Mercer County Library System: MCLS Virtual Programs: June 2026

MCLS Virtual Programs & Events

June 2026

Guest Speakers

Medicaid Literacy Workshop
Monday, June 1, 6:00 pm

Horizon NJ Health's Medicaid literacy presentation helps individuals understand Medicaid, how to apply, and the importance of using benefits once approved.

Celebrating the History of Timbuctoo on Juneteenth
Thursday, June 11, 7:00 pm

Join historian Guy Weston for an illuminating look at one of New Jersey’s most significant historical communities: Timbuctoo. Established in the 1820s, this free Black settlement grew in part from the influence of Quaker abolitionists and has endured for nearly two centuries. Weston will explore Timbuctoo’s origins, its lasting legacy, and its place within the broader history of slavery in New Jersey.

Britain's Hidden Treasures
Monday, June 15, 6:30 pm

During walks on his family’s farm during COVID lockdowns in 2020, a man noticed unusual pottery shards that ultimately led to the excavation of one of the largest, best preserved Roman villa mosaic floors ever found in Europe. Jackpot historical finds aren’t uncommon in Britain thanks to its rich history: Viking hordes, Anglo Saxon treasure, and even King Richard III buried under a city parking lot. Join Anglophile and former U.K. resident Claire Evans as she tours the country’s most interesting archeological finds and learn tips if you’d like to visit them for yourself one day. Sponsored by the Friends of the Ewing Library.

The Declaration of Independence
Tuesday, June 23, 7:00 pm

Josh Mandell and Tom Burnet, Board Members of the Historical Society of West Windsor, discuss the Declaration of Independence including the precipitating events, the Committee of the Five, the drafting and editing process, the structure of the final document, the initial reception by England and the 13 colonies, as well as assorted myths and legends surrounding the nation’s most sacred text. Co-sponsored with the Historical Society of West Windsor.

Supporting Brain Health in Our Community

Wednesday, June 24, 6:30 pm

Two-thirds of Americans have a least one major risk factor for dementia. Fortunately, we're at a turning point in our understanding of brain health and the science-backed actions we can take to protect it. Join us for a short presentation exploring the latest research and how building brain-healthy habits can help you live well now while supporting your memory and thinking for the future. Presented by the Alzheimer's Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter.

Unsung Heroes:

LGBTQ+ Activists & Advocates

Tuesday, June 30, 6:30 pm

Take pride in American history and discover LGBTQ activists and advocates who stood up to prejudice and discrimination. Celebrate the pioneers of the LGBTQ rights movement by learning about Barbara Gittings, Dr. John Fryer, and more!

Staff-Led Programs

English Language Learning:

Conversation Group for Adults
Monday, June 15, 11:00 am; and

Monday, June 29, 6:30 pm
If you already know some English and want to improve your speaking and comprehension skills, please join librarian Elka Frankel for some practice sharing your thoughts and ideas about all kinds of things with others in the group. We'll also cover vocabulary, idioms and grammar relevant to our discussions. Please visit the MCLS Event Calendar to register for sessions in June.

Author Talks

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

Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.

Your Ticket to the Best State Fair Crafts with Smithsonian Curator Mary Savig

Wednesday, June 3, 2:00 pm

Join us for a fascinating discussion with Smithsonian Curator Mary Savig on the history and significance of craft at state fairs—from blue-ribbon quilts to sculpted butter cows, and so much more!

Eat Your Ice Cream: A Compassionate and Humorous Roadmap to Wellbeing with Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel

Thursday, June 9, 2:00 pm

Join us for an empowering conversation with health expert Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel as he shares his vision for living well and aging with purpose. In Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life, he explores how to embrace health, happiness, and longevity without falling for quick fixes or unrealistic promises.

Apocalyptic Mayhem, Lava-Spitting Llamas, and One Very Sassy Cat: Surviving the Universe's Most Twisted RPG with Matt Dinniman

Thursday, June 11, 7:00 pm

Hold onto your heart-patterned boxers! Matt Dinniman, New York Times bestselling author of the wildly popular (and just plain wild) Dungeon Crawler Carl series, joins us to chat about his latest book, A Parade of Horribles.

Nurturing Future Generations: Stories from the Heart of Grandfatherhood with Ted Page

Thursday, June 18, 2:00 pm

Join us in virtual conversation with storyteller and popular blogger Ted Page as we chat about his book Good Grandpa: Stories from the Heart of Grandfatherhood. This heartfelt book highlights his journey to bring together the stories and wisdom of grandfathers from all walks of life—all with a mission to nurture the next great generation.

Simple, Sustainable, and Powerfully Delicious Meals with Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy

Tuesday, June 23, 2:00 pm

Join us as we chat with Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy about The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook, which celebrates beautiful, simple, and seasonal cooking with 85 recipes adapted from India and Sri Lanka’s best family spice farms.

Library Chef Workshops

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.

Check out Library Chef classes this May and explore cooking techniques, bright summer flavors, and practical lifestyle tips -- available to attend with your library card.