Events Calendar

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 to register for an appointment.

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

Knitting/Crocheting Club

Thursdays, June 12 & 26, 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.

Photography Contest Exhibit

Exhibit Opening Reception: Friday, June 13, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. in the library's Carl T. Valenti Community Room.
Register here.

The New Brunswick Free Public Library proudly presents its 18th annual Photography Contest and Exhibit. Registration is strongly recommended to attend the Opening Reception. You can register using the online form at tinyurl.com/Photoreception2025 or by calling 732-745-5108.The contest and related events are free and open to the public of all ages! Visit our Photo Contest page for more information.

Summer Kickoff

Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the library's Carl T. Valenti Community Room.
Register here.

Adults and children of all ages are invited to kick off the summer at the library! We will have snacks, giveaways, craft activities, and information about all of our summer challenges and how you can win prizes. Registration suggested at: tinyurl.com/NBKickoff.

Sewing 101

Wednesday, July 2*, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Register here.

*Unfortunately, the June 4 workshop is canceled, and that project will now be done on July 2. Those who registered for the June workshop are now registered for July. After July 2, the registration form will open for the August workshop.

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 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.

Health & Resource Fair

Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the library's Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Join us for a day of connection and discovery! Bring the whole family and explore the wide range of services and programs available right here in New Brunswick. Connect with local organizations, ask questions, and find the tools and support you need to thrive. Community partners include:

• NJ4S Middlesex (Rutgers)
• Your Health Kiosk
• RWJBH SNAP Navigation Program
• New Brunswick Senior Citizen Resource Center
• Eric B. Chandler Health Center
• New Jersey Citizen Action
• Coordinated Family Care
• Puerto Rican Action Board

Virtual English Conversation Groups

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (ET) on Tuesdays, June 10 through August 26, 2025, via Zoom.
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (ET) on Thursdays, June 12 through August 28, 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.

Download a flyer here.

Summer English Conversation Café

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, June 24 - August 5, 2025 in the Carl T. Valenti Meeting Room.
Register here.

Are you interested in practicing English and meeting new people? Join our English Conversation Café! This program is an informal conversation practice group for adult language learners who can 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 is required; register at bit.ly/Summer2025cc or at the library.

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.

Citizenship Classes

5:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in 2025.
Register with John Tello of The Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County at 732-777-1940.

Do you need to improve your English and pass the Citizenship Test? Do you need help with your Naturalization Application? This 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 or email at kavita@nbfpl.org with library-related questions.

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.

Summer Kickoff

Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Register.

Adults and children of all ages are invited to kick off the summer at the library. We will have snacks, giveaways, craft activities, and information about all of our summer challenges and how you can win prizes. Registration suggested at tinyurl.com/NBKickoff.

Read With a Teen

Daily, June 23 - August 15, 2025, during open hours.
Register.

K-6 children are invited to read with our teen volunteers this summer. They can bring a book from home or choose something to read at the library. Make a new friend while improving your reading skills! Sign up for half-hour time slots at tinyurl.com/ReadNBFPL.

Nutrition Education for Families

Tuesdays, June 24 - July 29, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
Register.

Presented by NJ SNAP-ED, this 6-session series has families create healthy and tasty snacks together. They will learn simple ways to eat healthier while enjoying dishes they make themselves. Register at tinyurl.com/KidsCookNB.

Color Our World

Wednesdays, June 25 - August 13, at 4:00 p.m.
Register.

K-6 children are invited to a series of painting workshops. Each week they will learn about a different artist and then create a painting inspired by that artist's style. Registration is full as of June 12, but you may visit tinyurl.com/PinturaNB for information about joining the waiting list.

Tie Dye a T-Shirt

Thursday, June 26 at 4:00 p.m.
Register.

K-6 children are invited to create a colorful t-shirt. Plain white t-shirts in youth sizes S, M, and L will be provided. Use the registration form to select your size. If you need a different size, you are welcome to bring your own t-shirt. Registration is required at: tinyurl.com/TieDyeNB.

MASST (Math And Science Story Time)

Mondays, June 30 - August 18, at 11:00 a.m.
Register.

Children ages 2-5 and their caregivers are invited to a Spanish-language story time that introduces basic math and science topics. Ms. Linda Stork has provided this 8-session series every summer since 2012. Families listen to stories, do hands-on activities, learn ways to reinforce concepts at home, and receive books each session. Register at tinyurl.com/mathsciNB.

Rainbow Reactions

Thursdays, July 3, 10, & 31, and August 7 & 14, at 4:00 p.m.
Register.

K-6 children are invited to do a variety of colorful STEM activities from creating a rainbow crystal to working with UV beads to making their own kaleidoscope and more. Registration encouraged at tinyurl.com/RainbowNB.

Eyes of the Wild

Thursday, July 24, at 4:00 p.m.
Register.

Each year the folks from Eyes of the Wild provide a fascinating program, introducing attendees to a variety of animals. In the past, they have brought wallabies, porcupines, snakes, sugar gliders, alligators, and more. All ages are invited to see what they will show us this year. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/AnimalesVivos.

Nature Hunt

Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
Register.

K-6 children are invited to explore the nature found right outside the library. Participate in a scavenger hunt to find different leaves, flowers, insects, and more. If the weather does not cooperate, we will do garden-related activities indoors instead. Registration suggested at tinyurl.com/GardenNBFPL.

Summer Volunteer Orientations

Session 1: Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. in the library's Carl T. Valenti Meeting Room.

Session 2: Friday, June 27, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Henry Guest House.
Register.

Interested in volunteering at the library this summer? Attend one of our Summer Volunteer Orientation sessions to learn everything you need to know about available opportunities, responsibilities, and how to make the most of your volunteer experience. All teen volunteers must attend one orientation session before they can begin volunteering.

Please register at https://forms.gle/AjVLZtsBxRoMtofG7. Please call 732-745-5108 and ask for Mr. Trevor or email thotalen@nbfpl.org if you have any questions.

Afternoon Game Time

Mondays, June 30th - August 25th, 2025, at 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. in the library's Carl T. Valenti Meeting Room.

Come hang out at the library for Afternoon Game Time! Whether you're into classic board games, fast-paced card battles, or gaming on the Nintendo Switch, there's something for everyone. Challenge your friends to a round of Uno, team up for a game of Mario Kart, or try something new from our collection of tabletop games.

This program is open to Teens and Tweens.

Teen Take & Make

Tuesdays, July 1, 15, & 29, and August 19, 2025, at 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. in the Teen Room.

Looking for a creative way to unwind? Stop by the Teen Room for our Teen Take & Make craft sessions! Each visit features a different, self-guided craft project—from painting and paper crafts to DIY accessories and more.

Supplies and instructions are provided—just drop in, grab a kit, and get creative at your own pace. Whether you stay to craft in the Teen Room or take it to-go, it’s a fun, low-key way to express yourself.

New project each session • No registration required • While supplies last!

Teen Tech Time

Tuesdays, July 8 & 22, and August 12 & 26, 2025, at 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. in the Teen Room.

Curious about tech? Drop by the Teen Room for Teen Tech Time, a hands-on program where each session explores a different tech topic or tool—from coding, to gadgets, and more!

Whether you're a total beginner or already tech-savvy, Teen Tech Time is a fun way to try out new skills, experiment with creative technology, and discover what’s possible.

Topics change each session • No experience needed • All equipment provided!

Teen Book Club

Thursdays, July 3, 17, & 31, and August 14 & 28, 2025, at 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. in the Teen Room.

Love to read and talk about books? Join our Book Club in the Teen Room for fun, relaxed discussions about great reads! Each month features a new topic—ranging from popular YA fiction to graphic novels and more.

Whether you read cover-to-cover or just a few chapters, everyone is welcome. Share your thoughts, hear different perspectives, and connect with fellow teen readers in a casual, friendly space.

Teen Advisory Group

Thursdays, July 10 & 24, and August 7 & 21, 2025, at 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. in the Teen Room.

Want to make your voice heard at the library? Join the Teen Advisory Group (TAG)! TAG members help shape teen programs, recommend books and materials, and make the Teen Room a space designed by teens, for teens.

It’s also a great way to earn volunteer hours for school, clubs, or college applications while making a real impact on your community.

College Bound Summer @ Your Library

Fridays, July 11 through August 1, 2025, at 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Join us this summer for a series of interactive, supportive, and creative workshops designed to help rising seniors explore their future goals, build real-world skills, and get ready for life after high school—whether that means college, trade school, or a career. Attend one or attend them all! Recommended for rising 11th and 12th graders. Registration encouraged not required at: bit.ly/NBFPLTEENS.

• July 11 = Vision Board: Imagine Your Future
  Create a personalized vision board in this first session, in collaboration with the Zimmerli Art Museum! Through art, reflection, and creativity, you’ll explore your goals and dreams for life after graduation—and leave with a board to keep you motivated all year.
• July 18 = Make It Happen: Programs, Majors & Deadlines
  Now that you’ve found your direction, it’s time to dig into the details. Learn how to research majors, compare programs, and build a personalized timeline and to-do list so you don’t miss any important deadlines in your college, trade, or job application process. This session is presented in collaboration with NJ4S.
• July 25 = Tell Your Story: Common App & Personal Statement Workshop
  Colleges and job programs want to know who you are—not just what you’ve done. In this session, you’ll learn what makes a great personal statement, review examples, and start writing your own. Bring your story to life and stand out in your applications.
• August 1 = Ready to Launch: Résumés, LinkedIn & Interview Skills
  Get job- and college-ready with this hands-on session on building a strong résumé, navigating LinkedIn, and answering common interview questions with confidence. Learn how to build your professional presence online with LinkedIn. You'll create a profile, learn how to showcase your skills, and get tips on networking—even as a student. A great tool for internships, scholarships, and beyond!

Photography Contest Exhibit

Exhibit Opening Reception: Friday, June 13, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the library's Carl T. Valenti Community Room.
Register.

The New Brunswick Free Public Library proudly presents its 18th annual Photography Contest and Exhibit. Registration is strongly recommended to attend the Opening Reception. You can register using the online form at tinyurl.com/Photoreception2025 or by calling 732-745-5108. The contest and related events are free and open to the public of all ages! Visit our Photo Contest page for more information.

Summer Kickoff

Saturday, June 21, 2005, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the library's Carl T. Valenti Meeting Room.

Adults and children of all ages are invited to kick off the summer at the library! We will have snacks, giveaways, craft activities, and information about all of our summer challenges and how you can win prizes. Registration suggested at: tinyurl.com/NBKickoff.

Eyes of the Wild

Thursday, July 24, at 4:00 p.m.
Register.

Each year the folks from Eyes of the Wild provide a fascinating program, introducing attendees to a variety of animals. In the past, they have brought wallabies, porcupines, snakes, sugar gliders, alligators, and more. All ages are invited to see what they will show us this year. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/AnimalesVivos.

Free Vision Screening

By appointment only on designated days, 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 and we will see if we can get you on the waiting list!

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.

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.

2-Day Book Sale

Friday, April 4, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.* &
Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Tons of books as well as DVDs, CDs, puzzles, and more will be available to purchase at low, low prices! Profits from this sale go to help fund library programs, etc.

*The Book Sale takes place in the Community Room; please note that the library closes at 5 p.m. on Friday and only the Community Room will be open until 7:00 that evening.

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.

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. 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.