Hopewell Branch Programs
October 2026
Featured Adult Programs
Aging Gracefully at Home
Friday, October 16, 1:00 pm 
Many people want to remain in their own home as they age. With proper planning and the right support, this goal can often become a reality. This workshop explores the benefits and challenges of aging in place, along with practical strategies for living safely and independently at home. Presented by Olga St. Pierre, a senior residential real estate specialist Please register at events.mcl.org.
ELL Conversation Circle
Saturday, October 17, 10:30 am
Practice your English-speaking skills in a fun, relaxed, and non-judgmental conversation group! Talk about your life, interests, and anything else that comes up. No materials are required. Led by a librarian and former ELL instructor at Mercer County Community College. Please register at events.mcl.org.
Unearthing History, One Page at a Time:
The Papers of Mercy Otis Warren

Saturday, October 24, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm 
Help transcribe the papers of author and patriot Mercy Otis Warren (1728–1814), held by the Massachusetts Historical Society. The collection includes her correspondence, dramatic writings, and poetry, offering insight into her views on the American Revolution, relations with England, and the formation of the new government. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop; a limited number will be available on site. Please register at events.mcl.org.
 
Unearthing History, One Page at a Time is a collaborative transcription series in which volunteers convert historical documents into searchable digital text, supporting researchers, genealogists, and the preservation of history for future generations.
Featured Youth Services Programs 
Watercolor Leaves
Wednesday, October 14, 5:30 pm
Autumn is here! To celebrate the beauty of the leaves that come in every shape and color, here is a chance to make your own through paper and watercolor! For ages 8-12.  Registration is required.
Author Visit, Read-Aloud and Craft
Saturday, October 17, 11:00 am
Join local kid author, Audrey Hu, as she reads from her new novel The Lost Fire Key, a fantastical tale filled with adventure and fast-paced action. Perfect for readers ages 8-12, this story has magical creatures, thrilling quests and unforgettable heroes. After a short reading, we will make a fun craft and have time for an author signing! Registration is required.
Teen Anime and Manga Club
Wednesdays, October 21 & 28, 3:30 pm
Do you read a lot of manga or watch a lot of anime? Are you interested in either of the subjects, but not sure where to start? No matter the answer, the new Anime and Manga Club is for you! Meeting twice a month, we will be divided between "Anime Days" where we watch clips from and listen to music from various anime and "Manga Days" where we will read and discuss various manga series! There will be additional anime and manga themed activities on both days. Must be at least 13 or older to join, as some material discussed will be rated T.  Registration is required.
Featured Virtual Programs
To see full program descriptions and additional virtual program offerings, please visit this month's MCLS Virtual Programs Newsletter.

Protecting Your Personal Information in Today's Digital World
Monday, October 5, 6:30 pm
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month! Presented by Patricia Tamburelli from the NJ Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell.
 
The Pilgrims and the Mayflower
Tuesday, October 6, 7:00 pm
Presented by Joel Farkas, lecturer at the Lifelong Learning Institute at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Sponsored by the Friends of the Hickory Corner Library.
 
Important LGBTQ Artists
Wednesday, October 14, 6:00 pm
October is LGBTQ History Month! Presented by artist and art educator Suzanne Altman.
 
Patriots of the Pines!
Monday, October 19, 6:00 pm
Presented by South Jersey native, Tony DiGerolamo, a screenwriter, novelist, and comic book writer.
 
Spain's Hidden Role in American Independence
Tuesday, October 20, 7:00 pm
Presented by historian Dr. Carolina Castillo Crimm.
 
Demons, Creatures and Monsters – Oh My!
Monday, October 26, 6:30 pm
Presented through the Asian Art Museum's Community Speakers Program. 
Featured Technology Instruction
All classes take place at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch. Registration is required. To learn more or to register for a computer class, click here. 
Questions? Email techclass@mcl.org.
Microsoft Elevate:
Generative AI Foundations
Thursday, October 15, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Learn the fundamentals of Generative AI with a focus on what it is, how it works, and how people interact with it through chat-based tools. 
 
This class is part of our “NJ AI Library Learning Network” offerings and is the product of a partnership and grant with The New Jersey State Library, LibraryLinkNJ, and the NJ AI Hub; the other classes are Microsoft Elevate: AI and Authenticity and Microsoft Elevate: AI in Work and Career. 
 
Microsoft Elevate:
AI and Authenticity
Monday, October 26, 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Learn skills for evaluating the reliability of information and determining if it was created using Generative AI tools. 
 
This class is part of our “NJ AI Library Learning Network” offerings and is the product of a partnership and grant with The New Jersey State Library, LibraryLinkNJ, and the NJ AI Hub; the other classes are Microsoft Elevate: Generative AI Foundations and Microsoft Elevate: AI in Work and Career. 
 
Windows 11: Files & Folders
Saturday, October 24, 1:20 – 2:20 pm
Learn to organize and manage files and folders in Windows 11, from creation to deletion. Get familiar with File Explorer and the concept of cloud storage.
Library Social Worker Appointments
Please note that these sessions are not intended to serve as or substitute medical or mental health treatment. Acceptance and placement in any program is not guaranteed.
Meet with a Social Worker
Need help figuring out the various social services at the local, county, and state level? Appointments are available with Library Social Worker Anthony and Social Work Intern Jessica to help you gain confidence navigating and utilizing resources to help you thrive! 
 
Appointment Times:
Ewing Branch
Wednesday, October 14, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Hightstown Memorial Branch
Monday, October 5, 19 & 26, 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Lawrence Headquarters Branch
Thursdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Robbinsville Branch
Fridays, October 2, 16 & 30, 12:00 – 4:00 pm
 
Visit mcl.org/social-services to schedule an appointment. 
News
Socktober
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, MCLS is teaming up with Younity and RISE: A Community Service Partnership to collect donations of new socks throughout October. Socks are in high demand during the fall and winter months. Stop by your local branch to donate and make a difference!
Friends of the Library

Our Friends of the Library groups generously support our programs all year long.  Consider joining or donating to your branch's Friends group.  Ask for more information in the branch or visit our website.
 
 
 
These are just this month's highlights, dozens of programs for adults and youth take place at our branch every month.  View our full calendar for a complete list.
 
 
Featured Titles for Banned Books Week
Sold by Patricia McCormick
Sold
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
A Clockwork Orange
Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
Empire of Storms
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Last Night at the Telegraph Club
Storm and Fury: A Heartstopping Romantasy with Angels, Demons, Gargoyles and Unbreakable Bonds by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Storm and Fury: A Heartstopping Romantasy with Angels, Demons, Gargoyles and Unbreakable Bonds
Library Speakers Consortium - Virtual Author Talks
Thursday, October 1, 7PM
Courage, Choice, and
What Comes Next with Dystopian Icon Veronica Roth
 
Tuesday, October 5, 2PM
Pasta with a Twist: A Fresh Take on Italian Classics with Food Network Star Joe Sasto
 
Thursday, October 8, 2PM
Art in Flight: Reinventing Postmodernism with Smithsonian Curator Carolyn Russo
 
Thursday, October 13, 2PM
The Power of Limits: How Constraints Drive Genius with David Epstein
 
Tuesday, October 27, 2PM
Liberated Love: Rewiring Your Heart for Authentic Connection with Mark Groves
 
See More and Register Here!

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Hopewell Branch
245 Pennington-Titusville Road
Pennington, New Jersey 08534
609-737-2610

https://mcl.org/branches/hopewell