Lawrence Headquarters Branch Programs
August 2025
Featured Adult Programs
Sound Bath Meditation
Thursday, August 7, 6:00 pm
Experience the rest and relaxation you deserve with a transformative sound bath, featuring the resonant tones of crystal singing bowls. This meditative session offers a soothing space to unwind, harmonize your mind and body, and immerse yourself in the healing vibrations of these exquisite instruments. Led by wellness consultant Stephanie Whitford, this unique experience will leave you feeling refreshed and restored. Sponsored by Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is appreciated. 
Cook Talks: Cheesemaking
Thursday, August 21, 10:00 – 11:30 am
We are excited to welcome Cheesemonger Rich from Cherry Grove Farm to discuss the process of cheese making. Rich will share information about how local cheeses are made and how best to serve them. Sponsored by Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is appreciated. 
Five Phases of an IRA
Thursday, August 21, 7:00 pm
Discover powerful strategies to help shape a more secure financial future. In this engaging workshop, Thrivent Financial advisor Michael Kochersperger will walk you through the Five Phases of an IRA. With over eight years of expertise in tax-efficient financial planning, he’ll share insights on managing IRA distributions, reducing tax burdens, and adapting to evolving tax legislation. Gain the tools to make confident decisions that preserve your wealth in retirement and leave a lasting financial legacy for your loved ones. Registration is appreciated.
Featured Youth Services Programs 
Summer Play Patrol Music Show
Tuesday, August 5, 10:00 am
Join us for Color Our World with Music, an exciting, hands-on musical adventure introducing children to the sounds and rhythms of instruments from around the globe! Sponsored by Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is required at www.mcl.org beginning 24 hours before program start time.  
Checkmate Chess Club
Tuesday, August 5, 3:30 pm
Tuesday, August 26, 6:30 pm

Ready for a game of chess?  Checkmate Chess Club is open to children interested in learning how to play chess or just looking for someone to play against. Please bring your chess sets if you have them!  For ages 5-14 years old. Sponsored by Friends of the Lawrence Library. Space is limited. Registration is required at www.mcl.org beginning 12 hours before program start time.  
Rock Out with Raffi
Saturday, August 16, 2:00 pm
Grab your family and your dancing shoes—it’s time to sing with Raffi! Whether you’re shaking your sillies out on the dance floor; making Raffi-themed crafts de muchos colores; or hamming it up at our “Grandpa’s Farm” photo booth, you’re sure to find all you need for a rollicking good time at this fun event. For children of all ages, with a caregiver to supervise. Sponsored by Friends of the Lawrence Branch.
Registration is required at www.mcl.org beginning 24 hours before program start time. If you register and cannot make it, please phone so someone else can have your slot.    
Featured Virtual Programs
To see full program descriptions and additional virtual program offerings, please visit this month's MCLS Virtual Programs Newsletter.

GLP-1 Medications: What You Need to Know
Wednesday, August 13, 6:30 pm
Dr. Lisa Dobruskin, Medical Director of the Center for Bariatric Surgery and Metabolic Medicine at Penn Medicine Princeton, will discuss whether GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Monjaro and Zepbound, might be right for you. Presented as part of the Penn Medicine Princeton Health Community Wellness Program.
 
New Jersey Homeschooling Basics
Tuesday, August 19, 7:00 pm
Join us for an overview of homeschooling in New Jersey and get answers to your questions.  A panel of experienced homeschooling parents will cover the basics of homeschooling in New Jersey.
 
Introduction to Genealogy:
Discovering Your Family History
Monday, August 25, 7:00 pm
Laura Cubbage-Draper, Certified Genealogist®, LCD Genealogy Services, offers an overview of key genealogy records and resources, as well as tips and techniques for getting started on discovering your family stories. Sponsored by Friends of the Ewing Library.
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.
Summer Lab Classes
Monday, August 11, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Friday, August 15, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Thursday, August 21, 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Use the computer classroom desktop PCs to work on your own projects or practice your skills using the Northstar Digital Literacy platform while our technology trainers are available to assist you. You can also sit for an assessment to earn a Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate. Register at www.mcl.org/events/computer
 
Windows 11 Computer Classes
PC Basics
Monday, August 4, 11:00 am
Files & Folders
Tuesday, August 5, 2:00 pm
Windows Accessibility Tools
Saturday, August 23, 3:00 pm
Learn the basics of using a Windows 11 PC as well as how to customize your experience. Register at www.mcl.org/events/computer
News
Amateur Photography Contest
Get your cameras ready! The Annual Amateur Photography Contest begins Monday, August 11th, and this year's theme is "Our Vibrant World". Visit your local branch between Monday, August 11th and Monday, September 15th to submit your photograph. Please visit our website for more details!
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! More information and updates are available at https://mcl.org/mcls-book-festival-2025/.
Branch News
Say Hello, to Madeline!
Stop by and say hello to the newest face at the Reference Desk, Madeline. Madeline has experience working at Eastern University’s library doing shelving, reference, circulation, Interlibrary Loan, and archives. She is excited to work at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch because she grew up visiting this library. In her free time, Madeline enjoys embroidery, musicals, board games, and trying new restaurants. She is delighted to be working within the Mercer County Library System! 
 
Arm In Arm Food Pantry
Mondays, August 4, 11, 18 & 25, 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 in 2025. 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 for International
Peace Month
Practicing peace
Wild peace
The peace book
Peace and me
Peace is an offering
The Art of Peace
Library Speakers Consortium - Virtual Author Talks
Jay Falk
The Stories, Science, and History of Birds
Tuesday, August 5, 2pm
 
Casey McQuiston
Returning to Romance Through Food and Flirty Fun in Fiction
Wednesday, August 20, 7pm
 
Dr. Tasha Eurich
How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos
Thursday, August 28, 2pm
 
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