This session we will be picking which book and movie we will be discussing at March's meeting and what we all look for when comparing a movie to the book it was based on.
• Register for 2/23: All teens are welcome to attend and discuss the programming and books they would like to see at the library. The library is happy to sign off on these meetings as a form of community service for those who need it.

Friday Fun Day!

Fridays at 3:00 p.m.

Every Friday afternoon, all are welcome to join Ms. Karen online for a virtual game of Kahoot or Bingo or maybe a Scavenger Hunt! Children under age 8 may need the assistance of a parent or older sibling. Register using this form; advance registration is required.
On January 29, test your musical knowledge and listening skills with a game of Name That Tune!

Friday Fun Day!

Fridays at 3:00 p.m. (All ages welcome.)

Every Friday afternoon, all are welcome to join Ms. Karen online for a virtual game of Kahoot or Bingo or maybe a Scavenger Hunt! Children under age 8 may need the assistance of a parent or older sibling. Register using this form; advance registration is required.
On January 29, test your musical knowledge and listening skills with a game of Name That Tune!

Chinese New Year

Friday, February 12, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with two Chinese ancient folk arts - Chinese Knotting and Paper Cutting. Librarian Hsien-min Chen will teach you tying the Double Coin Knot, and cut out a paper Chinese character with you. The two projects will then be combined into one pretty hanging decoration that will bring you luck and fortune for the upcoming new year. Register for the workshop to be contacted to pick up the material kit. If you prefer to use your own supplies, you will need the following:
1. 1 piece of 8'' x 8'' construction or origami paper. Red is the best, but other colors also work.
2. 1 small piece of colored card stock (any color), about 2' x 6.5'
3. print the Chinese character "Luck" template and the "Year of Ox" bookmark here.
4. 1 piece of 2mm or 3mm satin cord or parachute cord, 15".
5. 1 piece of 0.8mm or 1.4mm or 1.5mm statin or metallic cord/string, 36".
(for 4 and 5, you'll want a piece of thicker cord, and a piece of thinner cord with two different colors that compliment each other)
6. 2 jewelry beads with holes big enough for two of your thinner cords to go through together.
You will also need (not included in the kit): a pair of scissors, a glue stick, and a hole puncher (the hole will be punched for you if getting a kit from the library).
Registration is required: register here to get the Zoom link. This program is free and open to the public.

Virtual Multicultural Festival

Available at this link; originally streamed on Saturday, December 5, 2020, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The Library held a Virtual Multicultural Festival in cooperation with New Brunswick Cultural Center Inc. This program was free and open to all ages. The festivities included music and dance performances, arts, crafts, and a free raffle. We showcased cultural celebrations from several countries such as Mexico, Hungary, India, China, Peru, Caribbean and many more. You may still use this link to view this vibrant virtual event!

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 are Navrang Dance Academy, Events USA Now, Holy Family Parish, and American Hungarian Foundation.

"Escape the Library" Challenge

Ongoing virtual program.

We've created a virtual "Escape Room" for you to have a little fun with while testing your knowledge of the NBFPL. See if you can successfully Escape the Library! (Answer each question correctly to move on to the next one until you've completed the challenge.)

Please 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.

Mending Holes for Your Favorite Garment - Virtual Sewing Program

Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.

Learn to use the Sashiko Mending, or visible mending method to repair holes in your favorite knits and jeans with a stylish pattern, with virtual instruction from Pam Brooks. Registration is required: register here to get the Zoom link. Download the list of supplies you will need here.

Knitting/Crocheting Club

Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Register in advance for this meeting here.

Do you like to knit and/or crochet? Or do you want to learn and already have your own supplies? Join the club -- now 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.

The Knitting/Crocheting Club meets on the second Thursday of each month. For more information, please contact Librarian Joye Crowe-Logan at joye@lmxac.org

Book Club

Monday, January 25, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.

The Friends of the New Brunswick Free Public Library Book Club will discuss the first half of Caste by Isabel Wilkerson via Teleconference phone call. This Book Club is open to everyone: To register, please call the Reference Desk at 732-745-5108 x20. Log-in information will be sent out to registrants before the meeting.

Book Sale

The Friends sell a wide array of items at incredibly low prices; books of all kinds, for all ages, as well as DVDs, CDs, and more! Proceeds benefit the library. Only cash and checks are accepted.

The next Book Sale has been postponed until further notice. Please check back for dates.