Teen Scene
August 2025

New and Recent Releases
The Tournament
by Rebecca Barrow

Gardner isn’t like other boarding schools. They take in those who’ve been rejected everywhere else, they offer a survival skills class that has students killing and gutting animals, and then there’s the Tournament. A competition available only to seven elite seniors, the Tournament is revered by the entire student body. They’d do almost anything—including completing a series of grueling physical challenges—to win the champion’s cup. And this year, three seniors make the Tournament more cutthroat than ever. Max, the ruthless scholarship student who can’t afford any distractions, not even her ex best friend Nora’s stupid confession of love at the end of last year that ruined everything between them. Nora, who always put herself on the sidelines so Max could have everything she wanted, but might just be ready for center stage now that Max has brutally excised herself from Nora’s life. And Teddy, the transfer who’s on her last chance and will chase any high that can pull her back from the gaping, dark void inside herself that’s always threatening to pull her in. If one of them wants to win, then they can’t let anything—or anybody—get in their way.
After We Burned
by Marieke Nijkamp
 
A terrible accident. A horrible loss. A regrettable tragedy. That's all anyone in Fenix can talk about when a fire consumes the local high school, taking the life of a student. The town mourns, except who really knew―let alone cared about―Eden when she was alive? And why was she in the building that night? Five teens each hold a piece of the truth about what happened. They also have their own secrets, secrets they will fight to protect with the same fury as the blaze that killed Eden. But silence is meant to be broken, and this story can't be extinguished. 
Bound by Stars
by E. L. Starling

When Weslie Fleet wins a golden ticket aboard the Boundless, humanity’s most opulent starliner, it’s a dream―and a danger. Raised in the dust-ridden ruins of Earth, she is thrust into the gleaming luxury of Mars’s elite, where every whispered word carries weight and every glance is a silent judgment. And none watch her closer than Jupiter, the golden boy of Mars’s high society, bound by duty, legacy, and a future he never chose. Their reluctant partnership was supposed to be a one-off assignment. Instead, it becomes a battle of wills, a spark that ignites, and a love neither of them anticipated. But fate is as cruel as it is unpredictable, and when the Boundless veers off course, love won’t be enough to save them. The ship is failing. The odds are impossible. And in the darkness of space, survival is the only thing that matters. But some loves are worth defying the stars for.
Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe
by C. B. Lee

When Brenda’s internet goes out right before an important scholarship deadline, she stumbles right into Kat’s family’s coffeeshop. Brenda is swept away by cool, confident Kat, who actually cares about Brenda’s 19-step plan to save the world through science. Meanwhile, Kat can’t stop thinking about Brenda, who is smart, passionate, and doesn’t seem to care that Kat is the prophesized Chosen One. The only problem? Kat and Brenda are from different universes. Like need-to-find-a-portal-to-go-on-a-second-date different universes. As their universes collide and things spiral out of control, can a girl who is determined to save the world find love with a girl determined to outrun her destiny?
The Nightblood Prince
by Molly X. Chang

Two princes. One prophecy. A fate she cannot outrun. The night Fei was born, a prophecy was made: she would one day become the Empress of All Empresses. Torn from her family as a child and raised in the palace to one day marry the Crown Prince of the most powerful empire in the land, Fei has only ever known loneliness. When the opportunity arises to seize her own destiny for the first time in her life, Fei sets out to hunt a legendary tiger, knowing it might cost her everything. What she doesn’t expect is to fall under the mercy of Yexue, the beautiful runaway prince from a rival kingdom. Blessed by the night, harboring a dangerous magic, and capable of commanding an army of deadly vampires, Yexue could be the key to Fei gaining more than just her freedom. But to outrun destiny, Fei must spark a wave of events that will change the world as she knows it. Torn between two princes and plagued by nightmares of bloodshed, she finds that the stars might be more inescapable—and more irresistible—than she ever considered before.
Predatory Natures
by Amy Goldsmith

When Lara Williams gets a summer job aboard the luxury train the Banebury, she thinks she’s landed a five-star escape from her past. Even after she learns that her ex-friend Rhys, who she definitely did not have feelings for before their relationship imploded, is one of her coworkers, she’s determined to make things work. But on the first day of their journey, the trip takes a strange turn. Two mysterious carriages filled with an array of beautiful and rare plants are attached to the Banebury in the middle of the night. And with them comes a pair of siblings. Wealthy, mysterious, and charismatic, Gwen and Gwydion claim the plants they’re transporting are for research, but Lara can’t shake the feeling that there’s something . . . otherworldly about the strange blooms. Something that will stop at nothing to ensure the Banebury never reaches its destination. Soon Lara will learn: You can’t outrun your troubles. You have to grab them by their roots. And if she can’t unearth the secrets of the Banebury, they might drag her down for good.
Dark Academia
Sinister scholars, secret societies, deadly conspiracies...no matter the storyline, you can count on dark academia for plenty of twists, as well as unsettling, ominous vibes.
 
Curious Tides
by Pascale Lacelle

Emory and her best friend Baz unravel the secrets behind the strange ritual at Aldryn College for Lunar Magics that left seven students dead -- including Baz’s sister -- and imbued Emory with powerful magic. This fast-paced dark academia mystery opens a duology. Read-alikes: Kayla Cottingham’s My Dearest Darkest; Kate Alice Marshall’s The Narrow.
A Study in Drowning
by Ava Reid

Effy Sayre has won the opportunity to redesign the home of late author Emrys Myrddin. At the crumbling estate, Effy meets literature scholar Preston, and the longer they stay, the more they wonder if the evil Fairy King Myrddin wrote about isn't actually fictional. Read-alikes: A.B. Poranek's Where the Dark Stands Still; Anna Bright's The Hedgewitch of Foxhall.
Tender Beasts
by Liselle Sambury

Sunny Behre, a student at the posh Toronto private school bearing her family’s name, embraces her role as the golden child. But her loyalty is put to the test when clearing her brother’s name in a murder case means uncovering family secrets. Read-alikes: Kosoko Jackson’s The Forest Demands Its Due; Jumata Emill’s The Black Queen.
The Invocations
by Krystal Sutherland

Zara and Jude need magic to solve their problems, so they seek out Emer, a witch bent on revenge and dedicated to women in need. As Emer's former clients start dying mysteriously, the trio fights back to find the killer and fix their lives. Read-alikes: Georgia Bowers' Mark of the Wicked; Kate J. Armstrong's Nightbirds.
 
Upcoming @ Your Library!
For Youth
Family Storytime
Every Wednesday at 11:00 AM
Join Ms. Laura for stories, songs, and fun for everyone in the Children's room!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summer Enrichment: "Percy Jackson" TV Series Weekly Marathon 
Wednesdays, August 6th, 3:15 PM & 4:00 PM, and August 13th, 3:15pm                                 
 
 
Register Here
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summer Enrichment: Thursday CRAFTernoon Mashup - How many Objects Can You Paint With? 
Thursday, August 7th 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Come by the Maker Space every Thursday at 3:30pm to create your own unique craft and Color Our World! This week: It's a Crafternoon/Teen Mashup where we'll paint outside with as many different objects as we can think of! Registration is *required* to participate. Recommended for ages 8-18. 
 
Register Here
 
 
Storytime in Motion! 
Friday, August 8th 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join us in meeting rooms 1 & 2 as Cranbury Public Library partners with the American Repertory Ballet and Princeton Ballet School for an interactive storytime sure to keep you on your toes!  Let your youngest learners twirl, jump, and imagine through ballet stories and an interactive ballet demonstration - the perfect program to help us celebrate the Arts all summer long! Suggested for ages 21/2 to 12. Registration is *highly recommended*.
 
Register Here
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summer Enrichment Movie Series: The Secret of Nimh 
Friday, August 8th 3:15 PM
 
Register Here
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Toddler Craft Tuesday: Let's Make Paper Bag Puppets! 
Tuesday, August 19th 11:00 AM
Calling all crafty toddlers! Join us in the Maker Space for a special seasonal craft perfect for busy little hands. Recommended for ages 2 to 5. This month: We'll make animal puppets out of paper bags!
 
Register Here
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thursday CRAFTernoon!
Thursdays, August 21st and 28th 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Come by the Maker Space every Thursday at 3:30pm to create your own unique craft! Registration is *required* to participate. Recommended for ages 8-13.  Register for additional dates on our website.
 
Register Here
 
 
For Teens
 
Teen Mashup Hour (or Whatever)  
Thursday, August 28th 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
On the second and fourth Thursday each month, tweens & teens can drop by the Teen Room at 5pm for the Teen Mashup Hour (or Whatever). Each month there will be a suggested book to read & discuss and a guided craft to work on - but attendees are welcome to discuss whatever and work on whatever they'd like. Attendees will also learn of volunteer opportunities available at the Library. Light snacks will be offered.

The Teen Mashup Hour will meet on the second and fourth Thursday each month at 5:00pm in the Teen Room.
 
Register Here
 
 
For Adults
 
                                 Spinning Yarns 
Tuesdays, August 5th and 19th 6:30 PM 
 
Register Here
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gentle Yoga 
Wednesdays, August 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Join us for an hour of gentle stretching, breath work, and meditation. This class is perfect for beginners or experienced practitioners.  Please bring your own mat.  Walk-ins-welcome.
Beth Glasberg  has been practicing yoga for over 20 years. After studying the mind-body connection as part of her work as a behavior analyst, she decided she needed a deeper education in yoga. The more she learned, the more she fell in love. She became certified as a yoga instructor through the Yoga Renew program and joined the Yoga Alliance. Since then, Beth has been teaching both foundational and vinyasa flow classes regularly. She is also in the process of becoming certified to work with individuals who have suffered a trauma. She is passionate about using movement and breath to build strength, flexibility, balance, and peace, and committed to making the practice available to individuals of all fitness levels and backgrounds. When not on the mat, you can find Beth enjoying time with her family, visiting new places, or relaxing at the beach. in Motion Fitness is a boutique fitness studio located in Princeton, NJ.  Walk-ins welcome, no registration required.
 
 
 
Register Here
 
 
Caregiver Support Group 
Monday, August 11th 11:00 AM
There are different types of caregivers and ALL are welcomed. This is a judgment free safe place to share, to learn and/or to just listen. It’s a place of love, empathy and respect. It is a place to share the triumphs, the challenges, the disappointments, the accomplishments or simply a place to vent and reset ourselves so we can carry on one day at a time. Stress - free, safe environment respectful of everybody's level of comfort and pace of engagement.

Kat welcomes you with open arms! Kat Verdi is a Certified Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Trainer. She serves as a sound referral resource for anyone caring for a loved one. Her mission are the “3E’s” - to Educate, Empower and Encourage caregivers.

This support group will take place in Meeting Room 3. Meets the 2nd month of every month. 
 
Register Here
 
 
Senior Arts & Crafts with Caregiver Coach, Kat
Monday, August 11th 1:00 PM
Welcome to Senior Arts & Crafts with Caregiver Coach, Kat Typically, each month there will be a craft for Seniors to enjoy. Occasionally there may be a bingo session, but that will be announced a few weeks before.  Meet new people, share stores, and have a great time!  Please note, that for craft months, there is a limit of 12 participants. For Bingo, there is not limit on the number of participants.
Located in Meeting Room 1 + 2.
 
Register Here
 
 
Cardio Dance Yoga 
Tuesday, August 12th 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Stephanie Cuddahy is a certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer who has taught classes is several local gyms, including most recently RWJ Fitness and Wellness Hamilton and the Hamilton Area YMCA.  Her cardio chair dance class came from her love of low impact aerobic exercise and the need to make the class appropriate for all bodies and fitness levels. AND it needs to be fun!
 
Register Here
 
 
 
Great Decisions Foreign Policy Discussion Group 
Tuesday, August 12th 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Meets the Second Tuesday of the month in Meeting Room 1. Video and discussion to follow. Copies of the Great Decisions Briefing Book are available for checkout at the Cranbury Public Library. 

August: AI and American National Security
September: After Gaza: American Policy in the Middle East
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Blood Drive 
Thursday, August 14th 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Giving blood is a simple thing to do, but it can make a difference in the lives of others. The American Red Cross will be at the Cranbury Public Library collecting blood donations on Thursday, August 14th, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. These donations are extremely critical.
 
To register, click HERE and search for Cranbury, 08512.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CPL Cinemates Film Club 
Monday, August 18th 6:00 PM
Movie-lovers of all kinds are welcome! Whether you're a casual viewer or well-versed in auteur theory and the works of André Bazin, we invite all who wish to share in the cinematic experience and spirited (but civil) discussions. Screenings will vary in rating, so we advise using discretion on deciding whether to attend a screening. This program is suggested for teens and older.

Refreshments will be provided, but you may also bring your own snacks and nonalcoholic drinks. Most importantly: bring your love for movies!

This program will meet in Meeting Rooms 1 & 2 on the third Monday of every month.

 
Each month's selection is inspired by a specific theme and is voted on by club members. Be sure to submit your email address on the questionnaire below to be included in the voting for each month's film!

Monthly Themes:

August - Blockbusters
 
Below is a short questionnaire to assess what types of films participants would like to screen. Please feel free to share your thoughts by submitting a form and be sure to leave your email to stay up to date with Cinemates happenings!

Cinemates Film Club Questionnaire
 
Register Here
 
 
 
Monthly Puzzle Night
Wednesday, August 20th 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join us for our monthly puzzle club on the third Wednesday of each month! Come work on a new puzzle each month, and meet fellow puzzle enthusiasts!

From 6-8pm we'll be working on puzzles in the adult circulation room.
 
Register Here
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outdoor Concert featuring Full Code 
Wednesday, August 20th 7:00 PM
Full Code affectionately referred to as “Docs Who Rock” is a classic rock band formed during the height of the Covid pandemic. What makes the band unique is that it’s comprised of all local Penn Medicine doctors and a hospital chaplain.  The band’s style of music will captivate you as you drift back in time to those days when rock icons ruled the airwaves. Come out and enjoy a summer evening filled with memories of those halcyon days when rock was king.
 
Full Code band members include Dr. Craig Gronczewski (lead guitar/vocals), Dr. David Barile (guitar/percussion/vocals), Dr. Kevin Skole (drums), Dr. Jasmeet Bajaj (keyboards/guitar/vocals), Dr. Gabe Smolarz (bass/vocals) and Samuel Ven-Battah (saxophone).

Location: The Patio at 30 Park Place West. All attendees should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets.

Rain Date: Thursday, 8/21 at 7pm
 
Register Here
 
 
Literary Cafe
Monday, August 25th 7:00 PM
Discuss your recent reads with fellow bibliophiles. This discussion group promises thought-provoking and engaging discourse. Meets the 4th Monday of the month in Meeting Room 3.
 
Register Here
 
 
Cell Phone Privacy and Cybersecurity
Tuesday, August 26th 6:00 PM
In today's connected world, your cell phone is an essential part of your life – connecting you with family, friends, entertainment, school, finances and information. But with all that convenience comes important concerns about your privacy and security.  Join us for a session on steps you can take to improve your defenses and better protect your privacy and security.
 
Register Here
 
Library Hours and Closings
LIBRARY CLOSED
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30TH
&
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31ST
 
 
Monday thru Thursday - 10 AM to 8 PM
Friday - 10 AM to 5 PM
Saturday - 10 AM to 4 PM
Sunday - 12 PM to 4 PM
 
Cranbury Public Library
30 Park Place West
Cranbury, New Jersey 08512
609-722-6992

www.cranburypubliclibrary.org/