Hopewell Branch Programs
October 2025
Featured Adult Programs
Getting Started with Native Plants
Tuesday, October 7, 6:30 pm
Learn how to support local wildlife with native plants in this hands-on workshop led by Kelly Rypkema, Director of Environmental Education at Mercer County Park Commission. Discover how to identify native plants, research the best ones for your space, and find local nurseries. Bring a smartphone or laptop if you can. Some lucky participants will take home a native plant to get started! Registration is requested at https://events.mcl.org. 
Artists' Choice Art Show
Thursday, October 9, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Join us for the opening of the Artists’ Choice Art Show. Tour the beautiful art created by members of Artists' Choice, a Hopewell Valley senior art group.  You'll have the opportunity to mingle with artists, as well as community members. Refreshments are provided by Brandywine Living in Pennington. Paintings will remain in the library on exhibit for the month of October. No registration is required.
New Beginnings:
Preparing for a Move as a Senior

Friday, October 10, 1:00 pm
When your home starts to feel oversized and maintenance becomes daunting, you have a whole new set of choices and challenges to consider. The idea of downsizing and moving can feel overwhelming. Where to start? Who can help me? Where would I go? This workshop will highlight various aspects of the process and the preparation needed when making a move as a senior. Registration is requested at https://events.mcl.org. 
Featured Youth Services Programs 
Minecraft Unplugged
Wednesday, October 1, 4:30 pm
Saturday, October 11, 1:00 pm

Need to escape from the illagers? You'll find safety at our base -- plus Minecraft-themed crafts, tips for your next build, and more! For children ages 5-11. Registration is required.
Halloween Open House
Thursday, October 23, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Dress up and trick-or-treat at the library! We will have games, crafts, and a scavenger hunt. For children ages 11 and under with their caregiver.
Registration is required.
D & D Club
Saturday, October 25, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Adventure awaits! Whether you are a beginner or an expert, everyone is welcome to join us as we explore the fantastical world of Dungeons and Dragons. No experience or materials are required—just your imagination! In this session, we will focus on character creation. For children ages 11-14. 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.

Queer Figures in New Jersey
Monday, October 6, 7:00 pm
Presented by Kristyn Scorsone, Post-doctoral Fellow, Rutgers Center for Historical Analysis, Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
 
Caring for the Whole Self:
Chronic Illness and Emotional Well-being
Thursday, October 16, 6:30 pm
Presented by Kara Buda, PhD, clinical health psychologist specializing in psychosocial oncology. A Penn Medicine Princeton Health Community Wellness Program.
 
Finding the Right Fit:
Exploring Senior Living Options
Tuesday, October 21, 2:00 pm
Presented by Olga St. Pierre, Senior Living Specialist, Keller Williams Real Estate.
 
Literary Figures in Princeton 
Wednesday, October 29, 6:30 pm
Presented by Eve Mandel, Director of Education and Outreach, Historical Society of Princeton.
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.
October Google Series
Learn how to use some of the free cloud-based
apps offered by Google.
Getting Started with Gmail
Saturday, October 4, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Google Drive
Monday, October 6, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Google Sheets
Wednesday, October 8, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Google Docs: Resumes
Wednesday, October 15, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
 
October Basics Series
Getting started doesn’t have to be scary! These classes will help you learn the basics of Windows computers.
Mouse Basics
Thursday, October 2 - 10:00 - 10:45 am
PC Basics
Thursday, October 2 - 11:00 AM - 12:00 pm
Intro to Excel
Friday, October 3 - 10:00 - 11:00 am
Intro to Word
Friday, October 3 - 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Typing Lab
Saturday, October 4 - 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Windows 11: Files and Folders
Monday, October 27 - 10:00 - 11:00 am
Windows 11: Accessibility Tools
Monday, October 27 - 11:30 AM - 12:30 pm
News
Staff In-Service Day
All MCLS branches will be closed for staff training on
Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
 
Our Lawrence Branch will also close at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, October 21st in preparation for In-Service Day. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Socktober Donation Drive
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Mercer County Library System is teaming up with Younity and RISE: A Community Service Partnership to collect donations of socks throughout the month of October, which are in demand during the fall and winter. Stop by your local branch this month 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 Halloween
It came from the trees
Zone one : a novel
Raising the Horseman
Trick or treat, Crankenstein
The hollow places : a novel
A season with the witch : the magic and mayhem of Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts
Library Speakers Consortium - Virtual Author Talks
Smithsonian Educator
Nuestra América: Stories of 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States
Thursday, October 2, 2PM
 
Leigh Bardugo
10 Years of Daring Heists and Lovable Outcasts in YA Fantasy
Thursday, October 9, 7PM
 
Malala Yousafzai
Finding My Way
Wednesday, October 22, 7PM
 
Philippa Gregory
Courtly Intrigue and Whispers as Weapons
Wednesday, October 29, 2PM
 
 
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