Thursday, September 17, 1:30 pmAnyone curious about The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life by Suleika Jaouad is invited to join this journaling club, an inspirational and creative entry into journaling. We'll base our writings on curated journal entries from Suleika's Isolation Journals, her popular mindful journaling activity. In each of these bi-monthly sessions, we'll read a journal prompt, consider what inspired it, write about it and discuss it. No experience in creative or journal writing is necessary. You can begin with any session along the way. Feel free to bring a journal or notepad. Writing paper, pencils and pens will be available. Led by Jessica Engelhart of JFCS of Greater Mercer County. Registration is encouraged.
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Friday, September 18, 2:00 pmAre you lefthanded and want to learn to crochet? Give this class with a lefthanded instructor a try! Kim, our reference librarian, has been crocheting for 8 years and would be happy to help. We'll be learning the basic Granny Square. Once you learn how to make one, the technique makes portable building blocks to create many more items like scarves, pillows, tote bags, blankets and sweaters. The Granny Square is a good beginner's project. It's also an opportunity if you only know how to go back and forth in rows, to learn how to begin in the middle and create a project with rounds of stitches. All supplies for the lesson are included. Only lefthanded instruction will be available. If you're interested and this date and time doesn't work for you, send an email to hiprogs@mcl.org. If there is enough interest for a different date and time we'll offer the class again. Sponsored by the Hightstown Library Association. Registration is required.
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Thursday, September 24, 7:00 pmFocusing on the FAFSA application, this workshop will teach you actionable strategies to position your finances legally and effectively, helping you maximize your student's potential to qualify for financial aid for college. Presented by Wei Yong, a registered representative of Transamerica Financial Advisors, LLC. Registration is required.
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Featured Youth Services Programs
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Wednesday, September 2, 10:00 amJoin local musician Miss Kim for 30 minutes of classic and original children's songs. For up to age 7. Sponsored by Hightstown Library Association. Registration strongly suggested.
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Saturday, September 19, 10:30 amChildren who can read independently can sign up for a 15-minute session to read with JoJo the certified therapy dog. For ages 5 & up. Registration is required by calling the library branch at 609-448-1474.
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Saturday, September 19, 3:00 pmLearn how renewable energy is created and how to collect data from experiments with a hands-on project led by GreenTeen Force volunteer, Aritra. For ages 8-11. Registration is required.
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Featured Virtual Programs
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The Soundtrack of Resilience: Music and 9/11
Wednesday, September 2, 7:00 pm Presented by Melissa Kozlowski, Director of Curatorial Affairs, Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music, and Director of Public History, Department of History & Anthropology at Monmouth University.  Making Sense of Pelvic Pain: Causes and Treatment Approaches
Thursday, September 10, 6:30 pm Presented by Iram Fatima Shah, PT, DPT, PRPC, Pelvic Wellness Rehabilitation Coordinator, as part of the Penn Medicine Princeton Health Community Wellness Program. Hearth, Home & Classroom: The First 100 Years of The Lawrenceville School
Wednesday, September 16, 7:00 pm Presented by Sarah Mezzino, Curator of Decorative Art & Design for The Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Spain's Hidden Role in American Independence
Wednesday, September 23, 7:00 pm Presented by historian Dr. Carolina Castillo Crimm. Supporting the Caregiver: Burnout, Boundaries, and Resources
Thursday, September 24, 6:00 pm This program is designed for family caregivers, parents balancing caregiving responsibilities, social workers, case managers, and anyone looking for practical guidance and community support. Offered as part of the Colorful Dreams Care Program Series. The Battle of Monmouth Courthouse: The Last Great Revolutionary War Battle in the North
Wednesday, September 30, 7:00 pm Presented by Victor Pidermann, a Resource Interpretive Specialist – Historian with New Jersey State Parks |
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Featured Technology Instruction
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Microsoft Word for Students and Professionals Friday, September 18, 1:00 – 3:00 pm Learn to edit and proofread your professional and academic work, and practice formatting and organizing an extensive document with custom Styles, Themes, and Templates. Microsoft Excel for Students and Professionals Monday, September 21, 1:00 – 3:00pm Learn the basics of data visualization, which transforms complex data into appealing and easily understood charts and graphs, and use essential formulas to perform more complex calculations on large datasets. If you’re curious how AI Chatbots like ChatGPT work or are sick of Generative AI like Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Co-Pilot popping up on your devices uninvited, this is the class for you. Learn the basics of what AI is, how it works, what it does, where it’s useful, where it’s harmful, and how to disable it on your devices wherever possible. |
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Meet with a Library Social Worker Need help figuring out the various social services at the local, county, and state level? Appointments are available now with Library Social Worker Anthony to help you gain confidence navigating and utilizing resources that help you thrive! Scheduling is available at mcl.org/social-services, or you can talk to a library staff member for assistance. Appointment Times: Ewing Branch Wednesday, September 16 10 AM – 2 PM Hightstown Memorial Branch Mondays, September 14, 21 & 28, 3 – 7 PM Lawrence Headquarters Branch Thursdays, September 3, 10, 17 & 24, 3 – 7 PM Robbinsville Branch Friday, September 4 12 – 3 PM Friday, September 18 12 – 4 PM Please note that these sessions are not intended to serve as or substitute therapy, medical, or mental health treatment. Acceptance and placement in any social service program is not guaranteed. |
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2026 MCLS Book Festival!The Mercer County Library System invites readers and authors of all ages to celebrate books, stories, and creativity at its second annual Book Festival! This lively festival will bring together local and regional authors to share their expertise and inspiration through engaging panel discussions focused on writing and publishing. The festival will also feature crafts, activities, and kid-friendly performances, making it a fun and enriching day for the whole family. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, an avid reader, or simply looking for an engaging community event, there will be something for everyone to enjoy!
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Amateur Photo ContestDon't forget to participate in this year's Amateur Photo Contest! You're invited to submit a photo capturing this year's theme: A Moment in Our Story, to your local branch. The contest is open to all amateur photographers who live, work, or attend school in Mercer County. Entries will be accepted through Monday, September 14, 2026. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Featured Titles for Patriot Day |
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Library Speakers Consortium - Virtual Author Talks |
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David O. Stewart The Democracy We Must Keep: Why the Ideas that Built America Still Matter September 1, 2PM Jenny Martinez From Her Mesa to Yours: Authentic Family-Style Cooking September 3, 2PM Daniel Kraus Writing the Nightmare: A Ship Called Sickness and One Unforgettable Space Crew September 8, 7PM Priya Parker The Art of Fighting: Building Better, Stronger Relationships September 15, 4PM Yasmine Cheyenne The Comeback Conversation: Shifting from Surviving to Thriving September 17, 2PM Lucky Diaz Where the Paletero Man Goes: A Journey of Neighborhood, Music, and Art (In English) September 24, 7PM Lucky Diaz Paletero Man: un viaje por el barrio, la música y el arte (In Spanish) September 24, 8PM |
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