“I feel extreme confidence in the safety and the efficacy of this vaccine, and I want to encourage everyone who has the opportunity to get vaccinated ..." ~ Dr. Anthony Fauci
From the Director's Desk
Happy New Year! It’s looking like 2021 will be a good one. It certainly will be for the library! We have our pocket library in place. With our new phones (609-722-6992) and internet service up and running smoothly we can better serve the community – even if it’s only curbside to start. Hopefully we will be able to allow library members into the space to browse the collection later this winter and certainly by spring.
All the while we will be beginning to build our permanent home - the new library at the end of Park Place West. The new building, with lots of community space, will be welcome after the isolation we have all been facing in the last year. As I write this, new bid documents are being prepared, permits secured, and approvals finalized. We plan to advertise for bids in January. Once the bids are opened the Library Board has a month to award the contract. Look for an exciting ground-breaking ceremony in March!
Even as we work with ours eyes on the future we are serving our community as best as we can now. Our online programs will continue, including Books Clubs, Spinning Yarns, Tech Talks and our new Zoom Coffee Talk for Seniors. In February our Great Decisions program will start up again as well.
The library is buying and receiving all the new books from your favorite authors. You may request titles online, by email or phone. I know many of you miss browsing the new books section but you can browse virtually by going to our website. You'll find lists of new titles in various genres and formats on our WHATS NEW page. When you click on the scrolling book covers it will bring you to a list of titles with short summaries of the books. If you would like any of these lists sent directly to your email inbox you can sign up for one or more of our newsletters. Just click Newsletters on our website.
And don’t forget about ebooks! There is a large selection of titles available on eLibraryNJ. Don’t hesitate to put titles you want on hold - even when the holds list looks long. Cranbury cardholders get put at the top of the holds list on titles I purchase, so your wait may be shorter than you expect. (Hint: If I see a title with multiple holds and long wait lists that Cranbury doesn’t own I will purchase it for our Cranbury collection. If you are on hold for that title you will vault to the top of the list!)
Continue to stay safe, wear a mask, and get the vaccine as soon as you can. I’m looking forward to seeing you all in person again.
Marilynn Mullen
Special Online Event
Victory or Death- Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware and the Battle of Trenton
Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 6:30 pm
Local historian and Revolutionary War re-enactor Mike Jesberger will present his new 1-hour lecture on this thrilling Christmas feat. Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River and the Battle of Trenton were a major turning point in the American Revolutionary war. The Continental Army captured most of the Hessian force that was garrisoned in Trenton, with only minimal American losses – a dramatic victory that boosted the battered army’s morale. This lecture will provide firsthand accounts of the river crossing, the details of the nine-mile march to Trenton, the battle and the impact left behind for us to remember today in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Register online.
Online Classes for Youth
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 Calendar to see club meeting dates, further information and to register. 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
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!Hope to see you there!
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.
January's book is "Mistress of the Ritz" by Melanie Benjamin. Send and emailtomullen@cranburypubliclibrary.orgto join the discussion group via Zoom.The book is available to read ateLibraryNJ.
Evening Book Discussions
Tuesday, January 26 at 7:00 p.m.
January's book is "The Girl with the Louding Voice" by Abi Dare. Send and email to mullen@cranburypubliclibrary.org to join the discussion group via Zoom. The book is available to read at eLibraryNJ.
Spinning Yarns
Tuesdays, Dec. 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 Curbside Hours and Closings
Monday & Wednesday - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday - 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Library Closed December 31, 2020 and January 1 & 18, 2021