Film Screening and Discussion: Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same (1976)Wednesday, October 1, 2:00 - 4:15 pmJoin us for an epic film screening celebrating one of rock’s most legendary bands—Led Zeppelin! Co-sponsored by the 60s Group, this documentary dives into a wild Zeppelin tour, blending electrifying live concert footage, surreal fantasy sequences, and behind-the-scenes interviews with the people who lived it. 135 minutes. Rated PG. Stick around afterward for a lively discussion! We'll be jamming on questions like: What first drew you to Led Zeppelin? Got any favorite memories or stories about the band? Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering their magic, you won't want to miss this rock 'n' roll ride! Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. Registration is appreciated.
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OnStage Seniors EnsembleFriday, October 3, 3:00 – 4:00 pmOnStage Seniors, a theater ensemble sponsored by the Center for Modern Aging in Princeton, transforms true stories from Central New Jersey communities into compelling monologues and scenes. This year's theme is “How Did I Get Here?” Directed by playwright David White, the ensemble performs 12-15 times annually at various venues. Their performances aim to foster mutual understanding within communities through storytelling. After each show, the audience is invited to engage in lively discussions about the stories and their connections to personal experiences. Registration is appreciated.
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with Shishya Dancing School Thursday, October 16, 6:30 - 8:00 pmLight up your night with Diwali! Guru ‘Kalashree’ Sukanya Mahadevan and her dazzling Shishya School dancers return with myth-inspired moves and modern flair. From Carnegie Hall to our stage, their storytelling through dance is pure magic. Come celebrate the triumph of light and joy! Registration is appreciated.
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Featured Youth Services Programs
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Halloween Parade and Concert with Miss KimThursday, October 23, 10:00 amWear your costume and trick-or-treat through the library at 10:00am, followed by a live concert with Miss Kim, crafts and a photo booth at 10:30. For all ages with an adult to supervise. 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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Youth Re-Enactment of The War of the WorldsSaturday, October 25, 2:00 pmBe part of New Jersey history! When the famous 1938 radio broadcast of H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds aired, many listeners believed that aliens had actually landed in Grovers Mill, NJ. Now, your child can help bring that legendary moment to life! In this fun and dramatic library event, kids will create their own script, design masks, produce spooky sound effects, and take on imaginative roles of their choice (like public safety occupations, scientists, professors, broadcasters, townspeople, or Martians), to re-enact the classic sci-fi tale. Whether they want to be on stage or behind the scenes, every child will help tell an out-of-this-world story! For ages 7 to 12 years old. 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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Glow-in-the-Dark Trick-or-Treat BagsSunday, October 26, 2:00 pmUse glow-in-the-dark fabric paint to decorate black cloth bags to create a spooky effect that will also help keep you safe while trick-or-treating! For children of all ages, with an adult to supervise. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lawrence Library. 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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Queer Figures in New Jersey Monday, October 6, 7:00 pm Presented by Kristyn Scorsone, Post-doctoral Fellow, Rutgers Center for Historical Analysis, Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Caring for the Whole Self: Chronic Illness and Emotional Well-being Thursday, October 16, 6:30 pm Presented by Kara Buda, PhD, clinical health psychologist specializing in psychosocial oncology. A Penn Medicine Princeton Health Community Wellness Program. Finding the Right Fit: Exploring Senior Living Options Tuesday, October 21, 2:00 pm Presented by Olga St. Pierre, Senior Living Specialist, Keller Williams Real Estate. Literary Figures in Princeton Wednesday, October 29, 6:30 pm Presented by Eve Mandel, Director of Education and Outreach, Historical Society of Princeton.
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Featured Technology Instruction
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October Google Series Learn how to use some of the free cloud-based apps offered by Google. Getting Started with Gmail Saturday, October 4, 1:00 - 2:00 pm Google Drive Monday, October 6, 2:00 - 3:00 pm Google Sheets Wednesday, October 8, 6:30 - 7:30 pm Google Docs: Resumes Wednesday, October 15, 6:30 - 7:30 pm October Basics Series Getting started doesn’t have to be scary! These classes will help you learn the basics of Windows computers. Mouse Basics Thursday, October 2 - 10:00 - 10:45 am PC Basics Thursday, October 2 - 11:00 AM - 12:00 pm Intro to Excel Friday, October 3 - 10:00 - 11:00 am Intro to Word Friday, October 3 - 2:00 - 3:00 pm Typing Lab Saturday, October 4 - 2:30 - 3:30 pm Windows 11: Files and Folders Monday, October 27 - 10:00 - 11:00 am Windows 11: Accessibility Tools Monday, October 27 - 11:30 AM - 12:30 pm
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Staff In-Service Day All MCLS branches will be closed for staff training on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Our Lawrence Branch will also close at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, October 21st in preparation for In-Service Day. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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Socktober Donation DriveIn recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Mercer County Library System is teaming up with Younity and RISE: A Community Service Partnership to collect donations of socks throughout the month of October, which are in demand during the fall and winter. Stop by your local branch this month to donate and make a difference!
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Say Hello to Jenna! We have a new face at the Reference Desk! Stop by and say hello to Reference Librarian Jenna. "After a few years of working in archives and acting as an assistant at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton,” said Jenna, “I am looking forward to serving Mercer County as a librarian. I am excited to help others learn more about the rich history and many programs that the library provides!”
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Arm in Arm Food Pantry Mondays, October 6, 13, 20 & 27, 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 – 4:00 pm in 2025. No pre-registration is required. Arm In Arm staff will register participants upon arrival.
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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 Halloween
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Library Speakers Consortium - Virtual Author Talks
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Smithsonian Educator Nuestra América: Stories of 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States Thursday, October 2, 2PM Leigh Bardugo 10 Years of Daring Heists and Lovable Outcasts in YA Fantasy Thursday, October 9, 7PM Malala Yousafzai Finding My Way Wednesday, October 22, 7PM Philippa Gregory Courtly Intrigue and Whispers as Weapons Wednesday, October 29, 2PM
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