MCLS Virtual Programs & Events
 
October 2026
Guest Speakers
Protecting Your Personal Information in Today's Digital World
Monday, October 5, 6:30 pm
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month! So much of our personal information is available online and we often unknowingly put more and more of it out there. Oftentimes it is sold to different companies for advertising or data mining, but it can also be used by scammers or identity thieves for more nefarious purposes. Please join Patricia Tamburelli from the NJ Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell to learn how to protect your personal information from online threats. She will cover tips and techniques to safeguard and limit the amount of and type of personal information that often make their way into the digital environment.
The Pilgrims and the Mayflower
Tuesday, October 6, 7:00 pm
Joel Farkas will tell the tale of why and how the Pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower. Learn about the history of explorers, beginning with the Ancient Greeks through the voyage of the Mayflower to the wives of Henry VIII, as well as the first Thanksgiving, the Wampanoags, and the Mayflower legacy. Sponsored by the Friends of the Hickory Corner Library.
Important LGBTQ Artists
Wednesday, October 14, 6:00 pm
Join artist and art educator Suzanne Altman for a look at the history and legacy of notable LGBTQ artists. This lecture covers artists from the Renaissance to the present day who are known to be LGBTQ (though it was often not publicly acknowledged at the time), and how their identity impacted their work. It also explores artists whose work was used for social change or whose sexual identity fundamentally shaped their creativity. Artists discussed include Michelangelo, John Singer Sargent, David Hockney, Keith Haring, Diane Arbus, and many more.
Patriots of the Pines!
Monday, October 19, 6:00 pm
During the American Revolution, more battles were fought in New Jersey than anywhere else. South Jersey had its share, with their own characters and legends! Join South Jersey native, Tony DiGerolamo, screenwriter, novelist, and comic book writer, as he takes you on a journey through the little-known history of the patriots in the Pine Barrens!
Spain's Hidden Role in American Independence
Tuesday, October 20, 7:00 pm
Join historian Dr. Carolina Castillo Crimm as she explores Spain's critical but often overlooked role in the struggle for American independence. Learn about Bernardo de Gálvez, the Spanish governor whose campaigns against British forces along the Gulf Coast helped weaken Britain's hold on North America. Discover how events unfolding in Texas, Louisiana, the Caribbean, and beyond were deeply connected to the fight for independence taking place throughout the American colonies.
Demons, Creatures and Monsters – Oh My!
Monday, October 26, 6:30 pm
Meet the mythical creatures, legendary beasts, and terrifying monsters that have populated Asian art for centuries. Appearing throughout folklore, stories, songs, and works of art, these supernatural, mystical, and often godlike (or demonic) beings have fascinated audiences since ancient times. Today, they continue to thrill, terrify, entertain, and inspire.
Staff-Led Programs 
Teen Advisory Board 
Friday, October 16, 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!!
 
 
English Language Learning:
Conversation Circle for Adults
Tuesday, October 20, 2:00 pm
If you already know some English and want to improve your speaking and comprehension skills, please join us to practice sharing your thoughts and ideas about a variety of topics with others in the group. We’ll also cover vocabulary, idioms, and grammar relevant to our discussions. Bring your questions, too! The conversation is facilitated by MCLS librarians.
 
Author Talks
Enjoy a range of talks from bestselling authors and thought leaders. Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.

Courage, Choice, and What Comes Next with Dystopian Icon Veronica Roth
Tuesday, October 1, 7:00 pm
A single choice can transform your destiny. Join us for an online conversation with #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth as we celebrate the enduring legacy of her Divergent series, one of the most iconic young adult series of a generation, and get an exclusive sneak peek into her highly anticipated upcoming novel, The Sixth Faction!
Pasta with a Twist: A Fresh Take on Italian Classics with Food Network Star Joe Sasto
Tuesday, October 6, 2:00 pm
It’s time to ditch the same boring recipes and bring big, playful creativity back into your kitchen! Join us for an online conversation with Top Chef finalist and Food Network star Joe Sasto as we explore his hit national bestselling cookbook, Breaking the Rules: A Fresh Take on Italian Classics. 
Art in Flight: Reinventing Postmodernism with Smithsonian Curator Carolyn Russo
Thursday, October 8, 2:00 pm
Join us for a captivating online conversation with acclaimed author and Smithsonian curator Carolyn Russo as we dive into her fascinating book, The Ascent of Rauschenberg. Explore the towering legacy, unexpected inspirations, and creative heights of one of America's most influential artistic icons.
The Power of Limits: How Constraints Drive Genius with David Epstein
Tuesday, October 13, 2:00 pm
Join us for an inspiring virtual conversation with bestselling author David Epstein as we explore his latest book, Inside the Box, and redefine how to approach our greatest challenges!
 
Liberated Love: Rewriting Your Heart for Authentic Connection with Mark Groves
Tuesday, October 27, 2:00 pm
If you’re tired of repeating the same relational patterns and feeling like you lose yourself in your partnerships, then this event is for you! Join us for a transformative conversation with relationship expert Mark Groves as we discuss his groundbreaking book, Liberated Love: How to Release Codependency, Reduce Conflict, and Create Extraordinary Relationships. 
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 July and explore cooking techniques, bright summer flavors, and practical lifestyle tips -- all available to attend with your library card.

Apple and Goat Cheese Filo Triangles
Wednesday, October 7, 6:00 pm
Light, crispy, golden filo triangles filled with sweet apples and creamy goat cheese. This elegant sweet and savory appetizer looks fancy but comes together fast. Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to something special.
 
Cookbook Author Maria
Wednesday, October 7, 7:00 pm
A special guest event! Join Maria, a New Jersey author, as she shares her family culinary journey and cooking tips. Her memoir, On the Rocks: The Primadonna Story, is a heartfelt look at resilience, family, and reinventing yourself after life's unexpected challenges.
 
KIDS: Spooky Flatbread Pizza Fun
Wednesday, October 14, 6:00 pm
Pizza Month meets Halloween! Kids will create their very own spooky flatbread pizzas piled with fun toppings while learning hands on cooking and assembly skills. Deliciously creepy!
 
Halloween Fun: Spooky "Eye" Deviled Eggs
Wednesday, October 14, 7:30 pm
Get into the Halloween spirit with these frightfully fun spooky “eye” deviled eggs! Turn a classic favorite into a creepy, crowd pleasing showstopper using simple ingredients and creative decorating tricks. Perfect for parties and festive family fun.
 
TEENS: Pizza Dough and Garlic Knots
Wednesday, October 21, 6:00 pm
Calling all pizza lovers! Teens will learn to make real pizza dough from scratch and twist it into golden, buttery garlic knots. A hands on experience packed with skills they'll use forever.
 
Intro to Sound Bowls with Melissa 
Wednesday, October 21, 7;30 pm
Experience the soothing, restorative power of sound bowls. Melissa guides you through calming techniques that use sound for deep relaxation, stress relief, and everyday mindfulness.
Click here for a full list of programs
In this Issue
Guest Speakers
Staff-Led Programs
Author Talks
Library Chef Workshops
Featured Titles for Banned Books Week
Featured Titles for Banned Books Week
Sold by Patricia McCormick
Sold
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
A Clockwork Orange
Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
Empire of Storms
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Last Night at the Telegraph Club
Storm and Fury: A Heartstopping Romantasy with Angels, Demons, Gargoyles and Unbreakable Bonds by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Storm and Fury: A Heartstopping Romantasy with Angels, Demons, Gargoyles and Unbreakable Bonds

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Mercer County Library System
2751 Brunswick PIke
Lawrence Township, New Jersey 08648
609-737-2610

https://mcl.org