African American Family History Program

Tuesday, September 17, at 6:30 p.m.

Eugene “Gene” Armstead, Jr., President of the African-American Historical and Genealogical Society, shares his experience wading through family lore and breaking through brick walls to find his ancestors and uncover his heritage.

To register, please stop by or call the Reference Desk at 732-745-5108 x.20.

Visual Arts Contest, Workshops, and Exhibit

Workshop 1: September 19, at 6:30 p.m.

Workshop 2: September 26, at 6:30 p.m.

Contest Submission Deadline: October 10, 2019.

Exhibit Reception: November 15, at 6:30 p.m.

The New Brunswick Free Public Library proudly presents its 2019 Visual Arts Contest and Exhibition, accompanied by free visual art workshops. Please visit the Visual Arts page for more details.

Slam Poetry Workshop

Saturday, September 28, from 1:00 to 4 p.m. (Rescheduled from September 7.)

Join us to get a taste of slam poetry! In partnership with the Middlesex County Office of Arts & History, and with prominent performance poet/teaching artist Lamont Dixon, you'll learn how to transform the written word into a passionate & rhythmically-delivered performance. Get tips for reading poems out loud, advice on stage fright, and see a legendary slam poet in action. No prior experience needed! Participants are encouraged, but not required, to bring an original poem or one from their favorite poet!

For ages 10 and up. Registration required due to limited space: Please call 732-745-4489 to register.

Meditation: An Antidote to Stress

Monday, October 7, at 7 p.m.

Explore the healing power of meditation and learn how to create peace in your life in spite of the stress around you. This simple technique can be practiced daily for health, serenity, and joy. You will be able to have a firsthand demonstration.

Facilitated by Jim Rose, M. Ed, retired executive with Johnson & Johnson and long-time meditator.

AARP TEK Workshop: Beyond the Basics for Your iPhone

Saturday, October 19, at 2:30 p.m.

Discover the iPhone’s capabilities. If you are new to mobile technology or in need of a refresher, our Beyond the Basics course is a great starting point. Learn about: Apps – What are they, how to download them; Medical ID – What it is and how to set it up on your device; Wallpapers, Shortcuts, Security Settings, Conference calling, Video calls, and more!

Registration is required: Call 1-877-926-8300 or visit aarp.cvent.com/TEKNB to register.

Bring your iPhone or iPad to practice. All participants will receive a free touch screen stylus pen.

Career Assistance

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stop by our Reference Room and get assistance from our career counselor. They offer help with resumes and cover letters, interviewing techniques, online job applications, academic advice, career path plans, and more. The counselor is also bi-lingual (habla español). Open to everyone. No registration is required.

This service is supported by the New Brunswick Library Foundation.

Knitting/Crocheting Club

2nd Thursday of each month

7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Do you like to knit and/or crochet? Or do you want to learn? Join the club! Everyone is welcome, from beginners to old pros. Just bring your current project, or if you are new to knitting/crocheting, a willingness to learn! Participants exchange knitting/crocheting ideas while enjoying pleasant conversation. (This is an informal, self-run group and not a strictly instructional class.)

For more information, please contact Librarian Joye Crowe-Logan at joye@lmxac.org

Computer Skills Tutoring

By appointment only during Rutgers semesters, October - April.

Looking for help with learning to use a computer? We have volunteers who offer one-on-one tutoring sessions to go over skills such as keyboarding and mouse fundamentals, basic word processing, and Internet and email essentials. Stop by or call the Reference Desk to schedule a tutoring session.

Volunteer tutors are sponsored by the Rutgers Give Where You Live Program.

~ Check out other tabs on this page to see what else the library has to offer, such as Annual All Ages, Movie Nights, Makerspace programs, and events presented by the Friends of the Library!

English for Beginners

Come to an Information Session for the Fall 2019 cycle:
Thursday, September 12, at 7:00 p.m. OR Saturday, September 14, at 12 noon.

This class is specifically for those new to the English language and is free, with all materials provided. Pre-registration is required and participants must be age 18 or older. Those interested in attending this class should fill out a registration form and return it to the library before attending the class. Email nbenglishforbeginners@gmail.com or call/text 732-659-4359 with questions. You may send or leave a message in English or Spanish.

Volunteer Opportunity

The English for Beginners program offers regular opportunities for community volunteers to be trained as small group leaders in various English Language Programs. Please visit this page for current opportunities, or email Jessica at Jessica.nbfpl@gmail.com or Akisha at akisha.nbfpl@gmail.com or call/text 732-659-4359 with questions.

*NEW* Exploring English through Storytelling

Wednesdays, October 2 through November 20, 2019, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Exploring English through Storytelling is a pilot program designed in collaboration with Rutgers Graduate School of Education for adult intermediate speakers of English. Interactive class sessions will explore popular children’s literature in English as we write stories and build vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and grammar skills. We will discuss stories, analyze narrative elements, and develop both our written and oral storytelling voices.

Pre-registration is required; please complete a registration form and return it to the library before attending the class. Please RSVP to Lia or Marija at nbenglishforbeginners@gmail.com or call/text 732-659-4359 in English or Spanish. Space is limited.

English Conversation Group

Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The New Brunswick Free Public Library provides a recurring English Conversation Group on Tuesday evenings. The goal of this program is to provide English language conversation practice to support further education and workplace training. Adult learners can improve their English language skills through an integrated literacy curriculum and the use of "real-life materials." Participants must be age 18 or older and have at least an intermediate understanding of and ability to speak English.

To join the English Conversation Group, please complete a registration form and bring it with you on the evening you would like to attend.

English Conversation Café

Fall 2019: Mondays 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; Fridays 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Monday evenings Sept. 30 - Dec. 20; Wednesday mornings Sept. 18 - Nov. 20; and Friday mornings Oct. 4 - Nov. 22.

The Conversation Café is an informal conversation group for adult language learners. Participants engage in one-on-one or small-group conversations with Conversation Facilitators discussing a variety of topics. Conversation Facilitators are prepared to facilitate intercultural conversations through academic courses and professional development offered by the Rutgers Graduate School of Education. Participants must be age 18 or older. All levels welcome.

To join a Conversation Café, please fill out a registration form and return it to the library. You may also e-mail conversationcafes@gmail.com or call/send a text to 732-659-0590. For a schedule of all the Fall 2019 Conversation Cafés held at the library, download this PDF.

This program is made possible through a partnership of the New Brunswick Free Public Library and 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.

JFS ESL/Citizenship Classes

Currently ended, check back for possible future dates.

Do you need help preparing for your Naturalization interview? Learn what you need to know in order to pass your exam. The Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County offers Citizenship Classes at the library! These classes provide opportunities to learn about U.S. government and U.S. history and to improve English language skills, while preparing for the Citizenship Exam. Immigration and Citizenship application assistance provided as well.

Please call the JFS office at 732-777-1940 with any questions and to register.

Read and Play

Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Parents and other caregivers: bring your little ones for storytime and play at the library!

Open to ages 0-4

More Play Time

Wednesdays from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Join Ms. Luz from The Children's Center of Middlesex County for some additional play time immediately after the library's Read & Play Story Time. (Come to either or both!)

Open to ages 0-4.

¡Cuentos y Canciones!

Wednesdays, September 4, 11, 18, & 25, at 6:30 p.m.

Acompañanos para una programa de cuentos en español para niños/niñas de 2-4 años y sus padres. ¡Registrate ahora llamando al 732-745-5108 x16 o visita el Salón de Niños!

Join us for this story time in Spanish for children ages 2-4 and their caregivers. Register now by calling 732-745-5108 x16 or visiting the Children's room!

Young Athletes

Thursdays, September 12 & 19 and October 10 - 24, at 4:00 p.m.

This free, inclusive program sponsored by the Special Olympics helps children to: improve gross motor skills, celebrate what your child CAN do, improve social and language skills, learn to play with a purpose, and develop skills for future preparation in sports. All children must participate with a parent or adult guardian. All participants must wear athletic shoes.

Registration is required. Please visit this page to register. For more information, please email kstuppi@lmxac.org.

Board Game Bonanza

Friday, September 13, at 3:30 p.m.

Bring your friends to play some fun board games, all provided by the library.

For those in grades 4-8. Questions? Call Ms. Chelsea at 732-745-5108 x 13.

Kids' Lego Club

Friday, September 27, at 3:30 p.m.

This month's Lego Club challenge: Build an air-powered car with Legos and a balloon!

For children in grades K-6.

~ Check out other tabs on this page to see what else the library has to offer, such as Annual Events, Movie Nights, and Makerspace programs!

Great Stories Club

Tuesdays, July 2 - September 3 at 2 p.m., then Mondays September 9 & 16 at 3 p.m., in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

You can still join the "Great Stories Club - Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation" book club even if you missed the kick-off on June 22! This is for teens in grades 9-12.

We will read Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Shadow Hero by Gene Luen Yang and Sonny Liew, Dreaming in Indian edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale, and Always Running, La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A. by Luis J. Rodriguez. Visit this page for more information.

The Great Stories Club is generously funded by a grant from the American Library Association and the WW Kellogg Foundation.

Afternoon Game Time

Wednesdays, September 11 & 25, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Come test your mettle and challenge your friends with one of the library's video games, or have some fun with another type of game.

Open to tweens and teens.

Hour of Code

Thursdays in the Teen Room during Teen Room hours.

With this passive program, you can learn how to create your own website using HTML or your very own computer game through MIT's Scratch. Or explore other possibilities! Just come to the Teen Room during its open hours on Thursdays and sign in with the librarian there to start your Hour of Code!

Open to students in grades 7 through 12.

~ Check out other tabs on this page to see what else the library has to offer, such as Annual Events, Movie Nights, and Makerspace programs!

Visual Arts Contest, Workshops, and Exhibit

Workshop 1: September 19, at 6:30 p.m.

Workshop 2: September 26, at 6:30 p.m.

Contest Submission Deadline: October 10, 2019.

Exhibit Reception: November 15, at 6:30 p.m.

The New Brunswick Free Public Library proudly presents its 2019 Visual Arts Contest and Exhibition, accompanied by free visual art workshops. Please visit the Visual Arts page for more details.

Photography Contest and Exhibit

The New Brunswick Free Public Library presented its 12th Annual Photography Contest and Exhibit, with the theme "Love and Unity," in the Spring-Summer of 2019. For more details, please visit the Photo Contest page here.

Sewing 101

Stitch something special with local volunteer sewing expert Pam Brooks.

Wednesday, September 18, at 6:30 p.m. - We will be making pencil cases on this evening.

Wednesday, October 23, at 6:30 p.m. - Come make a poncho on this autumn evening.

Wednesday, November 20, at 6:30 p.m. - Project TBA.

Wednesday, December 18, at 6:30 p.m. - Project TBA.

Registration is suggested: please call 732-745-5108 x20 to sign up. Minimum age to attend is 8 years old. Please arrive on time to participate.

Knitting/Crocheting Club

2nd Thursday of each month

7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Do you like to knit and/or crochet? Or do you want to learn? Join the club! Everyone is welcome, from beginners to old pros. Just bring your current project, or if you are new to knitting/crocheting, a willingness to learn! Participants exchange knitting/crocheting ideas while enjoying pleasant conversation. (This is an informal, self-run group and not a strictly instructional class.)

For more information, please contact Librarian Joye Crowe-Logan at joye@lmxac.org

Book Sale

The Friends sell a wide array of items at incredibly low prices at their Book Sale.
Only cash and checks are accepted.

~Special announcement~
We will have a Fall Book Sale this year!
Friday, October 4, 2019 | 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. &
Saturday, October 5, 2019 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The annual Spring Book Sale is usually held in April. Stay tuned for 2020 dates!

The Friends' Book Club

The book club meets one Monday per month (except during the summer) at 1:30 p.m. in the Henry Guest House, next to the library. (Please ask inside the library if you have questions about the location.) The only requirements are to have read the book and be willing to discuss it. The library will often have copies of the Book Club book set aside for the upcoming discussion: just ask at the front desk.

Please download a copy of the Friends' Book Club Schedule for 2019-2020 here.