LibraryAware September 2025

MCLS Virtual Programs & Events

September 2025

Guest Speakers

The Time to Hear is Here
Thursday, September 4, 6:00 pm

Discover the surprising prevalence of hearing loss among the elderly and learn about the latest options available to help those affected. Join Ron Gottardi from the non-profit organization "The Time to Hear is Here" for an enlightening discussion on hearing health. Ron will explore why Medicare should cover hearing aids, advances in hearing technology, helpful cell phone apps, shopping tips, and more.

What Did We Learn and When Did We Learn It? The History of Public Education in Lawrence Township

Wednesday, September 17, 7:00 pm

Two hundred years ago the world of Lawrence Township school children was nothing like it is today. But many of the education questions their parents faced sound familiar: where should schooling happen, who should be educated, and who should pay for it? Learn how different generations of Lawrence citizens answered these questions and how our public schools coped with rapid suburbanization and a changing society. Plus, you’ll take a visual tour of all of the schools, past and present. Presented by Dennis Waters, former Lawrence Township historian and current member of the Mercer County Library Commission.

Breaking Barriers:
Getting Started with Hispanic Genealogy

Wednesday, September 24, 7:00 pm

Many of us hesitate to begin our family trees because we’re unsure where to start. Questions naturally arise: Is it even possible to find information? Are resources available? If so, what are they—and will it cost me a lot? In this informative and culturally grounded session, we’ll address those doubts head-on and guide you through the process of uncovering your roots. This session is designed to empower individuals and families from Hispanic communities to begin their research journey with clarity, confidence, and connection. Together, we’ll explore:

Four essential steps to begin your genealogy research;
Key documents in Hispanic genealogy and the types of information they reveal;
Common terms and phrases that appear in historical records and how they can help you decode documents;
Tips and cautionary tales to avoid common mistakes;
How to use FamilySearch and other free or low-cost resources, including public libraries and genealogical societies; and
Specialized resources for researching ancestry in Spanish-speaking regions of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America

Manhattan's Little Syria
Tuesday, September 30, 6:30 pm

Did you know that the first Arabic-speaking community in the United States was in New York City? If the answer is no, you’re not alone. Until Linda Jacobs’ book, Strangers in the West, was published in 2012, the story of that community had been lost. Even the descendants of the people who lived there (among whom were Jacobs’ grandparents) didn’t know about it! Jacobs will talk about reconstructing the colony, name by name, its connection to the many smaller Syrian colonies in New Jersey, and her newest research.

Staff-led Programs

Teen Advisory Board
Friday, September 12, 3:30 pm
All teens are welcome to join! Come be a part of the MCLS Teen Advisory Board. There are opportunities to enhance your leadership skills, earn community service hours, help run library programs, and write book reviews. New members always welcome!!

Guided Meditation
Mondays, September 15 & 29, 4:00 pm
Relax, refocus, and rejuvenate. Take a moment to regain the peace lost during our busy days. Facilitated by staff member, Leena, who is a longtime practitioner of Rajyoga meditation. Please visit the MCLS Event Calendar to register for sessions in September.

Author Talks

Enjoy a range of talks from bestselling authors and thought leaders.

Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.

On Writing Darkly Charming Villainous Love w/ Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Wednesday, September 3, 7:00 pm

Embrace your dark side (and your best evil laugh) and join us in conversation with Hannah Nicole Maehrer, creator of the New York Times bestselling Assistant to the Villain series.

Argue Less and Talk More w/ Communication Expert Jefferson Fisher

Wednesday, September 10, 2:00 pm

Join us (and be ready to take notes) for an afternoon virtual conversation with communication expert Jefferson Fisher, as we chat about his book, The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More.

Our Failed Attempts to Make English Eezier to Spell w/ Author Gabe Henry

Wednesday, September 17, 2:00 pm

Have you ever wondered why the English spelling of words is sometimes… well… just weird? Come on a surprisingly hilarious journey with us and author Gabe Henry through the history of the English language, while we discuss troublemakers like Mark Twain who broke all the rules.

Culinary Talks

MCLS offers a delicious addition to our virtual program offerings: Library Chef! This unique culinary journey offers you the chance to enhance your kitchen skills with expert-led classes, all from the comfort of your home.