Lawrence Headquarters Branch Programs
January 2026
Featured Adult Programs
Medicaid 101 Workshop 
Friday, January 16, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Join Sandy Estrada, Member Education Coordinator with Horizon NJ Health, for an overview of the Medicaid application process, benefits, and Horizon NJ Health programs. This workshop is open to all community members, with an information table highlighting additional Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield plans for those who may not qualify for Medicaid. Registration is requested. 
Documentary Screening and Discussion: The Bitter Pill (POV Community Network)
Tuesday, January 20, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Join us for a PBS documentary screening followed by a discussion led by Librarian Andrew and retired Librarian Susan. The film follows plaintiff attorney Paul Farrell Jr., whose hometown has been devastated by the opioid epidemic. Determined to hold major pharmaceutical companies accountable, Farrell seeks to secure funds that could bring lasting change to Cabell County, West Virginia—a community at the heart of America’s opioid crisis. 82 minutes; Rated TV-14; Filmmakers: Clay Tweel, Tim Grant, Shannon E. Riggs, and Molly Rohlich. Original PBS Airdate: Monday, September 22, 2025. Presented in collaboration with POV, PBS’s award-winning independent nonfiction film series (pbs.org/pov). Registration is requested. 
Kelsey Review New Year Reading 
Thursday, January 22, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Start the new year with creativity and inspiration! Join us for the Kelsey Review 2025 Issue Reading, a lively celebration of Mercer County’s writers and poets. Hear local voices share their work and be a part of welcoming both seasoned authors and emerging talents to connect, spark ideas, and build community. The Kelsey Review, Mercer County Community College’s long-standing literary journal, will also preview its upcoming submission period. Editors Barbara Krasner and Gwen Weerheim Jones will be on hand to share insights and invite new contributors to join the tradition. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is requested. 
Featured Youth Services Programs 
Robotics Team Demo
Saturday, January 3, 2:00 pm
Come see the robot created by Hopewell Valley Central High School Robotics Team and do some hands-on activities! For kids ages 8 years old and up. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is required at www.mcl.org beginning 24 hours before program start time.
Round Singing
Mondays, January 5, 12 & 26, 4:15 pm
Nothing feeds the soul like singing in community! Every Monday, we lead patrons of all ages and abilities—from babies to retirees—in singing simple rounds together in harmony. Shakers or scarves will be provided for those too young to sing. For all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is not required.
Pokemon Craft Night: Rock Painting
Tuesday, January 27, 6:30 pm
Calling all crafty Pokemon trainers! Join us for a hands-on craft program where every month we will create something fun featuring Pokemon! This month we will be doing rock painting. For ages 5 years old and up, with a caregiver. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is required at www.mcl.org beginning 24 hours before program start time.  
Featured Virtual Programs
To see full program descriptions and additional virtual program offerings, please visit this month's MCLS Virtual Programs Newsletter.

Princeton and the American Revolution:
The Ten Crucial Days

Thursday, January 8, 7:00 pm
Presented by Barry Singer, Princeton Historical Society.
 
New Jersey Homeschooling Basics
Wednesday, January 14, 7:00 pm
Presented by a panel of experienced homeschooling parents, covering the basics of homeschooling in New Jersey.
 
Token on the Freedman's Coat:
The Story Behind Thomas Mundy Peterson's 1884 Voting Medal
Thursday, January 15, 7:00 pm
Presented by Gordon Bond, independent historian and author. Sponsored by the Friends of the Ewing Library.
 
Introduction to Smart and Safe Investing
Tuesday, January 20, 6:30 pm
Presented by Chase Bertoldo, Seton Hall University School of Law FINRA Investor Advocacy Program.
 
Islamic Contribution to Civilization
Tuesday, January 27, 7:00 pm
Presented by Samina Sattar of the New Jersey Islamic Networks Group.
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.
Career Development Skills Saturday
Career Prep and Job Seeking Skills
Saturday, January 10, 10:00 – 11:00 am
Google Docs: Resumes
Saturday, January 10, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Intro to Canva
Saturday, January 10, 3:00 – 4:00 pm
 
This class series will help you feel more confident about the job search process, practice formatting a resume, and learn how to use a tool that has become popular across industries for graphic design.
News
Winter Reading Program
There's still time to participate in this year's Winter Reading Program, which continues through January 24th! Participants can take part in the reading program by playing our Winter Reading Bingo game! Complete activities to get five in a row (up, down, across, or diagonal). Then bring your Bingo sheet back to your local branch, where kids and teens will automatically receive a prize, and adults will be entered into a raffle for a prize!
MLK Jr. Day of Service Card and Letter Writing Drive
The Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday is a national day of service celebrating the civil rights leader’s life and legacy. From January 12th through February 6th, all branches of MCLS are offering opportunities for community members to write letters or make handmade cards to be delivered to homebound participants of the Mercer County Meals on Wheels program. MCLS invites community members of all ages to take a moment to create a letter or greeting card, to make someone's day a little more special. 
 
Find card templates that you can print from home and drop off to your local MCLS branch here.
Friends of the Lawrence Library Book Sale
Early Admission: Thursday, January 29,
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Friday, January 30, 10:00 – 4:30 pm
Saturday, January 31, 10:00 – 4:30 pm
Sunday, February 1, 12:30 – 4:30 pm
Monday, February 2, 10:00 – 2:00 pm
Thousands of used, gently-read books will be available at the Friends of the Lawrence Library Book Sale. Payment by cash, check or Zelle only. A special Early Admission event will be held Thursday, January 29, 1:00 – 4:00 pm where the public will have the first chance to get some amazing deals. Entry to the Early Admission is free for current members of the Friends of the Lawrence Library, $5 for the general public, and $20 for patrons with scanning apps or devices. This event is the only time scanning devices will be permitted. Sunday and Monday will be $5 a bag. Bring your own bag. Call 609-883-8294 for more information.
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 the New Year
No New Things: A Radically Simple 30-Day Guide to Saving Money, the Planet, and Your Sanity by Ashlee Piper
No New Things: A Radically Simple 30-Day Guide to Saving Money, the Planet, and Your Sanity
Movement for Every Body: An Inclusive Fitness Guide for Better Movement--Build Mind-Body Awareness, Overcome Exercise Barriers, and Improve Mobility by Marcia Dernie
Movement for Every Body: An Inclusive Fitness Guide for Better Movement--Build Mind-Body Awareness, Overcome Exercise Barriers, and Improve Mobility
Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career by Suzy Welch
Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career
Eat Better, Sleep Better: 75 Recipes and a 28-Day Meal Plan That Unlock the Food-Sleep Connection (a Cookbook) by Marie-Pierre St-Onge
Eat Better, Sleep Better: 75 Recipes and a 28-Day Meal Plan That Unlock the Food-Sleep Connection (a Cookbook)
The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life by Sahil Bloom
The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life
Cooking as Therapy: How to Improve Mental Health Through Cooking by Debra Borden
Cooking as Therapy: How to Improve Mental Health Through Cooking

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Lawrence Headquarters Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike
Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648
609-882-9246

https://mcl.org/branches/lawrence