The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to
its original dimensions.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
From the Director's Desk
The Cranbury Public Library is still without a home but we are not without friends! Many of you have reached out to us and told us how much you miss the library. We miss seeing all of you too. It seems our biggest friend is the Cranbury Historical and Preservation Society. They are allowing us to put the library book drop on the front porch of the History Center at 6 South Main Street and use their building to do curbside service. The book drop should be in place by Monday, October 5 and ready to receive your returns. (Remember, we are not charging fines during this unsettled time.)
We will also be restarting curbside service on Wednesday, October 7. There are a few ways you can request to borrow a book.
We will try to fill your requests as best we can. (Many of our newer books, children’s pictures books and DVDs are in storage and unavailable at this time.) After filling your request, the staff will call you to set up an appointment for pickup. We will be limiting requests to 5 items per cardholder at first. We’ll do the best we can until our temporary 'pocket' library is up and running.
You may also request new books that aren’t in our catalog yet. I am starting to buy the most popular print books again after not purchasing anything but ebooks for the last 6 months. (By the way, there are a lot of great ebooks available at eLibraryNJ for you to download.)
Not sure what books to request? Here are some ideas to help you.
Subscribe to our Next Reads newsletters. We have 15 different newsletters highlighting different genres. During the last few months we have been highlighting titles available to download on eLibraryNJ. In the next couple months, we will list titles we have available for you to borrow.
Go to our What’s New page. This is a quick way to see what titles are featured in our Next Read newsletter. Click on the slider to read a short summary.
Request suggestions from the staff by filling out our Find Your Next Great Read form. We are always happy to give you suggestions.
As always, watch our website for news about where and when the pocket library will be in place. I hope to have more information after the Planning Board meeting on October 1st.
Marilynn Mullen
Outside Halloween Event
Halloween Fun at Parsonage Barn!
Saturday, October 24 at 11:00 a.m.
Join us at the Barn Park for a Halloween celebration, Cranbury style! Not-too-spooky stories, songs to shake your bones to, ghoulish activities, and bewitching treats will abound for kids and their families to enjoy. Face coverings are required, costumes are encouraged! We will observe social distancing practices, and space is limited to 25. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Register online.
Online Classes for Adults
Lennon – Life, Legend and Legacy
Thursday, October 1 at 7:00 p.m.
John Lennon would have celebrated his 80th birthday on October 9th 2020. The 40th anniversary of his murder will be on December 8th 2020. Paul Groom discusses who was the real John Lennon and what were his lasting contributions.Register here!
This program will take place over the Zoom video conferencing platform. Those who register must include an email address in order to receive the Zoom invitation link 15 minutes before the start of the program. Anyone who feels they need a tutorial in using Zoom should read this tutorial or contact the library for help.
Candidates’ Night
Wednesday, October 7 at 7:00 p.m.
All members of the community are invited to
meet the candidates for Township Committee via Zoom. Register to reserve your place.
When Women Lost the Vote:
A New Jersey Story
Monday, October 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Learn the little-known history of the nation’s first women voters and get a virtual peek at artifacts from The Museum of the American Revolution that tell their stories. This event includes a tour of the exhibition as well as a Q&A session. The entire program will take place over the Zoom video platform. Register with an email to receive a Zoom invitation before the program.
2020 General Election FAQs
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Learn the new rules for voting in NJ for the upcoming General Election. This program is brought to you by The League of Women Voters of East Windsor/Hightstown.
Learn to play chess, or improve your chess game! Some meetings will include guest instructor Brendan Prawdzik, an advanced chess player with decades of experience.
Check out ourEvents Calendar to see club meeting dates, further information and toregister. Online registration including an email address is required. Ages 8 - 19.
It's Story Time any time!
We are sharing children's storybooks on video! Links to a new story are uploaded to our Events Calendar each Wednesday and Saturday. Or you can check out our Storytimes Online page for a list of stories you can listen to anytime!
Regular Events - Now Online
Great Decisions Online Discussion
Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Our Great Decisions discussion has moved online! Participants can watch the companion video here. The discussion will begin at 7:00 p.m. using Zoom. Participants must register online with an email address. The link to join the Zoom meeting will be sent out 15 minutes prior to the discussion. October's topic is Artificial Intelligence and Data. The accompanying video is "Artificial Intelligence: The Global Race for the New Frontier " (Video 8).
Online Meditation Classes
Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.
This meditation class is for everyone - beginner or pro. The purpose is to foster a sense of connection within and to others. We will practice some tools to regain our balance of mind and bodies, and to manage anxiety, stress, and worry.
Several of the classes are pre-recorded. Go to our Events Calendar for the link to the recording. A live class will be held on October 15. Participants must register online and provide an email address. The Zoom Meeting invitation will be emailed to participants 15 minutes prior to class.
October's book is "The Book of Lost Friends" by Lisa Wingate. Send and email to mullen@cranburypubliclibrary.org to join the discussion group via Zoom. The book is available at eLibraryNJ.
Evening Book Discussions
Tuesday, October 27 at 7:00 p.m.
October's book is "Small Great Things" by Jodi Picoult. Send and email to mullen@cranburypubliclibrary.org to join the discussion group via Zoom. The book is available at eLibraryNJ.
Literary Conversation Cafe
Monday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us for a discussion about literature! The topic is scary stories. Participants must register onlineand provide an email address. The link to the Zoom meeting will be sent by email 15 minutes prior to the discussion.
Spinning Yarns
Tuesdays, Sept. 1 and 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Join us online for an hour of knitting, crocheting, crafts and conversation. All levels welcome. Email Heidi at bloomleeds@cranburypubliclibrary.org to request to join the group.
Library Hours and Closings
Library Book Drop Opens October 5
Curbside Service begins October 7
at the History Center at 6 South Main Street
Monday, Wednesday & Friday - 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday & Thursday - 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.