Paint Like: Frida KahloTuesday, September 2, 6:30 - 7:30 pmPaint Like. . . is a multigenerational art program for an adult and youth duo or group to learn about a noteworthy artist and then create an art piece inspired by the artist. This program encourages adults and youth to create their own artwork together. For September, we are learning about famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo as we make our own parrot painting masterpieces inspired by her work. Suggested age for youth: 10 years or older. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is required and limited to 16 participants. Please register for every person attending the program to ensure that room will be reserved for your duo or group.
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Organic Farming MovementFriday, September 5, 2:00 – 4:00 pmJoin Al Johnson, director and Vice-President of the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA), for a documentary screening and discussion on the organic farming movement. In the 1970s, activists opposing the Vietnam War, nuclear power, and voter suppression turned their energy toward healthy food and the environment. This shift birthed the northeast organic farming movement, now chronicled in Al's documentary "Organic Roots – 50 Years of Northeast Organic Farming Association." Al, an organic farmer and certification inspector for five decades, captures this journey beautifully in his film. This program is co-sponsored by the 60’s group.Registration is appreciated.
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Poetry Circle: Louis Aragon (1897-1982)Thursday, September 11, 6:30 – 8:00 pmJoin us this month as we explore the life and work of Louis Aragon, one of the most influential voices in 20th-century French literature. A founding figure of Surrealism, Aragon made lasting contributions as both a poet and a novelist, while also remaining deeply engaged in the political and cultural conversations of his time. Passionately committed to justice, he played an active role in the French Resistance during World War II. His poetry resonates widely, with many pieces adapted into popular songs, continuing to inspire new generations of readers. Poetry Circle friends Ariane and Mark will lead the discussion. Registration is appreciated.
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Featured Youth Services Programs
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Manga & Japanese Culture ClubWednesdays, 5:30 pmRecommended for teens ages 13-18. Teens discuss the mangas that they are currently reading and the library associate spotlights a manga to discuss that matches the holidays/remembrances on the Japanese and/or American calendars. After the discussions there are cultural activities (noted on the MCL events calendar), such as origami, dance parades, paper doll making, bilingual business cards, basic Japanese language introductions, tea ceremony, manga trivia, creating AI anime avatars, making keychains, etc.
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Service Sundays: Pet ToysSunday, September 21, 2:00 pmBeginning this month, we will be doing a family service project each 3rd Sunday of the month at 2:00. Our first project will be to create t-shirt pull toys and rice socks to donate to the Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center in Blackwood, NJ. Some supplies will be provided, but if you have an old t-shirt you would like to donate, please bring it with you. Also, please bring your ideas for future service projects! For all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Branch. Registration is required at www.mcl.org beginning 24 hours before program start time.
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Pokémon Craft Night: Guess Who GameTuesday, September 23, 6:30 pmCalling all crafty Pokémon trainers! Join us for a hands-on craft program where every month we will create something fun featuring a Pokémon. This month we will be creating a Guess Who Pokémon game. For ages 5 and up, with a caregiver to supervise. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Space is limited. Registration is required at www.mcl.org beginning 24 hours before program start time.
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Featured Virtual Programs
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The Time to Hear is Here Thursday, September 4, 6:00 pm Join Ron Gottardi from the non-profit organization "The Time to Hear is Here" for an enlightening discussion on hearing health. What Did We Learn and When Did We Learn It? The History of Public Education in Lawrence Township Wednesday, September 17, 7:00 pm Dennis Waters, former Lawrence Township historian, offers a virtual tour of Lawrence Township schools, past and present, sharing how our public schools evolved over the the last 200 years. Breaking Barriers: Getting Started with Hispanic Genealogy Wednesday, September 24, 7:00 pm Latina Professional Genealogist, Irisneri Alicea Flores, empowers individuals and families from Hispanic communities to begin their research journey with clarity, confidence, and connection. Manhattan's Little Syria Tuesday, September 30, 6:30 pm Linda Jacobs, a New York-based scholar and author, talks about the history of the Syrian "mother colony" located in Manhattan and its connection to the many smaller Syrian colonies in New Jersey. 
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Featured Technology Instruction
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Open Lab/Northstar Friday, September 5, 10:00 – 11:30 am Tuesday, September 9, 2:00 – 3:30 pm Monday, September 15, 2:00 – 3:30 pm Typing Lab Wednesday, September 17, 2:00 – 3:30 pm Use the computer classroom desktop PCs to work on your own projects and practice your skills with typing. September Excel Series Learn about the power of Microsoft Excel, starting from the basics and working up to VLOOKUPS, SUMIFS, and creating the formulas for a yearly budget. Intro to Excel Wednesday, September 3, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Excel Essentials Wednesday, September 10, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Excel: Pivot Tables Saturday, September 13, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Excel: Charts & Graphs Wednesday, September 17, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Excel: Formulas and Functions Thursday, September 18, 2:00 – 3:00 pm Excel: Budgets Monday, September 29, 10:00 – 11:00 am
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Join us at the MCLS Book Festival!Calling all book lovers! Join MCLS for a fun-filled Book Festival at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch on Saturday, September 27, from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Meet local authors, get the inside scoop on writing and publishing, and discover your next great read. We’ll have crafts and kid-friendly performances too — bring the whole family and celebrate stories with us! Learn more here.
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Amateur Photography ContestThere's still time to enter the MCLS Annual Amateur Photography Contest. This year's theme is "Our Vibrant World". Visit your local branch through Monday, September 15th to submit your photograph. Please visit our website for more details!
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Butterflies at Lawrence The Lawrence Headquarters Branch is in the midst of another vibrant season of butterfly raising and conservation. Since June, we’ve released six black swallowtails, two spicebush butterflies, and nineteen monarchs—all from our Lawrence Butterfly Garden. Our display showcases every stage of metamorphosis, from egg to caterpillar and chrysalis. With monarch tagging season just around the corner, don’t miss the chance to join us for our upcoming Monarch tagging and send-off events!
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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 Hispanic Heritage Month
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Library Speakers Consortium - Virtual Author Talks
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Hannah Nicole Maehrer On Writing Darkly Charming Villainous Love September 3, 7:00 pm Jefferson Fisher Argue Less and Talk More September 10, 2:00 pm Gabe Henry Our Failed Attempts to Make English Eezier to Spell September 17, 2:00 pm
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