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.

Windows of Understanding “Paint Your Stress Out” Painting Workshop

Wednesday, Feb 8, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Register here.

In this interactive painting workshop led by professional artist Cristina Hoyos, participants will paint their emotions onto a canvas as a medium to de-stress themselves. Art-based activities are effective in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and many other social and emotional issues. Come and listen to relaxing music while painting your stress away!

This program, hosted by Windows of Understanding and the New Brunswick Free Public Library, is free and open to all ages; all supplies will be provided. Registration is required at bit.ly/Paintworkshop or at the library’s Reference Desk (phone: 732-745-5108 x20). For more information, contact Kavita Pandey at kavita@lmxac.org.

Knitting/Crocheting Club

Thursday, February 9, 2023 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.

The Knitting/Crocheting Club regularly meets on the second 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.

Meditation in Current Times

Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Register here.

In the world we live in today, there is much uncertainty and many stressors that we are faced with on a day to day basis. Learn in this powerful workshop how meditation can be a tool to help cope with our everyday life and how we deal with the stressors around us. Join Nirav Sheth, a Certified Life Coach and Leadership Coach specializing in mental fitness and life planning services to increase happiness and fulfillment in people’s lives, for this free, virtual workshop. Register at tinyurl.com/meditateFeb23 or call 732-745-5108 x20 in advance for instructions to join by phone.

Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables: Family Fun Night

Monday, February 27, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Join us for a Family Fun Night with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. We will share ideas on how to add more variety and nutrition to your meals, and tips on how to eat healthier on a budget. Prepare and sample a delicious recipe! No age limit, all are welcome. Class will be bilingual. Register at https://forms.gle/j55ako77BtR1tpAr6 or call 732-745-5108 x20.

Calling All Poets!

Anthology Submission Deadline: Friday, March 17, 2023.

To commemorate National Poetry Month, the New Brunswick Free Public Library will again compile its Annual Poetry Month Celebration Anthology in April 2023. The Poetry Anthology is open to all poets – from novice to previously published, and from New Jersey or across the globe. The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 17, 2023. You may download a Poetry Submission Form here. Visit our Poetry page for more information.

All poets who submit to the anthology are invited to read their published poems at the Poetry Reading in late April. More information on whether this will be virtual or hybrid will be available in early April.

~ 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, from January 10 to May 16, 2023, via Zoom.
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays, from January 12 to May 18, 2023, 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.

English Conversation Cafés

In person: Mondays, February 27 - April 24, 2023 (no session on March 13) at 6:30-7:45 p.m.,
and Fridays, March 3 - April 28, 2023 (no session on March 17 and April 7) at 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Register here.
Virtual: Wednesdays, March 1 - April 26, 2023 (no session on March 15) at 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Register here for Virtual only.

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. Advance registration required to get the Zoom link for the virtual program.

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

January 5 - March 16, 2023 on Thursdays, 5:00 - 8 p.m.

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). Please note that face masks are currently still required to attend programs in the community room. 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.

Young Athletes

Wednesdays, January 11 through March 1, from 4:00 to 4:45 p.m. at the library.
Registration full as of December 22.

Children ages 2-7 and their caregivers are invited to participate in a variety of athletic activities. We will spend about 35 minutes rotating to different stations, such as playing catch, tossing beanbags, bouncing a ball, and more. This program is sponsored by Special Olympics NJ and is open to children of all abilities. All children must participate with a parent or guardian; all participants must wear athletic shoes. Contact kstuppi@Lmxac.org or call to join the waiting list.

Beautiful Shades of Brown

Thursday, February 16 at 4:00 p.m. at the library.
Register.

As part of African American History Month, we will celebrate the artist Laura Wheeling Waring with a reading of Beautiful Shades of Brown by Nancy Churnin. We will then create our own pictures using only brown crayons and will see for ourselves the many beautiful shades of brown there are! This program is for K-6 children. Register at tinyurl.com/BeautyNB or contact kstuppi@Lmxac.org with questions.

Lego Club

Third Tuesday of each month (2/21, 3/21, 4/18) at the library.
Register.

Lego Club is for children in grades K-6. We will provide a variety of Lego blocks, Lego wheels, and Lego creatures. Just bring your imagination and your readiness to build! Register at: tinyurl.com/ClubLego.

Hour of Code (Passive Program)

Wednesdays in the Teen Room during Teen Room hours.

With this self-directed 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 (usually 2:00 - 5 p.m.) on Wednesdays and sign in with the librarian there to start your Hour of Code!

Open to students in grades 7 through 12.

Afternoon Game Time

Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room* (or sometimes in the Teen 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. Come see what's in store each Thursday afternoon!

Open to tweens and teens.

Windows of Understanding “Paint Your Stress Out” Painting Workshop

Wednesday, Feb 8, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Register here.

In this interactive painting workshop led by professional artist Cristina Hoyos, participants will paint their emotions onto a canvas as a medium to de-stress themselves. Art-based activities are effective in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and many other social and emotional issues. Come and listen to relaxing music while painting your stress away!

This program, hosted by Windows of Understanding and the New Brunswick Free Public Library, is free and open to all ages; all supplies will be provided. Registration is required at bit.ly/Paintworkshop or at the library’s Reference Desk (phone: 732-745-5108 x20). For more information, contact Kavita Pandey at kavita@lmxac.org.

Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables: Family Fun Night

Monday, February 27, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Join us for a Family Fun Night with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. We will share ideas on how to add more variety and nutrition to your meals, and tips on how to eat healthier on a budget. Prepare and sample a delicious recipe! No age limit, all are welcome. Class will be bilingual. Register at https://forms.gle/j55ako77BtR1tpAr6 or call 732-745-5108 x20.

Calling All Poets!

Anthology Submission Deadline: Friday, March 17, 2023.

To commemorate National Poetry Month, the New Brunswick Free Public Library will again compile its Annual Poetry Month Celebration Anthology in April 2023. The Poetry Anthology is open to all poets – from novice to previously published, and from New Jersey or across the globe. The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 17, 2023. You may download a Poetry Submission Form here. Visit our Poetry page for more information.

All poets who submit to the anthology are invited to read their published poems at the Poetry Reading in late April. More information on whether this will be virtual or hybrid will be available in early April.

Holi Festival

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, March 25, 2023.

Our annual Holi festival will take place on this date, from 1:00 to 3 p.m. More details to come soon!

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Friday, March 31, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. &

Saturday, April 1, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

We're thrilled that the Friends will again hold a Book Sale, after being unable to these last couple years. The Friends traditionally sell a wide array of items at incredibly low prices at their Book Sale; 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 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.

Knitting/Crocheting Club

Second 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.

The Knitting/Crocheting Club regularly meets on the second 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.

Stories of Slavery in New Jersey

Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in the library's Community Room.

Join the Friends for an Author Talk with historian Rick Geffken, who will discuss his book, Stories of Slavery in New Jersey. Free and open to all, though registration is highly recommended due to limited capacity. Register at https://forms.gle/G1cJ9Qf7LMpMCdiW6 or stop by/call the Reference Desk (732-745-5108 x20). Face masks are required to be worn while attending this event.

Book Sale

Friday, March 31, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. &

Saturday, April 1, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

We're thrilled that the Friends will again hold a Book Sale in 2023! The Friends traditionally sell a wide array of items at incredibly low prices at their Book Sale; books of all kinds, for all ages, as well as DVDs, CDs, and more! Proceeds benefit the library. Only cash and checks are accepted.

Visit our Photo Contest page for information about this popular annual program. The page includes links to this year's and past year's Photography Contest presentations, starting with 2018.

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.

Visit our Holi page for information about our annual Holi festival. The page also includes links to watch our 2022 festival.

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.