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.

Free Genealogy Workshops For Beginners and Intermediate Researchers

Tuesdays* at 6:30 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.
  *June 6: Introduction to Starting your Genealogy Research
  *July 11: Introduction to Starting your African American Genealogy Research
  *August 1: Genealogy Sources in and out of your library

The New Brunswick Free Public Library, cosponsored by the New Jersey Library Association History and Preservation Section, presents three genealogy workshops for beginner to intermediate researchers. The first workshop will teach attendees how to start their research on their family tree; popular websites such as Familysearch.org and Ancestry.com will be shown. The second workshop will cover an Introduction to African American Genealogy records; topics will include free and subscription websites, local and national resources. The final workshop will go over Genealogy sources in and out of your library; directories, maps, local collections, and statewide and national level information will be shown.

Register for one, two, or all three of these workshops by calling the Reference Desk at 732-745-5108 x20. All workshops will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room. Space is limited.

Knitting/Crocheting Club

Thursdays, June 8 & 22, 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.

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.

Free Vision Screening

Third Thursdays (June 15, July 20, August 17) by appointment (9:20 - 10:50 a.m.) in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

This free eye clinic is 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; please 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 to ask you some screening questions before scheduling your appointment.

Summer Kick-Off

Saturday, June 24, from 2:00 to 4 p.m.

Everyone, of all ages, is invited to kick off our Summer Reading programs! Begin signing up for our summer reading challenges and start earning prizes! All children (from age 0 through grade 6) can adopt a mini pet stuffie when they sign up for the summer reading challenge. Families can also do crafts, enjoy snacks, and participate in group art projects at the kick-off. Adults will be able to pick up a Bingo card starting at the kick-off. Complete any line of three activities on an adult Summer Reading Bingo Card between this day and August 19th to redeem a summer reading-themed souvenir at the Reference Desk, while supplies last! Also, follow us on Facebook and answer weekly trivia questions (starting on this date) for chances to win surprise prizes!

Be sure to stop by the library's community room between 2:00 and 4:00 to learn more about our Summer Reading programs for all ages! Register for this event at tinyurl.com/NBKickOff to ensure your spot! (Registration is not required.)

The Extraordinary Effects of Meditation

Tuesday, July 18 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Register here.

The scientific community has been exploring the use of meditation as a healing modality. Join Sangeeta Sinha, MBA, M. Ed, a long-time meditator as she discusses the extraordinary effect of meditation to reduce stress-related responses, improve concentration, and enhance clarity of thought and mental equilibrium. She will also present a simple, time-tested, ancient, and effective meditation technique. There will be a short meditation sitting as well. For more information, please contact Librarian Kym Kirkley at kirkleyk@lmxac.org or 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 through July 18, 2023, via Zoom.
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays through July 20, 2023, via Zoom.
~ No sessions on June 1st, June 8th, nor July 4th.
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

Winter-Spring sessions are over as of April 28, 2023. Please check back for Summer dates!

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. Face masks are required for in-person programs.

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, April 6 - June 22 and July 6 - Sept 21, 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. Register here to attend in person. Contact Karen Stuppi at kstuppi@Lmxac.org or call 732-745-5108 x31 with any questions.

Ignite: Youth Inventors

Tuesdays, April 25 - June 13, at 3:45 p.m. at the library.
Register.

This program, sponsored by Techbridge Girls, is an 8-session curriculum that inspires girls and gender-expansive youth in grades 3-5 to become inventors who change the world! Register at tinyurl.com/IgniteNB. If you have any questions, please contact kstuppi@Lmxac.org or call 732-745-5108 x31.

Garden Club

Wednesdays, May 24 - August 16, at 4:00 p.m. at the library.
Register.

K-6 youth are invited to learn about gardening through stories, crafts, planting, and other activities. Register at tinyurl.com/GardenNBFPL.

Summer Kick-Off

Saturday, June 24, from 2:00 to 4 p.m.

Everyone, of all ages, is invited to begin signing up for our summer reading challenges and start earning prizes! All children (from age 0 through grade 6) can adopt a mini pet stuffie when they sign up for the summer reading challenge. Families can also do crafts, enjoy snacks, and participate in group art projects at the kick-off.

So be sure to stop by the library's community room between 2:00 and 4:00 on Saturday, June 24! Sign up at tinyurl.com/NBKickOff to ensure your spot!

Hora de cuentos de matemáticas y ciencias / Math And Science Story Time

Lunes a partir del 26 de junio a las 11 a.m. en la biblioteca.
Regístrese.

Esta es una hora de cuentos en español de 8 sesiones que presenta conceptos de matemáticas y ciencias, para niños de 2 a 5 años y sus cuidadores. Este programa se llevará a cabo todos los lunes a las 11:00 del 26 de junio al 14 de agosto. Regístrese en tinyurl.com/MathSciNB.

This is an 8-session Spanish-language story time introducing math and science concepts, for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. This program will take place every Monday at 11:00 a.m. from June 26 to August 14. Register at tinyurl.com/MathSciNB.

Ignite: Youth Inventors (for Tweens!)

Tuesdays, June 27 - August 22, at 3:45 p.m. at the library.
Register.

This program, sponsored by Techbridge Girls, is an 8-session curriculum that inspires girls and gender-expansive youth in grades 6-8 to become inventors who change the world! Register at tinyurl.com/IgniteNBtween. If you have any questions, please contact kstuppi@Lmxac.org or call 732-745-5108 x31.

Summer Volunteer Orientation

Saturday, June 17, at 3:00 p.m.

The library is looking for Teen Volunteers to help out with our Summer Reading Program. Looking to help? All interested teens should attend our Orientation on Saturday, June 17th from 3 to 4:30 p.m.! This may take place in the Henry Guest House or the Community Room; please call ahead (732-745-5108 x20) that day or ask in the library when you arrive.

Summer Kick-Off

Saturday, June 24, from 2:00 to 4 p.m.

Everyone, of all ages, is invited to begin signing up for our summer reading challenges and start earning prizes! All children (from age 0 through grade 6) can adopt a mini pet stuffie when they sign up for the summer reading challenge. Families can also do crafts, enjoy snacks, and participate in group art projects at the kick-off.

Teens will be able to register for summer reading during the event and begin recording their total minutes read for the summer. Upon registration, teens will earn their first level. Every 300 minutes read after that earns them an additional level, to a max of five. Achieving Level 5 earns teens an invitation to the End of the Summer party on Friday, August 18th!

So be sure to stop by the library's community room between 2:00 and 4:00 on Saturday, June 24! Sign up at tinyurl.com/NBKickOff to ensure your spot!

Afternoon Game Time

Mondays, June 26, July 10 & 24, and August 21, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Teen Room or Carl T. Valenti Community Room* .

Come test your mettle and challenge your friends with one of the library's games. Brawl it out in Super Smash Brothers, put the pedal to the metal with Mario Kart, play Magic the Gathering, or have fun with some other game. Open to tweens and teens.

*This program will take place in the Teen Room on June 26 and July 24, and in the Community Room on July 10 and August 21.

Teen Advisory Group

Every other Monday, July 3 - August 28, at 3:00 p.m. in the Teen Room.

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.

Ignite: Youth Inventors (for Tweens!)

Tuesdays, June 27 - August 22, at 3:45 p.m. at the library.
Register.

This program, sponsored by Techbridge Girls, is an 8-session curriculum that inspires girls and gender-expansive youth in grades 6-8 to become inventors who change the world! Register at tinyurl.com/IgniteNBtween. If you have any questions, please contact kstuppi@Lmxac.org or call 732-745-5108 x31.

Teen Craft Tuesdays

Every other Tuesday, June 27 - August 22, at 3:00 p.m. in the Teen Room.

At each meeting, teens will be able to work on a different craft project and take it home with them!

Hour of Code (Passive Program)

Tuesdays July 18, August 1, 15, & 29, in the Teen Room from 3:00 until 4:30 p.m.

Come explore specific computer software, programs, and topics on library computers in the Teen Room! This program is open to students in grades 7 through 12.

Teen Summer Book Club

Every other Thursday, June 29 - August 24, at 3:00 p.m. in the Teen Room.

All teens are welcome to join this program to discuss what books they are reading and what draws them to the titles they pick.

Teens Talk

Every other Thursday, July 6 - August 17, at 3:00 p.m. in the Teen Room.

This teen-led program is a chance for students in grades 9-12 to come together and discuss everything that’s going on in the community, the country, and the world.

Free Vision Screening

Third Thursdays (June 15, July 20, August 17) by appointment (9:20 - 10:50 a.m.) 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; please 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 to ask you some screening questions before scheduling your appointment.

Summer Kick-Off

Saturday, June 24, from 2:00 to 4 p.m.

Everyone, of all ages, is invited! Begin signing up for our summer reading challenges and start earning prizes! All children (from age 0 through grade 6) can adopt a mini pet stuffie when they sign up for the summer reading challenge. Families can also do crafts, enjoy snacks, and participate in group art projects at the kick-off. So be sure to stop by the library's community room between 2:00 and 4:00 on Saturday, June 24! Register for this event at tinyurl.com/NBKickOff to ensure your spot!

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.

George Washington’s Nemesis by Christian McBurney

Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Christian McBurney will speak on his book, George Washington’s Nemesis: The Outrageous Treason and Unfair Court-Martial of Major General Charles Lee. This program is co-sponsored by the Friends of the New Brunswick Free Public Library and the New Brunswick Historical Society, and is free and open to the public.

Lee was in command of half the Continental Army at the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse in June 1778. Afterwards, he was convicted for failing to attack the enemy and for an unwarranted retreat. McBurney holds that Lee actually saved a good part of the army from probable destruction. The first court-martial sessions, which included Lee dramatically interrogating Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens, were held in New Brunswick.

Christian McBurney has authored six books on the Revolution. His latest book is Dark Voyage: An American Privateer’s War on Britain’s African Slave Trade. He is President of The George Washington American Revolution Round Table of the District of Columbia, and is the founder and publisher of Rhode Island’s leading history blog at smallstatebighistory.com.

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.