Library News & Events
 
   March 2026
   Library Hours
M - Th: 10 - 9 | Fri - 10 - 5 | Sat: 10 - 5 | Sun: 1-4
 Visit www.dillonlibrary.org for inclement weather, closings or delay announcements.
Clarence Dillon Public Library Celebrates 250 years of American Independence
                          The Great Secession of March 1912
                                          By Caitlyn Parker
This summer our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence from Great Britain brought on in large part by the colonists’ opposition to imposed taxes and laws which restricted economic growth. Peapack and Gladstone, originally areas of Bedminster, launched their own act of secession in March of 1912 through New Jersey Bill 483, introduced by Assemblyman A.G. Anderson. This Bill was ratified by NJ legislature and signed by then Governor Woodrow Wilson.
The residents of twin boroughs of Peapack and Gladstone initiated the separation from the more agrarian Bedminster for two main reasons: they opposed the tax burden of maintaining Bedminster’s rural roads which they felt they did not benefit from and they wanted more modern utilities and conveniences to support their growing population. The growth at the time was due primarily to the expansion of the railroad, which led to the building of estates, the need for workers, and the resulting development of a downtown. The residents of Peapack Gladstone voted to declare their independence by an overwhelming 136 to 17. The 6 square mile borough then split from the 33 square mile Bedminster Township.
Jacqueline Tutton, in her book, “A Journey through Peapack and Gladstone” wrote, ”the advantages of incorporating as a borough became increasingly obvious. The need for such community services as electric lighting, water hydrants and reservoirs, telephone lines, a constable, and road building, maintenance, and repairs imposed new financial burdens on the taxpayers. They objected to paying high taxes for the many miles of rural roads in Bedminster.” Also noted, a two cell jail was built and at the time, a noted problem faced by the town was speeding on the main street, which was then limited to 10 MPH.
While Peapack and Gladstone have flourished on their own, they maintain many connections with Bedminster ironically for many of the same reasons for the split. For instance, Peapack and Gladstone are members of the Somerset Hills School District, where Bedminster students also attend high school. Peapack and Gladstone share court services with Bedminster. Peapack, Gladstone, and Bedminster are serviced by a shared utility for waste water management. For 2025, the effective tax rate for Bedminster is now 1.249%, the lowest in the county, while for Peapack and Gladstone it is 1.631%, a trend that has been fairly consistent over the past 20 years.
You can find Jacqueline Tutton’s book and many others on local history in the Anne O’Brien Room at the Clarence Dillon Library.
Please click this link to see all of our adult 250th celebration programs
 Short Story Time
"The Judgement" by Franz Kafka
Tues. Mar. 3 @ 12pm
 No Registration required
Printed copies are available at the front desk
Special Programs
Historian William Kidder, author of four books on the American 18th century, covers in full detail those famous Revolutionary War days when “Washington Crossed The Delaware” and changed our wartime trajectory versus the British.
Sunday, March 15 @ 2pm
Register Here
 
 
March 25 at 6:30pm
Join us and test your knowledge of trivia. Come with a team or we will put you on a team. There will be prizes and snacks!
Register Here

Women's Forum
 
For the first three months of 2026 Women's Forum will present a six part documentary series about the journey to independence and the birth of The United States of America
Episode Five- The World Turned Upside Down
Luncheon: Thursday, March 12 at noon
Admission $20 
Join Wait List
Episode Six- The final episode of Liberty! The American Revolution titled Are We To Be A Nation?
Luncheon: Thursday, March 26 at noon
Admission $20 
Join Wait List

Live Virtual Talk With The Author
This is a virtual live event on the computer and you are able to submit your questions to the authors! Can't make the virtual live event? All author talks are recorded and can be viewed at a later date of your choosing.
Virtual Author Talk with Kate Quinn
Online
Thursday, Mar. 12, 7:00 pm
 
You’re invited to join us for a virtual conversation with acclaimed author Kate Quinn about her latest fantastical work, The Astral Library, which poses the question: Have you ever wished you could live inside a book? Welcome to the Astral Library, where books are not just objects, but doors to new worlds, new lives, and new futures.
Register Here
Virtual Author talk with Shoshana Walter with Guest Host Barbara Kingsolver
Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2:00 PM
 
Join us for a special conversation between award-winning journalist Shoshana Walter and bestselling and award-winning author Barbara Kingsolver as they chat about Walter’s book Rehab: An American Scandal. In this work, Walter, a Pulitzer finalist, exposes the country’s failed response to the opioid crisis, and the malfeasance, corruption, and snake oil which blight the drug rehabilitation industry.
Register Here
Weekly Programs
Yoga
 
Register for Monday @ 9am (Virtual)
 Register for Thursday @ 9am (Virtual)
Knitting with Eleanor
 
Every Wednesday @ 11am
In-Person (No Registration Required)
Meditation & Mindfulness
 
Every Wednesday at 7:15pm (Virtual)
Register Here
Chair Yoga
 
Every Friday @ 10:30am
In-Person (No Registration Required)
Canasta

Every Monday 9:15 - 11:15am
No Registration Required
Spanish Conversation Group
New!
Thursdays at 6pm
No Registration Required

Virtual Evening Book Club
On Zoom
 The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
 Thurs. March 5 @ 7pm
Register Here
**April Advance Notice The Pledge, by Friedrich Durrenmatt**
Morning Book Club
 The Traitor’s Wife by Allison Pataki
Thursday, Mar. 19, 11:00 am
 
Register Here
**April Advance Notice: Roughing It, by Mark Twain**

ESL - English as a Second Language

Beginner A and B - Mondays @ 7:15 pm
Intermediate - Tuesdays @10:30am
Advanced - Tuesdays @ 7:15 pm
For Information in English
Para información en español
MAHJONGG
**FULL/CLOSED**
 
Tuesdays from 12:30-3:30 pm 
 
Wednesdays from 12:30-3:30pm
Bridge
 
Mondays from 11:30-4pm
 
In person | Walk-in
We are looking for new players. All skill levels welcome
Bridge Lessons for Beginners with Chris Regan

Mondays @ 3pm
 
There is a $10 fee which is paid to the instructor. 
 
The bridge tables are back up on Mondays at 11:30am for interested players.  Informal format.  The library has a limited supply of decks and experienced players are welcome to bring their own cards and supplies.  If interested in attending the 2:30pm beginning learning session please call the instructor at 908-334-7885 
Drop in Computer Help
 
Tuesdays 3-4pm
 

 
Tuesday, March 24
 11-4pm
 More Information


 
All webinars are online
Thomas Edison State University Degree Information Session
March 3 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
 
Are you looking for the next step in your career, need help finishing your degree, or looking for flexible educational options for child or self? Please join Dr. Juliette Punchello, Senior Director of Recruitment & Enrollment Management at Thomas Edison State University as she discusses the benefits of starting or completing your education! She will touch on their undergraduate/graduate degrees, tuition costs, how to financially pay for school, benefits of a higher education and help choosing your ideal degree to benefit career goals.
Register Here
Virtual Author Talk -Mary Climbs In: The Journeys of Bruce Springsteen’s Women Fans
March 11 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Bruce Springsteen’s relationship with his home state of New Jersey has a central place in his legendary career. In 2025, fans and the music world celebrated the 50th anniversary of Born to Run, a record built on escape yet Springsteen remained close to home and forever associated with New Jersey. Please join us as authors Lorraine Mangione and Donna Luff, longtime Springsteen fans, apply their backgrounds in psychology and sociology to delve into the experiences and meaning of Springsteen’s work in the lives of his women fans through two large, international surveys. Their talk will focus on the perspectives of Springsteen’s women fans from New Jersey, as well as perceptions of New Jersey and its place in Springsteen’s music among fans from other states and countries.
Register Here
“Know Your Rights” Part 3 – Disability and Places of Public Accommodations
March 18 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination protects individuals in a variety of situations, ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunity. However, many people do not fully understand their rights under this law, especially when it comes to disability rights. Please join us for the third and final installment of the “Know Your Rights” series from the NJ Division of CIvil Rights where we will be discussing your rights regarding places of public accommodation. Publically accessible places must adhere to certain guidelines and provide reasonable accommodations to those who suffer from a disability, as defined in the NJ Law Against Discrimination.
Register Here
The Truth About Garden Myths
March 23 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Everyone has their own tips and observations about gardening, but how many of these are actually myths? Join Debbie LaGattuta from the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Monmouth County and become a garden mythbuster! During this presentation, you will learn real facts that expose gardening myths, common misconceptions about gardening practices, and a few old wives’ tales. The myths cover a wide range of topics: watering, fertilizing, soil, vegetables, composting, planting trees and shrubs, plants and their care, mulch, weeds, container gardens, and insects and pests.
Register Here
T
Healthy Living for your Mind and Body
March 25 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Practicing healthy habits can have a positive impact on our overall health, including prolonging the onset of age-related brain issues, like dementia. We tend to focus on creating a healthy body, but it is just as important that we create a healthy mind. Please join Sally Zaifman-Kagan from the Greater NJ Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and how to incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.
Register Here

 Classic Movie
*Screening the first Tuesday of every month*
Glory (1989) (123 min.) Rated R
Tuesday, March 3, 6:45 pm
  
Matthew Broderick stars as Colonel Robert Gould Shaw who leads the first all-black volunteer company during the Civil War.The outstanding cast also features Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, and Morgan Freeman. It is a stunning film that many consider the best Civil War movie ever made.
Friday Movies - Contemporary
ALL SCREENINGS BEGIN AT 1:30PM 
 
No registration required
 
Wicked For Good (2025) (137 min.) Rated PG
Friday, Mar. 6, 1:30 pm
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande return to their roles as Elphaba and Glinda in this second of a two-part feature film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical.
Song Sung Blue (2025) (132 min.) Rated PG-13
Friday, Mar. 13, 1:30 pm
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson star as a husband and wife who perform a Neil Diamond tribute act. Based on a true story, this film is emotional and heartwarming.
 
 Now You See Me: Now You Don’t (2025)(113 min.) Rated PG-13
Friday, Mar. 20, 1:30 pm
The magicians return to team up with a new generation of illusionists to expose a global money laundering scheme. This film stars Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and Dave Franco.

Hamnet (2025) (125 min.) Rated PG-13
Friday, Mar. 27, 1:30 pm
Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal star as Agnes/Anne and William Shakespeare as they deal with the death of their young son Hamnet. Based on the best-selling novel by Maggie O’Farrell, this is a beautiful film that deals with grief and resilience.

                                  Local Events
 
Please see the 2026 Summer Camp Weekly Planner attached along with the registration process below. The 2026 Summer Camp Program with program descriptions and fees will be released in the coming weeks.
Bedminster Resident Registration
- Camp Bedminster and Afternoon Camp registration will begin Wednesday, April 1st, 2026.
- Camp Bedminster registration will end on Monday, June 1st, 2026 (if space is available).
- Afternoon Camp registration will end one week before the program begins (if space is available).
- After June 1st, 2026, there is a $20 late fee per program per participant for the afternoon camps.
Non-Bedminster Resident Registration
- Camp Bedminster and Afternoon Camp registration will begin Friday, May 1st, 2026.
- If space is available, non-Bedminster residents will have an opportunity to register for any remaining spots in Camp Bedminster or the afternoon camps.
- Camp Bedminster registration will end on Monday, June 1st, 2026 (if space is available).
- Afternoon Camp registration will end one week before the program begins (if space is available).
- After June 1st, 2026, there is a $20 late fee per program per participant for the afternoon camps.
- If there is no space available in a camp(s) you registered for, your child will be waitlisted. If space becomes available, you will receive an email notifying you that you can register for that camp.
 
If you have any questions, please give me a call at (908) 212-7000, Ext. 405 or send me an email at nmastrobuono@bedminsternj.gov. Thank you!


        Kids & Teens Highlighted Programs 
Join RootsandRivers on Tuesday 3/3 at 4:30 
for a great workshop:  Build Your Own Terrarium!
 
Ages 8 +
Registration is a must as space is limited!
 
Icons - Call to Action Buttons - Rounded - Register-green
 
CLICK HERE to see the entire Children's Newsletter

Thank You Friends!


 
A special "Thank You!" and heartfelt gratitude to the Friends of the Clarence Dillon Library for their generosity and support of our excellent library programs.
 
Bedminster Township | Far Hills Borough
 
 
Clarence Dillon Public Library
2336 Lamington Rd.
Bedminster, New Jersey 07921
908-234-2325

http://www.dillonlibrary.org