The walkway from the school to the new public library was paved this week!
From the Director's Desk
In just over 3 months, or about 100 days, the new library will be completed and open! There is a lot to be done before then but I’m so excited! Staff is excited! The Library Board and Foundation members are excited. We want you to be excited too and eagerly awaiting this wonderful new addition to our community.
As part of our move to the new library, the Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees is pleased to unveil our new library logo. Thanks go to Cranbury residents Grace Thomson and DeannaFerrante who donated their time and effort in designing a new logo for the library. They researched other library logos and developed a short list of logos that aligned with our community. Then, the Library Board voted and selected the final design. The red and gray color scheme and modern lines represent a fresh start for the library as it prepares to move into a freestanding space for the first time in its 100+ year history. The three-dimensional artistic representation of the new building’s exterior hearkens to Cranbury’s agrarian roots, as it resembles many of the traditional red barns that can be found in and around the town.
If you attended the Cranbury Memorial Day Parade you saw our new logo worn by the library marchers. Look for it popping up in multiple places around town and online along with our new tag line: “connect with your community.”
That is what the new library will do for Cranbury and its residents – connect us! In the new building there will be plenty of space for you to gather and ‘connect’ with people. You will connect by attending library, town, and community programs held there. You will be able to ‘connect’ with technology too – using our new computers, wi-fi, and creative space. And we will continue to ‘connect’ you with a wealth of reading and study materials from our library as well as the other libraries in our consortium.
As the library nears completion, watch for grand opening and other announcements on our website and social media. I anticipate our temporary pocket library will stay open as long as possible but at some point, prior to the move, we will need to close for a brief period. When we reopen in the new building look for added materials, more programs and endless possibilities!
Marilynn Mullen
For Youth
Outdoor Storytime is back! Join Ms. Laura in front of the Library for Family Storytime every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. We’ll have stories, songs, activities, and fun for every age. We can’t wait to see you there!
Arrr, Mateys! Join us for our Summer Enrichment Program, “Oceans of Possibilities,” starting in June! Your goal: reach 1,000 points by Friday, August 26th (and win prizes along the way). Gain points every time you read or come to any of our Summer programs, including our Kickoff Event,“Pirates: Lost at Sea!” on July 5th at the Cranbury School. It's an action-packed live adventure featuring amazing hands-on science experiments and boatloads of fun! Come by the library to register starting Monday, June 20th. All who register are eligible to win the Grand Prize. Ages 0-17.
Ultimate Frisbee 101
Tuesday, June 28 at 4:00 p.m.
Village Park
Learn how to play Ultimate Frisbee! Ultimate Frisbee is more than just tossing a frisbee around - it incorporates teamwork, athleticism, communication, and most importantly a lot of fun! Acquire all the skills to throw both backhand/forehand and how to set up a game yourself. This workshop will be taught by Dean our Technology Librarian who has 8 years of experience playing Ultimate Frisbee with Rutgers University and various teams across New Jersey. Register here.Grades 3 and up.
For Adults
Meditation to Cultivate Courage, Care and Connection
Thursday, June 9 at 6:00 p.m.
Practice finding calm and focus in this 40 minute guided virtual meditation session. We will practice being courageously and curiously aware of experiences in our bodies and mind. We will practice cultivating qualities of friendliness, compassion, wisdom, and equanimity. This meditation is practiced in a secular way. Beginners to seasoned meditators are welcome. Register here.
Introduction to Gmail
Monday, June 13 at 3:00 p.m.
Learn the basics of Gmail and how easy it is to use! Need to get rid of all those spam emails? Gmail will help you set up that process. In this virtual workshop, we will discuss the creation of a Gmail account, connecting an old email to a new email, and creating filters on your account. Register here.
Great Decisions
Virtual Discussion Group on Foreign Policy
Tuesday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Discuss Foreign Policy issues with community members. The group meets virtually on the second Tuesday of each month. At 6:30 p.m. we watch a short video, then at 7:00 the discussion begins. This month the topic is Myanmar and ASEAN.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.
Bird Walk in Village Park
Saturday, June 18 at 8:00 a.m.
Observe the birds that make their home in and around Cranbury. Local bird expert Kathy Easton will lead this hour - long class in identifying the birds that live in and use Village Park. Families are welcome. Register here. Rain date Sunday June 19.
The Dangers of Tech Support Scams
Monday, June 23 at 6:00 p.m.
Learn the different types of Tech Support Scams and how to identify them. Develop a plan of action to make sure you are safe at all times! The NOATS, a local high school group, will provide this presentation. 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.