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Clarence Dillon Public Library Celebrates 250 years of American Independence October 11, 2025 from 12-5 Throughout the centuries, agricultural communities have celebrated the fall harvest to give thanks for the yield, build community bonds, and uphold community traditions. Similarly, October 11, Bedminster will celebrate its 21st Fall Fest at River Road Park. Prior to 2000, Bedminster had a sparsely attended Community Day over Memorial Day weekend. Our town recreation director (now township administrator) recognized the need for improvement to the event, and with the support of the town leadership, organized the first Bedminster Fall Fest which was held on Sept 23, 2000. This annual community building event has become a community tradition which now attracts up to 5,000 attendees. There have been some exceptions when the fest was not able to be held: in 2010, due to a budget constraint, it was replaced by an alternative event dubbed Bedstock; in 2018 it was cancelled due to a nor’easter; and in 2020 and 2021, the event was paused due to Covid. Despite these challenges, due to enormous interest, Fall Fest returned in 2022 even stronger as the much anticipated community staple. The event, which is organized by local volunteers and the township, celebrates our local schools, businesses, first responders, and charitable organizations. The celebration includes music, food, games, vendors, and agricultural activities such as hayrides, barnyard animals to pet, and pony rides, as well as tours of the Jacobus Vanderveer House, and the always fun, “Find Your Twin” game. And now, in returning to the agricultural theme, the entrance to the Fall Fest takes visitors just past our local Farmers Market. A $5 admission fee is charged and all funds raised are divided to support local organizations that include the Pottersville Volunteer Fire Co., The Center for Contemporary Art, Far Hills – Bedminster Fire Department, Far Hills – Bedminster First Aid Squad, Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House, Friends of the Clarence Dillon Public Library, and the Bedminster School Parent Teacher Organization. All of these organizations provide volunteer support as well for the event. Please stop by each of the local organizations’ tents, especially the Clarence Dillon Library’s, when you visit on October 11! |
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"Anecdotes" by Ann Beattie Tuesday, Oct. 7, 12:00 pm In the Cafe - No Registration Needed |
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Frances Perkins with Carol Levin Thursday, Oct. 16, 12:00 pm Carol happily returns to the Library, this time impersonating/becoming Frances Perkins, FDR's formidable Secretary of Labor through The Great Depression and World War II both. The first woman ever to serve in a presidential cabinet, Perkins was a tireless advocate for the working class and most notably spearheaded the introduction of our national Social Security Program. Carol will do her up great, as always. |
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Sandy Putnam and the Great Depression Entertainments Friday, Oct. 24, 12:00 pm Sandy Putnum on "the flip side of America's Great Depression-The New escapist activities and interests we pursued for momentary relief from the terrible hardships of those 1930's years: Many such would evolve into modern day recreations: The Jitterbug then, rock 'n roll now. Pinball then, computer games now. Big bands then--Benny Goodman-- rock bands today. Board game Monopoly!..then and now. And towering above all else the modern movie succeeding those silent 20's productions. America's Depression years "great escape" those moments with Astaire, Crosby, Gable, Garland and Garbo. Putnam with Wade Bryant covers it all, fully illustrated and filmed. |
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Knitting with Eleanor Every Wednesday @ 11am
In-Person (No Registration Required) |
Meditation & Mindfulness |
Chair Yoga Every Friday @ 10:30am In-Person (No Registration Required) |
"Washington Square" by Henry James Thursday, October 9 @ 7pm November advance notice: "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner Paperback copies available at the Library |
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ESL - English as a Second Language
Beginner A and B - Mondays @ 7:15 pm
Intermediate - Tuesdays@10:30 am Advanced - Tuesdays@7:15 pm |
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MAHJONGG Tuesdays from 12:30-3:30 pm. Wednesdays from 12:30-3:30pm. There are opening for experienced players only. If interested please call the facilitator at 480-282-7977 |
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Bridge Mondays from 11:30-4pm. In person | Walk-in
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Bridge Lessons for Beginners with Chris Regan
Mondays @ 2:30pm There is a $10 fee which is paid to the instructor. The bridge tables are back up on Mondays at 11:30am for interested players. Informal format. The library has a limited supply of decks and experienced players are welcome to bring their own cards and supplies. If interested in attending the 2:30pm beginning learning session please call the instructor at 908-334-7885 |
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Drop in Computer Help Tuesdays 3-4pm |
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Sandy’s Music Friday, Oct. 17, 12:00 pm Featuring music classical as well as other genres |
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Genealogy at the Local Repository:
Utilizing Local Libraries and Historical Socieities
Oct 7 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Genealogy research can take us to a variety of places and while it would be nice if all the records we need were located in one place, sadly that is not the case. While vital records can be usually accessed at the state level, there are so many more records that are available locally that can help fill out your genealogy research. Please join us in kicking off National Family History Month as professional genealogy Melissa Johnson examines the importance of local libraries and historical societies in genealogy research, including types of records available, conducting local research, and the importance of local repositories in preserving our history.
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Researching New Jersey Land Records Online
Oct 16, 2025 12:00 PM When people hear genealogy, they often think of vital records (birth, marriage, and death). However, there are troves of other documents that can help, especially when vital records are missing or the information in them is minimal or vague. One such group of records are land records. Land records can be a genealogical goldmine for researchers, as they may include kin information, as well as the history of a property through sales. Please join our Genealogy Librarian Regina Fitzpatrick as she explores the New Jersey State Archives’ Early Land Records Database and FamilySearch.org’s image collection. Learn how to use these resources to find records related to your family or to learn more about the history of land sales and property records in the State. |
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No Dead Ends Finding Your Way Through Family Roadblocks Oct 21, 2025 12:00 PM No genealogist works their way through their family history without coming across the challenges of what looks like a dead end: no records, no obvious next step, unidentified parents and more. Please join us as professional genealogist Judy Nimer Muhn talks about the tools, techniques, and ways of thinking to find ways to get around those roadblocks and continue your ancestral journey. |
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Financial Aid Information Session
Oct 29, 2025 12:00 PM Paying for college can be a complex and confusing process, from finding scholarships, to applying for financial aid, to determining which student loans are the best fit. Jamillah Barker from The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will help to clear the confusion through their Financial Aid Information Session. This session will provide useful information on all of the Federal and State grants, scholarships and loan programs available through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Key information and requirements on filing the FAFSA are covered. In addition, college cost of attendance, the expected family contribution and their combined role in determining aid will also be covered. |
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The Amateur (2025) Oct. 3, 1:30 pm (122 min.) Rated PG-13 Remi Malek stars as a nerdy CIA analyst whose wife is killed in a terrorist attack and sets out to find the culprits. This film is a thriller that also stars Rachel Brosnahan |
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The Friend (2024) Oct. 10, 1:30 pm (119 min.) Rated R If you love Great Danes this movie is for you. Naomi Watts stars as a solitary writer who inherits a giant Great Dane (who is a scene sealer) when a friend passes away. Adapted from the book by Sigrid Nunez, this film also features Bill Murray. The film is a heartfelt look at grief. |
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The Ballad of Wallis Island (2025) Friday, Oct. 17, 1:30 pm(2025) (99 min.) Rated PG-13 An eccentric lottery winner invites his favorite musician to come to his remote island home to perform for him. This film is a charming British comedy that is full of hilarity but also has heart. Starring Tom Basden and Tim Key. |
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Mission Impossible - The Final Reckoning (2025) Friday, Oct. 24, 1:30 pm (169 min.) Rated PG-13 Tom Cruise and the IMF are back and this time they are trying to stop an AI entity that has infiltrated global intelligence. The film is full of jaw dropping stunts and is the last one in the franchise. |
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School Age S.T.E.A.M. Story Time & Craft Wednesday Oct. 8th, 4:15 - 5:15 pm
This month's theme: Transportation
Explore STEAM (Science, Teachnology, Engineering, Art, and Math) with stories, activities, and a craft. Geared to ages 5-9 but older & younger siblings are welcomed. |
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Birds of Prey Presentation Tuesday 10/21, 4:30 pm
The Raptor Trust is a non-profit wild bird rehabilitation center located in Millington, NJ who help rehabilitate fowl so that they could go back to the wild.
Educational program for the entire family. |
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Watercolors with Miss Pat!
Join Miss Pat on Thursday, October 23rd at 4:30 for another round of watercolors for
those in grades 2-8.
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