I like bird watching and have a bit of experience in identifying birds, but I realize just how limited my experience is whenever I go bird watching with local resident Kathy Easton. She is so attuned to the birds in her surroundings. I always see a new bird whenever I spend time bird watching with her. That is why I’m happy to announce that Kathy will be doing two programs about birds. The first, The Great Backyard Bird Count, is on Saturday, February 19 at 10:30 a.m. in Village Park. Kathy will begin the program with tips on identifying birds by both sight and sound. She’ll talk a bit about the Great Backyard Bird Count – what it is and why it is important. Then our group will wander Village Park looking for birds and counting the birds we see. Our group observations will be recorded and submitted to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology where they will be combined with counts from around the world. To find out more about The Great Backyard Bird Count go tobirdcount.org. After the count is completed you will also be able to see the global results there.
This program is for individual and families. Don’t forget to dress for the weather. If it is too bad the program will be moved to Saturday, March 5. Check the library website on the day for details.)
Kathy's second program, Spring Arrivals, will be held via Zoom onThursday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. Kathy will tell you a bit about the birds you can expect to see in Cranbury this spring. This program is a great way to prepare for spring birdwatching. Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 by getting outside in one of Cranbury’s open spaces and bird watch!
Valentine’s Day is coming, and the library wants to show how much we love you! Pick up a Valentine Lovebug Craft from February 1st through the 14th (or while supplies last) and join in the love. You don’t need to reserve a craft – just stop by and grab one on the go! Recommended for ages 3 and up.
Grab and GoWinter Craft Kits!
Finding yourself stuck inside more this Winter? Bring the fun indoors and take home one of our “Grab and Go” Winter Craft Kits! Each kit includes at least two picture books and one Craft Kit with a wintery theme. Make a Snowy Pinecone Owl, Beaded Snowflakes, and so much more! One Winter Craft Kit can be checked out at a time. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
Build a Bristle Bot Thursday, February 24 at 4:00 p.m.
Bristlebots are a fun, easy to build, hands-on introduction to circuits. Build your own bristlebot at home with the Xplorably kit available at the library. Once built, your bristlebot will buzz along smooth surfaces. Experiment with the position of the pipe cleaners to see how that changes the bristlebot direction and speed! This workshop is designed for students from 3rd-8th grade. Register here.
Story Time AnyTIME
with Storytime-to-Go Kits
Each kit contains a Wonderbook, (a Read-along picture book), similar themed picture book(s) and a craft. Request a kit here.
For Adults
Flying Through Life -
From Fighter Pilot to Peace Activist
Thursday, February 3 at 7:00 pm
Join local author Richard Moody on Zoom to hear about his life, beginning as a Naval pilot and leading to his conversion to a Peace Activist and a Quaker. His story is now available in a new book! Register here.
Great Decisions Discussion Group on Foreign Policy
Begins Tuesday, February 8 at 6:30 pm
This group meets virtually once a month on the second Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. We watch a short video, then at 7:00 the discussion begins. This year’s topics are:
Changing Demographics (Bonus Article)
Outer Space
Climate Change
Russia and the U.S.
Myanmar and ASEAN
Quad Alliance
Drug Policy in Latin America
Industrial Policy
Biden's Agenda
You can check out a Great Decisions briefing book from the library to read more about each topic. Other resources can be found at the Foreign Policy Association’s website. To receive the Zoom link register here.
Cut The Cord on Cable Wednesday, February 9 at 2:30pm
Celebrate National Cut The Cord Day by thinking about erasing your Cable TV! Do you feel as though you have too many unwanted channels? Are you watching the same shows over and over? Then it might be time to enter the Streaming World full time! Enjoy this virtual workshop through discussing the benefits and hardships with cutting the cord on Cable TV! Register here.
Great Backyard Bird Count Cranbury Village Park Saturday, Feb. 19, 10:30 a.m.
Learn about the Audubon's Great Backyard Bird Count with local bird enthusiast Kathy Easton. The group will participate in identifying and counting the birds in Village Park. Dress for the weather. Register here.
Learn how to use our online catalog, download digital materials, and more! Call the library (609-722-6992) and ask for Dean. Click here for help with Zoom.
Listen to Cranbury Podcasts
Cranbury residents Heather Keltz Scott & Gale Scott want to help you know your neighbors. Sure, you know your neighbors. But how much do you really know about them? On Know Thy Neighbors, get to know the interesting people of Cranbury, NJ. Listen here!`