This is going to be a notable spring for the Cranbury Public Library. On Thursday, March 4 I will be accepting bids for construction of the new library. The bids will be opened publicly at 11:00 a.m. on the steps of townhall. After that, the Library Board will have 6 weeks to accept the winning bid. Look for a ground breaking event this April!
Also, on April 22nd, the Cranbury Public Library will join the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium orLMxAC. LMxAC is a consortium of 30 libraries in central New Jersey that pool their resources to provide collections, services and programs far beyond what Cranbury Public Library has been able to offer in the past. By joining LMxAC Cranbury will be providing residents with access to over 2.8 million physical items in the shared collection, a new online catalog to search with more features and a greatly expanded selection of digital materials to download and stream. I'll tell you more next month.
Our BOGO (borrow one, get one) program in February was well received. We know it is hard to select books to read when you can't browse the shelves so we are introducing BOGO on Demand. Just ask the staff to choose and checkout an extra title for you whenever you pickup books.
Read below about the many online events for both children and adults coming up in March. I'm pleased to announce live storytimes on Saturdays beginning with special guest reader Mayor Ferrante and followed weekly by CranPal readers. Attend the programs offered by the Mayor's Wellness Campaign as well our COVID -19 Vaccine Information session. We want you to stay safe and stay healthy.
Marilynn Mullen
Online Events
Black History: Tribute to John Lewis
Saturday, March 13 at 3:00 PM
Frank Marlowe will repeat the tribute to John Lewis presented after Lewis's death last year. Frank will cover Lewis’s formative influences and activities leading up to his famous march in Selma, Alabama, the Selma march, and the reasons why the march was so significant. Register online.
Mayor’s Wellness Campaign
Wednesday, March 17 at 7:00 PM
The Board of Health, Recreation Commission, and the Cranbury Public Library have partnered to host a monthly series on health and wellness. Meditation, nutrition, exercise, Feldenkreis study of movement, outdoor activities in Cranbury and yoga are some of the topics that presenters will be covering. These 30-minute to 1-hour sessions will be presented on the third Wednesday every month starting at 7PM. Some of these will be active sessions, and some will be informational. Register online.
Taking Their Freedom: Ona Judge and Harriet Tubman
Friday, March 19 at 6:30 PM
Learn about the lives of two extraordinary African American women. Dr. Linda Caldwell-Epps shares the histories of Ona Judge and Harriet Tubman, two enslaved women who fought their way to freedom in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Learn how these two women shared a desire for freedom at all costs and the drive to determine their futures. Their story of resistance can be traced through American history and it serves as a model for people today who are resisting and protesting for what they believe to be their rights as citizens. Register online.
Online Events for Youth
Virtual Cartooning Class!
Tuesday, March 2 at 3:30 p.m.
Learn to draw cartoons! Award-winning cartoonist and humorous illustrator Rick Stromoski will teach you how to create your own cartoon characters, draw facial expressions, and even some animals! All you need is a stack of paper and your favorite thing to draw with. For ages 8 to 13. Register here!
LIVE Online Saturday Storytime!
Storytime with the Mayor
Saturday, March 6 at 11:00 a.m.
Celebrate Read Across America with stories read by Cranbury's Mayor, Mr. Michael Ferrante. Register online.
CranPals Online!
Beginning Saturday, March 13 at 11:00 a.m.
The CranPals are taking their well-received reading program online! This spring, each Saturday morning at 11:00 AM, a CranPal will be sharing stories via Zoom. CranPals are local residents looking to share their love of reading with kindergarten age children. Each week a new CranPal will read several stories and talk about the books with participants. Register online.
Chess Club 2.0 For Kids and Teens!
Mondays at at 3:30 p.m.
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 Calendarto 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. Or you can check out our Storytimes Online page for a list of stories you can listen to anytime!
Online Classes for Seniors
COVID-19 Vaccine Information: An Informative Talk
Friday, March 12 at 10 AM
Join us for a brief but very important virtual presentation on COVID-19 vaccination, given by a representative from the Middlesex County Dept. of Health. This talk will take place at the beginning of our regularly scheduled Zoom Coffee Talk for Seniors program.Register online today!
Zoom Coffee Talk
Fridays at 10 AM
Tired of feeling stuck at home these days? Feel the need to visit with others? Make new friends and visit with old ones via our Zoom Coffee Talk for Seniors! Lively talk and sharing will be encouraged. Register today!
Hint: If you're not already using Zoom video conferencing software email reference@cranburypubliclibrary.org to schedule a one-on-one Zoom tech talk with the library's Technology Specialist.
Zoom Tech Talk for Seniors
Fridays at 1:00 p.m.
Are you a senior citizen who would love to connect with family and friends online? Learn to use free video conferencing software like Zoom. Make a Friday afternoon one-on-one appointment with our technology specialist who will help you " get there " with Zoom.Register to make an appointment today! Appointment slots begin at 1 p.m. and are limited to 30 minutes sessions.
We are reading Anxious People by Frederik Backman. Send and email to mullen@cranburypubliclibrary.org to join the discussion group via Zoom. The book is available to read at eLibraryNJ.
Afternoon Book Discussion
Wednesday, March 17 at 1:30 p.m.
We are reading Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger.Send an email tomullen@cranburypubliclibrary.orgto join the discussion group via Zoom. The book is available to read ateLibraryNJ.
Spinning Yarns
Tuesdays, March 2 and 16 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.
Literary Conversation Cafe
Thursday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m.
This month we will be discussing literature about women's rights.