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 x22 to register for an appointment.

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

Knitting/Crocheting Club

Thursdays, October 24 (etc.*), at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.
**The October 10th meeting has been canceled.

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 (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 x20.

Day of the Dead Celebration

Saturday, October 26, 2024; 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Register here.

This celebration will be a rich cultural experience featuring a movie showing, papel picado (paper flower making), and other Day of the Dead crafts. Take part in creating the Day of the Dead altar by writing the name of someone you want to remember and honor on a colorful paper. You can bring photos or draw a picture of your loved one(s) to place at the altar. The program will also feature a music performance by Ana Vee and tabling by the Zimmerli Art Museum. The festivities will culminate with a delightful (limited) sampling of tamales and champurrado. This program is free and open to all ages!

Registration is required due to limited capacity. Register at tinyurl.com/diademuertos024 or call 732-745-5108 x 20 to sign up. Please contact Gaby Mora at gaby@nbfpl.org with any questions.

Sewing 101

Wednesday, November 6, at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.
Register here.

Stitch something special with local sewing expert Pam Brooks. This is a recurring program, usually on the first Wednesday of each month in 2024, and we've had a different project each month. November's and December's projects, however, will be the same: make a fox bag! (Due to the complex nature of this project, attendance is more limited. Those who attend in November are asked not to register for December's session.) 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 x20 to sign up. (Registration is only available 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.

~ Visit the Explore LMxAC Calendar for information about events at other libraries in our consortium!

Virtual English Conversation Groups

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (ET) on Tuesdays, September 10 through December 10, 2024, via Zoom.
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (ET) on Thursdays, September 12 through December 12 (except November 28), 2024, 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.

LISTOS Bilingual Health Education Workshops

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (ET) on Mondays, October 7 and 21, 2024, via Zoom.
Register here.

Join us for two informative workshops focused on heart health and hypertension, made possible through a collaboration with RWJMS LISTOS (Literacy Initiative for Students Teaching Older Spanish Speakers). These sessions are designed for adult language learners (ages 18 and older) who can speak some English. During each session, a group of medical students will present a health education topic in English, aimed at helping attendees become more comfortable with healthcare-related terminology. The topic for October 7th will be "Fats and Heart Health" and the topic for October 21st will be "Blood Pressure". Please register here to get the Zoom link for these virtual programs.

English Conversation Cafés

In person: Mondays, October 7 - December 2, 2024 at 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (no session on October 14),
      and Fridays, October 11 - December 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (no session on November 29)
Register here.
Virtual: Wednesdays, October 9 - December 4, 2024 at 6:30-8:00 p.m. (no session on November 27)
Register here for virtual only.

Are you interested in practicing English and meeting new people? Join one or more of our English Conversation Cafés! This program is recommended for people who can hold a simple conversation in English, and want to practice more. You must be over the age of 18 to participate. Participants engage in one-on-one or small-group conversations with Conversation Facilitators discussing a variety of topics. Advance registration (at bit.ly/virtual2024fall) is required to get the Zoom link for the virtual Café; participants may register in person on the first day they attend an in-person Café, or register at bit.ly/fall2024cc. Download a schedule flyer here, listing all our current cafés.

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.

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 x20.

Citizenship Classes

5:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Upcoming session dates for 2024 are as follows:
July 11 - September 26; October 3 - December 19 (excluding November 28).

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@nbfpl.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. Registration suggested here. Contact Karen Stuppi at kstuppi@nbfpl.org or call 732-745-5108 x31 with any questions.

Cuentos y Canciones

Mondays, as of September 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
Register.

This all-Spanish story time is for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers. Register at tinyurl.com/NBcuentos.

Thinking Money for Kids

Tuesdays, October 1-29, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
Register.

We’re thrilled to announce that the New Brunswick Free Public Library has received a Thinking Money for Kids Program Kit from the American Library Association and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. If you've been looking for ways to teach your kids that money doesn't grow on trees, get ready! Each Tuesday in October will be a different Thinking Money for Kids program: 10/1 = Piggy Bank Theater (recommended for ages 3-8). 10/8 = Currency Conga (recommended for ages 3-12). 10/15 = Penny Pinchers' Party (recommended for ages 5-12). 10/22 = Making Moolah (recommended for ages 5-12). 10/29 = Pet Cents (recommended for ages 8-11). Register for one, some, or all of these programs at tinyurl.com/TM4Kids.

Spooky Stories

Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.
Register.

With the help of Jessica from Fresh Theatre Arts, we will act out the story The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams. We will then enjoy some snacks while we play a game of bingo! For children in grades K-6. Register at tinyurl.com/Misteriosos.

Lego Club

Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
Register.

K-6 children are invited to create using a variety of Lego bricks. They can either choose a Lego challenge or build whatever they want. Parents are welcome to build, too! Register at tinyurl.com/ClubLego.

Kids Coding

Tuesdays, November 12, 19, and 26, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
Register.

K-6 children can learn the very basics of coding using games, robots, and drones. Register at tinyurl.com/NBcoding.

Native American Heritage program

Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.
Register.

Children ages 6-10 are invited to listen to storyteller Amelia Martinez from the Ramapo Munsee Lenape Network. They can then create a craft and enjoy some snacks. Register at tinyurl.com/NativeNB.

Stay tuned!

Details for this Fall semester's Homework Help program will be posted soon. You may visit our Tutoring Page now to see tentative details.

Day of the Dead Celebration

Saturday, October 26, 2024; 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

This celebration will be a rich cultural experience featuring a movie showing, papel picado (paper flower making), and other Day of the Dead crafts. Take part in creating the Day of the Dead altar by writing the name of someone you want to remember and honor on a colorful paper. You can bring photos or draw a picture of your loved one(s) to place at the altar. The program will also feature a music performance by Ana Vee and tabling by the Zimmerli Art Museum. The festivities will culminate with a delightful (limited) sampling of tamales and champurrado. This program is free and open to all ages!

Registration is required due to limited capacity. Register at tinyurl.com/diademuertos024 or call 732-745-5108 x 20 to sign up. Please contact Gaby Mora at gaby@nbfpl.org with any questions.

Free Vision Screening

By appointment, 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 x28 and leave a voicemail with your full name and phone number, stating what you are calling about and a good time to call you back. Someone will call you back when we have an opening (which may take some time*) to ask you some screening questions before scheduling your appointment. (*We have experienced very high demand for this program and appreciate your patience.)

Knitting/Crocheting Club

Second and fourth Thursday of the month (unless otherwise noted) at 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
**The October 10th meeting has been canceled.

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 x20.

Sewing 101

The first Wednesday of each month starting 1/3/2024 (except for April when it was on 4/10), at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Register here.

Stitch something special with local sewing expert Pam Brooks. We've had a different project each month; November's and December's projects, however, will be the same: make a fox bag! (Due to the complex nature of this project, attendance is more limited. Those who attend in November are asked not to register for December's session.) Registration is required: register at https://forms.gle/rd1vgjfomSvhKx4N8 or call 732-745-5108 x20 to sign up. (Registration is only available 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.

Stay tuned!

Details to come.

The Friends of the Library will resume meetings and programs in the fall.

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 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.