Lawrence Headquarters Branch Programs
December 2025
Featured Adult Programs
Sustainable Holidays
Thursday, December 4, 3:00 – 4:00 pm
The winter holidays can be the best time of year. A time for coming together with loved ones and celebrating. However, celebrations can cause a lot of excess and waste. In Sustainable Holidays, we will explore the many ways we can keep the holidays merry and bright without sacrificing the planet. Librarian Shanna will be leading the discussion.  Sponsored by Friends of the Lawrence Library. Advance registration is appreciated.
Winter Concert: Rhythm N' Sound
Thursday, December 4, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Join us for a heartwarming holiday concert featuring the talented trio, Rhythm N’ Sound. These professional entertainers bring timeless charm with music from the 40s to the 80s—classic standards, doo-wop, rock ‘n’ roll, Motown, and disco favorites. Their festive performance includes “Blue Christmas,” “White Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” You’ll be tapping your feet, singing along, and feeling the holiday spirit. Whether you're reminiscing or simply enjoying great music, this evening promises joy, cheer, and a touch of Christmas magic. Don’t miss this special celebration of the season! Sponsored by Friends of the Lawrence Library. Advance registration is appreciated.
Artful Writing: An Ekphrastic Workshop
Wednesday, December 17, 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Discover the power of visual art to spark poetic and narrative expression in this generative workshop led by Barbara Krasner, author of Poems of the Winter Palace and The Night Watch. Using works from Impressionists to Surrealists, participants will explore tone, mood, and form through timed prompts in any genre. No experience necessary—just curiosity and a willingness to experiment. Krasner, a Pushcart Prize nominee, teaches at Mercer County Community College and edits its literary magazine, Kelsey Review, bringing deep expertise in ekphrastic writing and literary craft.
Advance registration is appreciated.
Featured Youth Services Programs 
Storytime with Mrs. Claus
Wednesday, December 10, 10:00 am
Join Mrs. Claus for a story, craft, and more! For kids of all ages, 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.  
Gingerbread Man/Woman Candy Cane Holders
Saturday, December 13, 2:00 pm
Sew a felt gingerbread man/woman, and adorn him/her. Place candy canes inside. Recommended for children ages 8+. Sponsored by Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is required at www.mcl.org beginning 24 hours before program start time.  
Service Sundays: Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry
Sunday, December 21, 2:00 pm
In October and November, our service club made cloth bags out of upcycled t-shirts. This month, we will work with the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry to fill those bags with food, which will then be distributed to community members in need. Participants will also learn a bit more about what it’s like to be food insecure. Food to fill the bags will be provided by the pantry, but please feel free to bring additional shelf-stable items to donate!  The food pantry packs and distributes 600-700 bags of food weekly, so every donation is much appreciated. For all ages. Sponsored by 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.

Through the Eyes of the Artist:
Norman Rockwell
Thursday, December 4, 7:00 pm
Prestend by art historian, Felicia Z. Stadelman. Sponsored by Friends of the West Windsor Library.
 
"One More for My Baby" –
The Hollywood Songbook of Frank Sinatra
Monday, December 8, 7:00 pm
Presented by Brian Rose, professor emeritus at Fordham University.
 
Charles M. Schulz:
An American Cartoonist
Wednesday, December 17, 6:00 pm
Presented by Jessica Ruskin, Education Director at the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center.
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.
Organizational Tools
Learn how to use various computer tools to make your personal organization a bit easier.
 
Getting Started with Gmail
Wednesday, December 3, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
 
Google Organizational Tools
Wednesday, December 10, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
 
Excel: Pivot Tables
Thursday, December 11, 10:00 – 11:00 am
 
Word: Mail Merge
Monday, December 29, 10:00 – 11:00 am
News
Winter Reading Program
Join us for this year's Winter Reading Program, which runs from December 15th 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! 
Branch News
Congratulations to Librarians Bekka and Kelsey!
Congratulations to Librarian Bekka who recently graduated from Rutgers University with her Master of Library and Information Science degree. Congratulations to Librarian Kelsey who also recently graduated from University of Tennessee Knoxville with her Master of Information Science degree. Well done!
 
Arm In Arm Food Pantry
Mondays, December 1, 8, 15 & 22,
2:00 – 4:00 pm
Are you experiencing food insecurity? Arm in Arm’s mobile food pantry will be at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch on Monday afternoons from 2:00 – 5:00 pm. No pre-registration is required. Arm In Arm staff will register participants upon arrival.
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:
Winter Reads!
The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison
The Heart of Winter
The Winter of the Dollhouse by Laura Amy Schlitz
The Winter of the Dollhouse
The Heart of Winter by Alessandro Montagnana
The Heart of Winter
It's Winter! by Renée Kurilla
It's Winter!
Flopping in a Winter Wonderland by Jason June
Flopping in a Winter Wonderland
How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days by Kari Leibowitz
How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days
Library Speakers Consortium - Virtual Author Talks
Sue Hincenbergs
Scheming Wives and High-Stakes Hilarity 
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2:00 pm
 
See More and Register Here!

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

https://mcl.org/branches/lawrence