MCLS Virtual Programs & Events
 
January 2026
Invited Speakers
Princeton and the American Revolution:
The Ten Crucial Days

Thursday, January 8, 7:00 pm
This is the story of the desperate hours at the end of 1776 when the American Revolution seemed lost.  Struggling through unimaginable difficulties, the Continental Army crossed the Delaware on Christmas, winning three battles in 10 days, culminating in the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777.  These victories changed the course of history and enabled the birth of our free nation.  Presented by Barry Singer, Princeton Historical Society.
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New Jersey Homeschooling Basics
Wednesday, January 14, 7:00 pm
Join us for an overview of homeschooling in New Jersey and get answers to your questions. Are you considering homeschooling your child in NJ? Has your child asked to be homeschooled, but you don’t know where you would even start? A panel of experienced homeschooling parents will cover the basics of homeschooling in NJ, including: homeschooling law; the range of approaches to homeschooling; resources and communities that support homeschooling (in-person and online); paths after homeschooling (high school, college, work, trades, etc.).  A Q & A session will follow the presentation.
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Token on the Freedman's Coat:
The Story Behind Thomas Mundy Peterson's 1884 Voting Medal
Thursday, January 15, 7:00 pm
Thomas Mundy Peterson is celebrated as the first African American to vote under the Fifteenth Amendment. Independent historian and author Gordon Bond will examine Peterson's legacy beyond the ballot, talking about how on May 30, 1884, citizens of Perth Amboy, NJ, pinned a gold medal to his coat in honor of his having done something that, in another part of the nation, a noose might have been put around his neck for daring. Based on Bond's book, To Cast a Freedman's Vote.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Ewing Library.
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Introduction to Smart and Safe Investing
Tuesday, January 20, 6:30 pm
Chase Bertoldo, from the Seton Hall University School of Law FINRA Investor Advocacy Program, will cover a range of practical financial concepts, including budgeting and inflation, as well as different investment and savings products. Throughout the program, he'll focus on smart and safe investment practices, illustrating the challenges facing every investor and how to avoid common pitfalls.
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Islamic Contribution to Civilization
Tuesday, January 27, 7:00 pm
Muslims have been influenced by and contributed to other cultures in numerous ways. During the medieval Golden Age of Islam in particular, Muslims made major contributions in diverse fields, including art, architecture, music, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, philosophy, and literature, as well as in hygiene, cuisine, clothing, and furniture. Presented by Samina Sattar of the New Jersey Islamic Networks Group.
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Staff-Led Programs 
Teen Advisory Board 
Friday, January 9, 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!!
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Guided Meditation
Mondays, January 12 & 26, 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 January.
Other Virtual Program Opportunities
Creativebug
Creativebug offers high-quality online arts and crafts classes led by expert instructors. In addition to on-demand courses, Creativebug features live, interactive classes that allow participants to craft along in real time and ask questions as the project unfolds.Icons - Call to Action Buttons - Rounded - Learn More-dark blue
 
Learn It Live
Learn It Live is an online learning platform offering live, interactive classes on wellness, personal growth, and creative topics. Classes are taught in real time by expert instructors and allow participants to ask questions and engage during the session. Available online or through the Libby App.
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Library Chef
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.
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Library Speakers Consortium
The Library Speakers Consortium is a partnership of public libraries working together to expand access to best-selling author talks. Register to attend a livestreamed event or watch the recording!
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Click here for a full list of programs

In this Issue
Invited Speakers
Staff-Led Programs
Other Virtual Program Opportunities
Featured Titles: Winter Reads!
Featured Titles:
 Winter Reads!
No New Things: A Radically Simple 30-Day Guide to Saving Money, the Planet, and Your Sanity by Ashlee Piper
No New Things
Movement for Every Body: An Inclusive Fitness Guide for Better Movement--Build Mind-Body Awareness, Overcome Exercise Barriers, and Improve Mobility by Marcia Dernie
Movement for
Every Body

Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career by Suzy Welch
Becoming You
Eat Better, Sleep Better: 75 Recipes and a 28-Day Meal Plan That Unlock the Food-Sleep Connection (a Cookbook) by Marie-Pierre St-Onge
Eat Better, Sleep Better
The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life by Sahil Bloom
The 5 Types of Wealth
Cooking as Therapy: How to Improve Mental Health Through Cooking by Debra Borden
Cooking as Therapy
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Mercer County Library System
2751 Brunswick PIke
Lawrence Township, New Jersey 08648
609-737-2610

https://mcl.org