English for Beginners

Come to an Information Session to find out more about this program and register for the next cycle of classes.
Pick one: Monday, January 28, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. - or - Saturday, February 2, at 11:00 a.m.

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.

English Conversation Groups

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

(These groups will not meet during the weeks of December 25 through January 10; they will resume on January 15, 2019.)

The New Brunswick Free Public Library provides recurring English Conversation Groups on Tuesday and Thursday 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.

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

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

English Conversation Café

Winter/Spring 2019 dates and times:

Tuesdays *for Novice English Speakers*, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., February 19 - April 16, with no meeting on March 19;

Wednesday mornings, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., February 6 - April 17, with no meeting on March 20;

Wednesday evenings, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., February 20 - April 17, with no meeting on March 20;

Fridays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., February 15 - April 12, with no meeting on March 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, though the Tuesday Café is specifically for novice English speakers.

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. Download a schedule of all Spring 2019 Conversation Cafés here.

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.

Teen English Conversation Café

Saturdays, February 2 – May 4 (with no sessions on March 16 & 23), from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

Teens in grades 7-12 can join this English Conversation Café for free! English-speakers of any level are welcome. Receive a Certificate of Attendance if you attend at least 8 sessions.

To join, please complete a registration form at the library. (You may also download an application here.) For more information, please contact Teen Librarian Trevor Hotalen at thotalen@lmxac.org or call 732-745-5108 ext. 20.

This program is possible thanks to a partnership with Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Download a flyer (in English and en español) for more information.

JFS ESL/Citizenship Classes

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

Oct. 4, 2018 – Jan. 17, 2019 (with no class on 12/27 & 1/3); Feb. 7 – May 9, 2019; May 30 – Aug. 29, 2019.

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.

A. S. K. (After School Kids') Club: Polar Ambassadors

Mondays, December 3, 10, 17, January 7 & 14, and Tuesday January 22, at 4:00 p.m.

Take your interest in science to the next level! Attend all six A.S.K. Club special sessions this winter to become a Polar Ambassador and present your findings to the public during Rutgers Geology Museum’s annual “Open House” on Saturday, January 26, 2019!

For grades 4 and up. To register, stop by the Children's circulation desk, or call 732-745-5108 x16.

¡Cuentos y Canciones!

Wednesdays, January 2, 9, 16, & 30, at 7:00 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, January 3 - 31, at 4:00 p.m. for ages 2-4.

Thursdays, February 7, 14, 28 at March 7 & 14, at 4:00 p.m. for ages 5-7.

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. (Please note dates for different age groups.)

Registration is required; use the link here to register online. All children must participate with a parent or adult guardian. All participants must wear athletic shoes. Siblings and friends are encouraged to participate!

Kids' Community Council

Tuesdays, January 8 - May 28 (with no meeting on 1/15, 1/22, 2/12, & 4/16), 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!

Please fill out the registration form, available in the Children's Room. Any questions, ask Ms. Chelsea.

The kids of the KCC will explore theater and movement during 6 special sessions in February and March, with teaching artists from ReThink Theatrical! Learn more about ReThink here.

Happy Birthday MLK!

Tuesday, January 22, at 6:30 p.m.

Watch kid-friendly videos about Dr. King, listen to The Sneetches story by Dr. Seuss, participate in group crafts, and enjoy some snacks as we celebrate Dr. King’s birthday!

For children of all ages.

This event is presented as part of the Windows of Understanding project, in collaboration with the New Brunswick Community Arts Council and Mason Gross School of the Arts. Learn more at www.windowsofunderstanding.org.

Lego Club

Friday, January 25, at 3:30 p.m.

This month's challenge: Musical Monsters! When the music starts, begin building a monster. When the music stops, pass it to someone else. When the music starts again, add on to another person's monster. Keep going each time the music starts and stops until we have many Lego monsters!

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!

Afternoon Game Time

Wednesdays 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.

Open to tweens and teens.

Hour of Code

Thursdays in the Teen Room during Teen Room hours

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.

Kids' Community Council

Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m., January 8 - May 28 (with no meeting on 1/15, 1/22, 2/12, & 4/16).

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!

Please fill out a registration form, available in the Children's Room. Any questions, ask Ms. Chelsea.

Teen English Conversation Café

Saturdays, February 2 – May 4 (with no sessions on March 16 & 23), from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

Teens in grades 7-12 can join this English Conversation Café for free! English-speakers of any level are welcome. Receive a Certificate of Attendance if you attend at least 8 sessions.

To join, please complete a registration form at the library. (You may also download an application here.) For more information, please contact Teen Librarian Trevor Hotalen at thotalen@lmxac.org or call 732-745-5108 ext. 20.

This program is possible thanks to a partnership with Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Download a flyer (in English and en español) for more information.

Manga Club

Tuesdays, February 5 and 26, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Teen Room.

A place for children and teens grades 4 through 12 to talk about their favorite manga titles and what makes these books so great. On special occasions we will watch anime episodes through the Library’s Crunchyroll account.

Friday Afternoon Magic

Fridays, February 15 and 22, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the Teen Room.

An open time for anyone interested in playing Magic the Gathering to meet up and play a few games.

This program is open to young adults in grades 6 through college.

~ 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!

The Life and Times of Paul Robeson

Saturday, February 2, 2019, at 1:00 p.m.

Marvin Jefferson will present a historical portrayal of Paul Robeson’s life and accomplishments – 20th century Renaissance man, social activist, singer, scholar, actor, All American athlete, lawyer, humanist and advocate for international peace.

This program is presented by the New Brunswick African American Heritage Committee in conjunction with the Friends of the Library; it is funded through a grant from the Middlesex County Office of Arts and History, and support from the NJ Council for the Humanities.

The program is free of charge and open to the public.

Career Connections Workshop: Top Notch Resumes

Tuesday, February 21, at 4:00 p.m., in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room.

Join us in an interactive resume workshop to learn step-by-step tools and tips to write the most effective resume! Free and open to the public.

This workshop is possible thanks to the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Career Assistance

Mondays & Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.;

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.;

Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 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!

Holi Festival

Saturday, March 30, 2019, from 12 noon to 3:00 p.m. in the Carl T. Valenti Community Room (and outside, weather permitting).

The Library is celebrating its 10th annual Indian Holi Festival in cooperation with Rutgers Indian Graduate Student Association and South Asian Total Health Initiative (SATHI). Please join us for a vibrant, fun-filled celebration of the Indian Festival of colors! This program is free and open to all ages.

The festivities begin with Mehndi (Indian henna tattoo), a display of regional dresses, and crafts for children. There will then be music and dance performances, delicious Indian food, and a free raffle! Join us on the library’s front lawn (weather permitting) after the performances if you wish to participate in the Holi Color Festivity (dry colors). Please make sure to wear old clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, and please understand that you will not be allowed back in the building after color play.

For more information, please contact librarian Kavita Pandey at kavita@lmxac.org or 732-745-5108 x20.

Funding provided in part by Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, The Folklife Program for New Jersey, New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Dept. of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Our additional program sponsors are New Brunswick Cultural Center, Kalyanni Performing Arts Education, Taalim School of Indian Music, Music Souls, Indo-American Festivals Inc., TV ASIA, and WRSU 88.7 FM Rutgers Radio.

2018 Visual Arts Contest

View the submissions to our first Visual Arts Contest in this PowerPoint presentation!

Sewing 101

Stitch something special with local volunteer sewing expert Pam Brooks.

Wednesday, January 23, at 6:30 p.m. - Turn a men's dress shirt into an apron! Shirts will be provided, though you may bring your own if you would like (it should be a button-down with a collar).

Wednesday, February 27, at 6:30 p.m. - Project to be announced.

Wednesday, March 27, at 6:30 p.m. - Project to be announced.

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

Saturday Program: The Life and Times of Paul Robeson

Saturday, February 2, 2019, at 1:00 p.m.

This month’s Saturday program is presented by the New Brunswick African American Heritage Committee in conjunction with the Friends of the Library. (Please note this event's time is later than the usual noon time.)

Marvin Jefferson will present a historical portrayal of Paul Robeson’s life and accomplishments – 20th century Renaissance man, social activist, singer, scholar, actor, All American athlete, lawyer, humanist and advocate for international peace.

This program is funded through a grant from the Middlesex County Office of Arts and History, and support from the NJ Council for the Humanities.

The program is free of charge and open to the public.

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. (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.

Download a copy of the Friends' Book Club Schedule for 2018-2019 here.

• Sept. 24 - A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman:
  A heartwarming story of what happens when a couple with two young children moves next door to a cranky old man.
• Oct. 22 - The Island at the Center of the World by Russell Shorto:
  A New York Times notable book for 2004, it is a history of the Dutch founding of Manhattan.
• Nov. 26 - Pachinko by Min Jin Lee:
  The story of a Korean family, first in Japanese occupied Korea and then in Japan from before WWII to the late 80s.
• Dec. 17* - Soul of America by Jon Meacham:
  A perspective on American history when we have chosen kindness over paranoia and rancor. (*Date changed from Dec. 10.)
• Jan. 28, 2019 - Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout:
  A collection of short stories.
• Feb. 25 - Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders:
  The Man Booker 2017 winning novel about Lincoln's grief at the death of his son Willie.
• Mar. 25 - Grant by Ron Chernow:
  Even those who think they are familiar with Ulysses S. Grant's career will learn something from this.
• Apr. 22 - The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by The Dalai Lama & Archbishop Desmond Tutu:
  In 2015, Archbishop Tutu traveled to the Dalai Lama's home in India. They explore the nature of joy, obstacles to joy, and their daily joy practice.
• May 20 - Asymmetry by Lisa Halliday:
  A comedy of manners set in Manhattan as well as a tragedy about an Iraqi-American family which poses deep questions about free will, fate and freedom, the all-powerful accident of one's birth and how life is alchemized into fiction.
• June 10 - The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran:
  A set of philosophical essays expressing a deep humanity.