English for Beginners

Cycle 2 begins June 4: You may download a Cycle 2 class schedule here (o en español aquí).

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 (available at the library or here) and return it to the library before attending the class. Email Jessica Hunsdon at nbenglishforbeginners@gmail.com or call/text 732-659-4359 with questions. You may send or leave a message in English or Spanish.

This program is funded by an American Dream Literacy Initiative grant. The American Dream Literacy Initiative, a grant offering of the American Library Association, is made possible by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

ESL Conversation Groups

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

The New Brunswick Free Public Library provides recurring ESL Conversation Groups on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The goals of this adult ESL program are: To provide English language instruction, to help adults gain motivational skills and knowledge to pursue further education and training, and to enhance the parenting skills of adult participants. Adult learners can improve their English language skills through an integrated literacy curriculum and the use of "real-life materials." Students must be over the age of 18 and be able to speak some English.

One group meets on Tuesdays and one group meets on Thursdays. You can attend one or both of these groups.

To join an ESL Conversation Group, please complete a registration form and return it to the library.

English Conversation Café

Summer session: Fridays, June 29 - August 17, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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.

To join a Conversation Café, please fill out a registration form and return it to the library.

Interested in becoming a Conversation Facilitator? Please attend the Orientation on Friday, June 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please click here for more details.

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

Thursdays* from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

June 14 - September 13, 2018.
(*Please note day change: Starting in June, this group will be meeting on Thursdays, instead of Mondays as they had previously done.)

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.

Kids' Community Council

Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m.

Are you in grade 5, 6, 7, or 8? Are you a resident of New Brunswick, and interested in making your community a better place? Are you free on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. to attend meetings? If you answered yes to all of these, come join the Kids' Community Council! We are New Brunswick kids who meet once a week to discuss issues important to us and help take care of the library. Snacks provided!

If you have not already registered, please fill out the registration form at this link, or pick up a copy in the Children's Room. Any questions, ask Ms. Chelsea.

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.

Know the Author

Thursdays, June 7 through 28, at 4:00 p.m.

Learn about Eric Velasquez, award-winning illustrator and author of many books, who will be visiting the library on June 30. Hear some of his stories and do related crafts in preparation for his exciting visit!

For children in grades K-6.

M.A.S.S.T.

Tuesdays, June 19 through August 14 (with no meeting on July 3) at 6:00 p.m., for native English speakers.
Wednesdays, June 20 through August 15 (with no meeting on July 4) at 6:00 p.m., for native Spanish speakers.

Math And Science Story Times are back! This summer, join the Children's department for free bilingual story-times featuring stories, songs, and activities designed to introduce children ages 2-5 to important math and science concepts! Parental attendance is required.
Native English speakers should plan to attend Tuesday evening sessions, and native Spanish speakers should plan to attend Wednesday evening sessions. All sessions will be held in the New Brunswick Free Public Library’s Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Registration required. For more information, visit or call the children’s circulation desk at 732-745-5108 ext. 16.

Summer Reading Kick-Off

Saturday, June 23, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Sign up for the summer reading program, get your goody bag, and participate in fun activities! Libraries rock!

For all ages.

Please note that the Children's Room will be closed on this date except for the program.

Author Visit

Saturday, June 30, at 2:00 p.m.

Meet author and illustrator Eric Velasquez, winner of the Pura Belpré award for his book Grandma's Gift!

For all ages.
Thank you to the Friends of the Library for sponsoring Mr. Velasquez's visit.

Magic of Recycling

Monday, July 2, at 4:00 p.m.

A fun, interactive program of comedy, magic, and puppets! Sponsored by the Middlesex County Department of Public Safety and Health.

For all ages.

~ 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!

Kids' Community Council

Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m.

Are you in grade 5, 6, 7, or 8? Are you a resident of New Brunswick, and interested in making your community a better place? Are you free on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. to attend meetings? If you answered yes to all of these, come join the Kids' Community Council! We are New Brunswick kids who meet once a week to discuss issues important to us and help take care of the library. Snacks provided!

If you have not already registered, please fill out the registration form at this link, or pick up a copy in the library. Any questions, ask Ms. Chelsea.

Afternoon Game Time

Wednesdays at 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. We'll have “Dropmix” available on July 11th and 18th.

Open to tweens and teens.

Hour of Code

Thursdays between 2:30 & 6 p.m. in the Teen Room

Learn how to create your own website using HTML or your very own computer game through MIT's Scratch. 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 - 12.

SAT Prep

Saturdays, June 23 through July 21, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.;
in the Henry Guest House for June dates, in the Community Room for July dates.

The New Brunswick Free Public Library is partnering with the Islamic Circle of North America's New Jersey Chapter to hold five SAT Prep courses. These events will cover individual topics; attendance at all five is not necessary.

Registration for the event is required: please speak to Mr. Trevor in the Teen Room or call the library at 732-745-5108 ext. 13.

Summer Reading Collaboration Table

Mondays, July 2 through August 27, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Teen Room.

Discuss with your peers the book you are currently reading and get help with your Summer Reading Assignments. Students in grades 6 through 12 are welcome and Mr. Trevor will be available to help out!

Afternoon Movies

Certain Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room:
July 3: School of Rock (PG-13); July 24: La La Land (PG-13); August 14: Pitch Perfect (PG-13); September 4: Guardians of the Galaxy (PG-13).

Afternoon Teen Movies are open to all appropriate ages according to movie rating and are courtesy of a license generously purchased by the Friends of the New Brunswick Free Public Library.

Teen Tech Time

Certain Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Teen Room:
July 10: Google Drive; July 31: Audacity (audio editing software); August 21: Internet Safety.

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

Learn to Play Magic the Gathering

Thursday, July 19, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Learn the game using a premade, 30 card deck supplied by the library. Staff and other resources will be available to walk you through your first games. Open to teens entering grades 7 through 12.

PLEASE NOTE: Experienced players are welcome to attend but this program’s primary focus is toward the newcomers to Magic, the learning of the game, and developing a positive community of players.

Teen Advisory Group

Fridays, July 20 and August 3 & 31, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Interested teens: come help create teen-related programming, content, services, etc., for the library and find additional ways to help the community!

Summer Volunteer Orientation

Friday, July 20, from noon to 2:00 p.m., in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Teens interested in helping out at the library this summer must attend an orientation before they begin volunteering with the library. This event will include an introduction to the Library, a review of the Teen Volunteer Program, Summer Reading Procedures, and some time to design your own name tags.

Please speak to Mr. Trevor in the Teen Room or call the library at 732-745-5108 if you have any questions.

End of Summer Party

Friday, August 17, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

All teens are invited to come celebrate!

~ 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!

Photography Contest Exhibit Reception

Friday, June 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

The New Brunswick Free Public Library presents its 11th Annual Photo Contest this Spring. Please visit the photo contest page for full details.

Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders through a grant provided by New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State.

Top-Notch Resumes: a Career Connections Workshop

Tuesday, July 3, at 5:30 p.m., in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Attend this workshop to learn how to format resumes, draft effective cover letters, and submit resumes in different formats.

This workshop is possible thanks to New Jersey Career Connections, brought to you by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Reference USA Seminar

Monday, July 9, at 4:00 p.m., in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

A Reference USA representative will be at the library to go over how you can use this database to "Start, Manage, & Grow Your Business."

Catered to the business community, this program teaches business owners how to identify their vertical market and generate sales leads based on what community is most likely to buy their products and services. Other concepts are taught through the database like competitive analysis, market research, and varying outreach methods to attract new customers.

(Reference USA is available to library users through Jersey Clicks!)

Rock Painting

Wednesday, July 18, at 6:00 p.m., in the Henry Guest House.

Adults (anyone over the age of 18) are invited to come out to the Henry Guest House (next to the library) for a fun night of Rock Painting, presented as part of our Summer Reading Program. Paint cute bugs, brightly colored decorations, or inspirational words on rocks to use in your garden or flower boxes.

All supplies will be provided. Registration is limited to 15 adults; to register, please stop by or call the Reference Desk at 732-745-5108 x.20.

Career Assistance

Mondays & Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.;

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.;

Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (when the library is open).

Stop by our Reference Room and get assistance from our career counselors. They offer help with resume writing, career searching, and referral services. This program is possible thanks to New Jersey Career Connections.

Open to everyone. No registration is required.

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!

Photography Workshops and Contest

Contest submission deadline extended to Tuesday, May 15, 2018.

Contest Exhibition Reception: Friday, June 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

The New Brunswick Free Public Library presented its 11th Annual Photo Contest along with three Photography Workshops this Spring. The contest theme this year is "Express Your Emotions." Winners will be announced at the Contest Exhibition Reception. Photos will be on display at the library from June 15th to July 15th, 2018. The contest and related events are free and open to the public. Please visit the photo contest page for full details.

Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders through a grant provided by New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State.

Summer Reading Kick-Off

Saturday, June 23, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Come learn about and sign up for the library’s Summer Reading programs! There will be fun activities for all and goody bags for the kids. Libraries rock!

For all ages: Kids in the Children's Room, Teens in the Teen Room, and Adults in the Main Lobby.

Summer Sewing: Kid's Sun Visor

Wednesday, June 27, at 6:30 p.m.

Stitch something special with local volunteer sewing expert Pam Brooks. On this evening, make a visor to keep the sun off your child's face.

Minimum age to attend is 8 years old. Please arrive on time to participate. Registration is suggested.

Summer Sewing: Earbud Pouch

Wednesday, July 25, at 6:30 p.m.

Stitch something special with local volunteer sewing expert Pam Brooks. On this evening, make a pouch to carry your earbuds.

Minimum age to attend is 8 years old. Please arrive on time to participate. Registration is suggested.

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

The Friends' Book Club

The book club usually meets on the fourth Monday of the month (with some exceptions) at 1:30 p.m. next door in the Henry Guest House. (Occasionally the meetings will be in the library's Community Room instead; please check at the Reference Desk if you have questions.) The only requirements are to have read the book and be willing to discuss it.

Download a copy of the Friends' Book Club Schedule for 2017-2018 here.

• Sept. 25 - Becoming Wise by Krista Tippett:
  Conversations with people whose insights kindle a sense of wonder and courage.
• Oct. 23 - Moonglow (A Novel) by Michael Chabon: 
  A memoir of the author's grandfather.
• Nov. 27 - Have A Little Faith by Mitch Albom:
  Based on two separate conversations between the author and two clergy, a New Jersey rabbi and a Detroit minister.
• Dec. 18 - When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson:
  A crime novel that explores how the past can affect the future and how choices have lasting implications.
• Jan. 22, 2018 - The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead:
  A novel that explores the foundational sins of America.
• Feb. 26 - Are We Smart Enough To Know How Smart Animals Are? by Frans de Waal:
  The author, a Dutch-American primatologist, shows there is no clear behavioral division between animals and ourselves.
• Mar. 26 - Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life by Amy E. Herman:
  A guide to seeing what others do not.
• Apr. 23 - The Sellout by Paul Beatty:
  A satirical novel about a narrator who tries to reintroduce slavery and segregation in his Los Angeles neighborhood.
• May 21 - Lost In The City by Edward P. Jones:
  A collection of 14 short stories about African Americans in Washington D.C. in the 20th century.
• June 11 - All Aunt Hagar’s Children by Edward P. Jones:
  A continuation of the lives described in Lost In The City.