National Summer Learning Day 2018: What's happening in NJ libraries on July 12
CENTRAL JERSEY — July 12 has been recognized as National Summer Learning Day by the National Summer Learning Association, which strives to keep kids learning even after school has ended for the break.
By promoting affordable education options, the association encourages all students and parents alike to explore the benefits of learning outside the classroom so that they don't fall behind once the school year starts.
While National Summer Learning Day has been active for a quarter of a century, libraries have long been destinations for events for all ages, all summer long, to keep people active, involved and learning. Here's a selection of some of what local libraries have planned for July 12 so that you and your kids can celebrate National Summer Learning Day in style. (For more information, also visit https://www.summerlearning.org/.)
And while you are there, make sure you sign up for your local library's summer reading program, too.
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Hunterdon County libraries
Clinton: 'Minecraft!' from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for children going into grades one through five. This 90 minute STEAM program will teach participants about dimensions and proportions by using different platforms. Call 908-730-6834 to register. North County Branch Library, 65 Halstead St. 908-730-6834. http://www.hclibrary.us/
Flemington: 'Build Your Own Tambourines' at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 3 to 5. Build and color your own tambourine. Register by calling the library at least a week in advance. Flemington Free Public Library, 118 Main St. 908-782-5733. https://flemingtonlibrary.org/
Hunterdon County Library Headquarters: A HQ Summer Special program, 'Be a Rockstar and Read' with Brian Richards, is being presented at 2 and 3:30 p.m. at the library headquarters at 314 Route 12, Flemington (Raritan Township). Tickets for this program for ages 3 and up are available beginning at 9 a.m. July 6. Visit http://www.hclibrary.us/
Lambertville: 'Learn to Play the Djembe' from 7 to 8:15 p.m. for children ages 10 and up. Learn to play a tradition African drum with the head of the Lambertville Drum Circle. Register by calling 609-397-0275. Lambertville Free Public Library, 6 Lilly St. http://www.lambertvillelibrary.org/
Milford: 'Libraries Rock' summer reading program at 2:30 p.m. for children ages 5 to 10. Listen to a story and make a related craft while listening to music. No registration required. Milford Public Library, 40 Frenchtown Road. 908-995-4072. http://www.milfordnjlibrary.org/
Middlesex County libraries
Cranbury: 'Books & Pizza' at 11:30 a.m. for children in the fourth and fifth grade. Share favorite books with other children and enjoy some pizza. Register online or at the library. Cranbury Public Library, 23 North Main St. 609655-0555. http://www.cranburypubliclibrary.org/
Dunellen: 'Mother Goose,' an interactive music program for children ages 0-5. Must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Program is followed by optional free play. Dunellen Free Public Library, 100 New Market Road. 732-968-4585. http://www.dunellenlibrary.org/
Edison: 'Color My World' at 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. for children ages 1 to 6 who are accompanied by an adult. No registration required. Open to the first 30 children who arrive at 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Wear your favorite purple outfit. Located at the North Branch (777 Grove Ave. 732-287-2298). Knitters of all ages and experience levels are welcome to the Clara Barton Branch (141 Hoover Ave.) at 1 p.m. Participants are asked to bring knitting needles in sizes six, seven or eight with worsted weight yarn. Call 732-548-3045 for more details. 'Word I (Beginner)' from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Main Branch (340 Plainfield Ave.). An introduction to Microsoft Word where participants can learn how to create, save and edit word documents. Basic mouse and typing skills are required for this event. For registration, call the Reference desk at 732-287-2298. http://www.edisonpubliclibrary.net/index.shtml
Middlesex: 'Picnic Storytime' from 1:15 to 2 p.m. for all ages. Weather permitting. An adult must accompany children under 6 years old. Advanced registration required in person or over the phone (ext. 2). Middlesex Public Library, 1300 Mountain Ave. (732) 356-6602, ext. 2. http://www.middlesexlibrarynj.org/
Monroe: 'Storytime!' in the Program Room at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 3 to 5. Registration is required and begins on June 26 at 9:30 a.m. 'Design Challenge' at 5 p.m. in the Activity Room. Registration is required. Open to ages 9 to 18. 3-D Printer Demonstration at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room. Open to all ages and registration is required. Monroe Township Public Library, 4 Municipal Plaza. 732-251-5000. http://www.monroetwplibrary.org/
New Brunswick: 'Rocks Rock!' at 4 p.m. for children in grades K-6. Study all kinds of rocks, watch a rock tumbler in action and bring your own set of rocks to take home. Pre-registration is required, call 732-745-5108, ext. 16. New Brunswick Free Public Library, 60 Livingston Ave. 732-745-5108, ext. 15. https://www.nbfpl.org/
North Brunswick: 'Rockin' Book Buddies' from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sign your toddler or teenager up for this buddy program, where teenagers in grades eight through 12 help children ages 4 through 12 develop and improve their reading skills. Teenagers will receive volunteer hours. Register online. North Brunswick Free Public Library, 880 Hermann Road. 732-246-3545. https://northbrunswicklibrary.org/
Old Bridge: 'Family Storytime' from 11 to 11:30 a.m. for families to listen to stories and blow bubbles. 'Make and Create' from 4:15 to 5 p.m. for children in grades kindergarten through third grade. Call the Youth Services Department at ext. 5028 for more information. Old Bridge Public Library, 1 Old Bridge Plaza. 732-721-5600, ext. 5021. https://www.oldbridgelibrary.org/
Perth Amboy: 'Read with Elephant and Piggie' from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for toddlers. Held on Tuesdays and Thursdays through July into August. Join for story time and crafts. Register in person in the children's department. Perth Amboy Public Library, 196 Jefferson St. 732-826-2600. http://perthamboypubliclibrary.org/
Piscataway: 'Word 2013' for anyone interested at the Piscataway Public Library Kennedy branch (500 Hoes Lane, 732-463-1633) from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 'Storyboard and Animation Workshop' (first of three sessions, for grades 5 to 8) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Kennedy branch. Register online. 'Perler Beads' at the Kennedy branch from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Teen Space. Intended for children entering grades seven through 12 in the fall. Children in grades from 2 and up can come play with some Wii games for 'Gaming for Kids with Special Needs' from 2 to 2:45 p.m. at the Piscataway Public Library Westergard branch (20 Murray Ave., 732-752-1166). https://main.piscatawaylibrary.org/
Plainsboro: 'Improvmania Too' in the Tower Room from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. for children ages 6 to 8. 'Make Your Own Rock Candy' in the Science Room for children in grades five through eight from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Register for both events in person or online. Plainsboro Public Library, 9 Van Doren St. 609-275-2897. https://www.plainsborolibrary.org/
Sayreville: 'Mini Milestones' at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 2 to 5. Began on June 28 and runs until Aug. 28. Register online or by calling. 'Artsy Smartsy' at 1:30 and 6 p.m. where children can learn about artists. Bring a smock to wear over clothing. Register online or by calling. Sayreville Free Public Library, 1050 Washington Road, Parlin. 732- 727-0212, ext. 26. http://www.sayrevillelibrary.org/index.php
South Amboy: 'Teen Jell-O Lip Gloss' from 3 to 4 p.m. for children ages 11 and up. Mix Jell-O and Vaseline to make your own lip gloss. No registration required. 'Teen Perler Art' from 4 to 5 p.m. for children ages 11 and up. Make your own art using beads that are melted down. No registration required. '3-D Pen' from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for children ages 11 and up. Feed plastic into pen to make your own designs. No registration required. Sadie Pope Dowdell Library, 100 Governor Hoffman Plaza. 732-721-6060. http://www.dowdell.org/
South Brunswick: 'Bouncing Babies' from 10 to 10:45 a.m. for children ages zero to 12 months. Must be with a caregiver. Located in Program Room 2. 'Preschool Power!' for children ages 3 to 5 years old in Program Room 2 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 'Mini Makers' from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for children ages 3 to 5 years old who want to make arts and crafts. Held in Program Rooms 1A and 1B. Held again from 4:30 to 5 p.m. for children in grades two and three. Held in Meeting Room A/B. 'Music and Movement' open to children of all ages and abilities from 5 to 5:30 p.m. in Program Room 2. Contact the Children's desk at ext. 7285 for more details and registration for all events. South Brunswick Public Library, 110 Kingston Lane. 732-329-4000, ext. 7285. https://www.sbpl.info/
South Plainfield: 'Toddler Time with Miss Mija' at 10:30 a.m. and running for roughly 25 to 30 minutes for children ages 2 to 3. Introduces toddlers to books in a positive way. Caregivers required to stay in room and are encouraged to participate. No registration required. 'Storytime & Craft' at 1:15 p.m. and running for 45 minutes to an hour. Intended for children ages 3 to 6 years old. Independent storytime and related craft for children to do on their own. Parents are asked to be present but to let their children work on their own if the feel comfortable. No registration required. South Plainfield Free Public Library, 2484 Plainfield Ave. 908-754-7885. http://www.southplainfield.lib.nj.us/
South River: 'Lego Club' at 4 p.m. for children of all ages who love to build. Register here. South River Public Library, 55 Appleby Ave. 732-254-2488. http://www.southriverlibrary.org/
Spotswood: 'Baby and Toddler Storytime' at 10:30 a.m. for children from 6 months to 3 years old. Register your child online. 'Learn about the Navajo Code Talkers' at 2 p.m. for children of all ages. Registration is required and could be done online. 'Let the Sunshine In' at 3:30 p.m. for children in grades three through five. Kids must bring a plain white t-shirt to tie-dye. Register for this event online. Spotswood Public Library, 548 Main St. 732-251-1515. http://spotslibrary.org/
Woodbridge: 'Teen Movie Musical Madness!' from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair for an outdoor screening of "Pitch Perfect." Movie will be inside in the event of bad weather. No registration required. Movie open for tweens in grades eight through 12. Woodbridge Main Library, 1 George Frederick Plaza. 732-726-7072, ext. 7141. http://woodbridgelibrary.org/
Morris County libraries
Long Hill: Children from ages to 2 to 6 can listen to stories and make a fun craft (with parent/caregiver) from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Registration required. In 'Stage A Story,' a creative drama workshop running from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., children ages 4 to 8 take part in acting exercises centered around a storybook. Each child will create props, costume pieces, or set pieces to help tell the story. Long Hill Public Library, 917 Valley Road, Gillette section. 908-647-2088. https://longhilllibrary.org/
Somerset County libraries
Bernards: ‘Tinker Time @ the Library’ for all ages will run from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and is an opportunity for parents and caretakers to spend time with their children creating new things. No registration. A ‘Teen 3D Printing Workshop’ will run from 3 to 5 p.m. Registration required. In the YA Corner, Nisha Sharma, author of “My So-Called Bollywood Life,” will be visiting from 7 to 9 p.m. to discuss the process of brainstorming, and the different methods writers can take to get to “The End.” Registration requested. Bernards Township Library, 32 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge section. 908-204-3131. https://www.bernardslibrary.org/
Bernardsville: 'Nursery Time' from 9:30 to 10 a.m. for young children and caregivers. Listen to simple stories and music. Stay for 'Nursery Time Play' from 10 to 10:30 a.m. where kids can play with toys and games while caregivers chat. No registration required. 'Story Time' from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. for children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. Enjoy books, songs and arts and crafts. No registration needed. Bernardsville Public Library. 1 Anderson Hill Road. 908-766-0118. http://www.bernardsvillelibrary.org/
Bound Brook: Have a tech problem? The library is ready to help from 1 to 2 p.m. Just bring your devices (and relevant passwords) for assistance from library personnel. First-come, first-served. If you're entering grades 9 to 12 in the fall, and are interested in learning about how to get a job, from 2 to 3 p.m. Middle Earth will present on a program on the basics of the application and interviewing process. Registration requested (snacks will be provided). Bound Brook Memorial Public Library, 402 E. High St. 732-356-0043. https://sclsnj.org/
Bridgewater: 'Babytime' from 9:30 to 10 a.m. for children ages 0-18 months. An interactive program to introduce your baby to rhyme and language. Adult supervision required. No registration necessary. 'Touch the Music Hands-On Workshop' from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. for children entering grades K-5. Kids can explore and play with instruments provided by Claudia Lemmerz, the owner of Touch the Music. Register online. 'Scratch Programming Club' from 7 to 8 p.m. for children entering grades three and four. Fun games and activities for children on the computer. Somerset County Library: Bridgewater Branch, 1 Vogt Drive. 908-562-4016. https://sclsnj.org/
Franklin Township: Children of all abilities, working with parents, will work at their own level during ‘Vacation Creation: A Craft for Kids,’ to create a project related to a summer theme. Parents or grandparents are invited to share some nursery rhyme fun with their children ages 0 to 4 years in ‘Night Rhymes' running from 7 to 7:15 p.m. In ‘80s Night DIY Scrunchies for Teens’ running from 7 to 8:30 p.m., participants in grades 6-12 can practice their skills making the 1980s ultimate accessory, the scrunchy, while listening to 1980s music. Franklin Township Library, 485 DeMott Lane, Somerset section. 732-873-8700. http://www.franklintwp.org/
Hillsborough: 'Reading Buddy' from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for children entering grades K-4. Children can read aloud with a volunteer reading buddy. Register for a 15-minute slot by calling the library or visiting the Youth Services Desk. Event takes place again at 4 p.m. and will run until 6 p.m. Hillsborough Library, 379 South Branch Road. (908) 369-2200. https://sclsnj.org/
Manville: 'STEM Storytime' from 3:30 to 4 p.m. for children ages 3 to 8. Explore STEM through books, games and hands-on activities. Register online. Manville Public Library. 100 South 10th St. 908-722-9722. https://sclsnj.org/
North Plainfield: 'Baby/Toddler Storytime' from 10 to 11 a.m. for children ages 0 to 36 months. Introduce your child to rhymes and and songs in this interactive program. Adult supervision required. No registration necessary. 'LibraryBash! And Musical Instrument Building' from 2 to 3:30 p.m. for children entering grades K-5. Learn how to build instruments from recycled materials. Register online. North Plainfield Memorial Library, 6 Rockview Ave. 908-755-7909. https://sclsnj.org/
Peapack-Gladstone: The PG-13-rated "Murder on the Orient Express" (2017) will be shown between 1 and 4 p.m. Tweens and Teens are invited to a crafts and hobbies program from 7 to 8 p.m. Registration in advance. Peapack-Gladstone Library, 1 School St., Peapack-Gladstone. 908-234-0598. https://sclsnj.org/
Rocky Hills/Montgomery: The Mary Jacobs Memorial Library, 64 Washington St, Rocky Hill, serving the communities of Rocky Hill and Montgomery, provides programs throughout the summer. 609-924-7073. https://sclsnj.org/
Somerville: 'Waggin' Tales' from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for children entering grades K to 4. Children can read books with Tank, a Newfoundland service dog. No registration, 10-minute slots assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. 'Family Storytime: Twilight Tales' from 7 to 7:30 p.m. for children ages 24 to 60 months and their families. Early evening stories for all ages. Come in pajamas. No registration required. Somerville Public Library, 35 West End Ave. 908-725-1336. https://sclsnj.org/
Warren: 'Touch the Music Hands-On Workshop' from 10 to 10:45 a.m. for children ages 3-5. Explore, learn and try out new instruments. Adult supervision required. Register online. 'The King's Castle' from 4 to 5 p.m. for children in grades 2+. Chess club for young children. Must know how to play. Register online. Warren Township Library, 42 Mountain Blvd. 908-754-5554. https://sclsnj.org/
Watchung: If you're interested in writing of any kind and want to improve your skills and share your experiences, the Watchung Writers Group would like to meet you. This group, for adults, will meet from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm. Love canasta or want to learn? Stop by from 1 to 3 p.m. for an introduction or a refresher on how to play. Contact Arlene Kervel at arlenekervel36@gmail.com for details. From 7:30 to 8:45 p.m., the Watchung Book Discussion Group will be talking about "Kingfishers Catch Fire" by Rumer Godden. Watchung Public Library, 12 Stirling Road. 908-561-0117. https://sclsnj.org/
Union County libraries
Berkeley Heights: 'Preschool of Rock' from 3 to 3:45 p.m. for children ages 2 to 6. Interactive music program. No registration required. Berkeley Heights Public Library, 110 Roosevelt Ave. 908-464-9333. http://www.bhplnj.org/
Clark: 'Preschool Yoga Storytime' at 10 a.m. for children ages 2 to 5. Uses poses, games and music to teach children to relax and 'find the calm.' No registration necessary. 'Fossil Dig with Pearl Observatory' at 7 p.m. for children ages 5 and up who are interested in finding and keeping their own fossils. Register online, by calling or by in person. Clark Public Library, 110 Westfield Ave. 732-388-5999. http://www.youseemore.com/ClarkPL/sidebar.asp
Cranford: 'Music & Movement Story Time' at 10:15 a.m. for children from 3 months to 2 years old. Short and lively story time for children featuring fun stories and songs. Adult supervision required. No registration needed, but arrive on time. Cranford Public Library, 224 Walnut Ave. 908-709-7272. http://www.cranfordlibrary.org/
Elizabeth: 'Rutgers Geology Museum: Rocks Rock!' from 1 to 2 p.m. for children ages 5-12. Staff from the Rutgers Geology Museum will be doing a storytime about fossils followed by a hands-on craft. No registration needed. 'Puppet Show' at 6 p.m at the LaCorte Branch (418-424 Palmer St.) for preschoolers. Come watch stories told entirely by puppets. No registration required. Elizabeth Public Library. 11 South Broad St. 908- 354-6060, ext. 7208. http://www.elizpl.org/epl%20home.html
Fanwood: 'Faerie Tale Theater: The Nightingale (Movie)' from 4 to 5 p.m. for children ages 7 and up. Located in the Fanwood Room. Free with no registration required. 'Family Game Night' from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for children and their families. Pick out books, magazines, board games and puzzles. No registration required. 'Rock the Night Sky' from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for children and their families. Outdoor telescopes will be provided as attendees learn about meteorites. No registration required. Fanwood Memorial Library, 5 Forest Road. 908-322-6400, ext. 204. http://www.fanwoodlibrary.org/
Garwood: 'Kids Craft' at 2 p.m. for children entering second grade and older. Come make a fun summer craft. Register online. Limited to 20 children. Garwood Public Library, 411 Third Ave. 908-789-1670. http://www.youseemore.com/garwood/default.asp.
Kenilworth: 'Unique Creatures at the Library' from 7 to 7:45 p.m. for children ages 4 to 12. Meet exotic and unique animals. Kenilworth residents may register July 5, out-of-town residents may register July 10. Summer reading members may register over the phone while non-members must register in person. Kenilworth Public Library, 548 Boulevard. 908-276-2451. http://www.kenilworthlibrary.org/
Linden: See how much you know, or don't know, by taking part in a 'Trivia Night' program starting at 7 p.m. Linden Free Public Library, 31 E. Henry St. 908-298-3830. http://www.lindenpl.org/
Mountainside: 'Toddler Storytime' from 10 to 10:30 a.m. for children around 2 years old and their caregivers. Songs, stories and movement. No registration needed. 'K-2 Stories and Crafts' from 2 to 2:45 p.m. for children entering kindergarten through second grade. Stories and crafts for children. No registration needed. 'Djembe African Drumming' from 4 to 4:45 p.m. for children ages 3-8 with caregivers. Learn how to play the drums and sing traditional African songs. Register by calling the library. Mountainside Public Library, 1 Constitution Plaza. 908-233-0115. http://www.mountainsidelibrary.org/
New Providence: 'Drop-In Craft' from 2 to 2:30 p.m. for all ages. Drop in and make a paper craft. No registration required. 'Pajama Storytime' from 6 to 6:30 p.m. for children. Join for cozy stories and songs for the whole family. Pajamas are optional. No registration required. New Providence Memorial Library, 377 Elkwood Ave. 908-665-0311. https://www.newprovidencelibrary.org/
Plainfield: The Memoir Writing Club, meeting from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., offers its adults members a comfortable forum for sharing stories of important events, friendships, and family history. Children have the opportunity to create during a Children's Craft program running from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Adults looking for employment can stop by Careerr Connections from 3 to 4:45 p.m. to get assistance using the state Department of Labor’s One-Stop website for Job Search Assistance. Plainfield Public Library, 800 Park Ave. 908-757-1111. http://www.plainfieldlibrary.info/
Rahway: 'Storytime on the Go' at 11:30 a.m. for children of all ages. Located at the Rahway Train Station Pavilion Farmer's Market. Kids can come to the farmer's market to listen to stories at the train station. No registration needed. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Rahway Public Library, 2 City Hall Plaza. 732-340-1551, ext. 202. http://www.rahwaylibrary.org/Default.aspx
Roselle: 'Toddler Storytime' from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for children ages 2-6. Join for music, movement and stories. No registration needed. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Roselle Public Library, 104 West Fourth Ave. 908-245-5809, ext. 17. http://www.rosellelibrary.org/
Roselle Park: 'STEAM Club' from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. for children in grades 2 to 8. Join for various science, technology, engineering, art and math projects. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Register by calling the library. Roselle Park Veterans Memorial Library, 404 Chesnut St. 908-245-2456. http://www.roselleparklibrary.org/new/index.htm
Scotch Plains: 'Little Listeners' from 9:30 to 10 a.m. for children from birth to 23 months of age. Stimulate your baby's senses with books, music and movement. Limited to Scotch Plains and Fanwood cardholders only. 'Let's Rock' from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. for children ages 2 to 6 years old. Explore literacy through movement and music. 'Tenafly Nature Center' from 3 to 4 p.m. for children ages 3 and up. Observe live raptors up close and learn about them. Registration for all programs opens July 2 and can be done online. Scotch Plains Public Library, 1927 Bartle Ave. 908-322-5007, ext. 209. http://www.scotlib.org/
Summit: 'Band on the Run: Xylophone' being held all day in the Think It Lab for children entering grades one through five. Children can build their own xylophone. No registration needed. 'Spanish Storytime' from 10 to 11 a.m. for children of all ages. Join for stories and songs told completely in Spanish. 'Do You Believe in Magic?' from 4 to 5 p.m. for children entering grades one through five. Listen to stories and sing magical songs, complete with magic tricks. Register online. Summit Free Public Library, 75 Maple St. 908-273-0350, ext. 807. http://www.summitlibrary.org/
Westfield: 'Pipsqueak Players Fun with Books!' from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for children ages 4 to 6 years old. Read a picture book and act it out afterwards. Sign up online using your child's library card. Registration is requested. Westfield Memorial Library. 550 East Broad St. 908-789-4090. http://www.wmlnj.org/
Mercer County libraries
East Windsor: 'Storytime' for children ages 2-5 at 10:30 a.m. Must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. A craft is included at the end. No registration required. 'Teen and Tween Yoga' at 2 p.m. for children ages 9 and up. Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothes. Register online on July 5. 'Bricks 4 Kidz' at 7 p.m. for children in grades K-5. Register online on July 5. Hickory Corner Branch Library, 138 Hickory Corner Road. 609-448-1330. https://www.mcl.org/branches/hicbr.html
Hightstown: 'Bollywood Fusion' from 1 to 2 p.m. for children ages 6 and up. Children will learn Bollywood dance from trained dancer Sudipta Ghosh. 'MadScience Workshop' at 3 p.m. for children ages 6-10. Children will explore, create and play with homemade slime. Registration now under way for both programs. Mercer County Library: Hightstown Memorial Branch, 114 Franklin St. 609-448-1474. https://www.mcl.org/branches/highbr.html
Hopewell: 'Toddler Rock' from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for children ages 1 to 3. Must be accompanied by an adult. Children can sing, dance and play with puppets and instruments. No registration required. 'Storytime' from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. for children 2-5 years old. Children can listen to a book followed by a craft. No registration required. 'Play Dough Hour' from 1 to 2 p.m. for children ages 2 to 5. Play with fun designs and shapes. 'Lego Club' from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for children in grades K-5. No registration required. 'Pokemon Club' from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for children ages 5-11. Children can discuss training cards, books and games. No registration required. Hopewell Public Library, 13 East Broad St. 609-466-1625. https://www.mcl.org/branches/hopbr.html
Lawrence: 'Big Building Block Playtime' at 9:35 a.m. for preschool-aged children. Oversized plastic building blocks available for children to play with. Adult supervision required. No registration is needed. 'Activity Table Drop-In' at 9:40 a.m. and again from 2 to 8 p.m. for children ages 2 to 5. Activity station will have a table with games, toys and other activities. Adult supervision required. Drop by at your convenience. 'Books and Babies' at 9:50 a.m. for infants and young toddlers. Upbeat program with songs, rhymes and activities. Adult participation is required. Registration begins morning of at 7 a.m. 'Alphabet Alley' at 10:05 a.m. for children ages 2 to 5. Unstructured play time with magnetic letters and phonics sets. Adult supervision required. No registration required. 'Quiet Play' at 10:30 a.m. for children under 5 years old. Fun and educational toys available for independent play. Adult Supervision required. 'Movers and Shakers' for children ages 2 to 5. Preschool-aged children can play with instruments, toys and bubbles while dancing to music. Adult supervision is required. No registration needed. 'Sensory Play Time' from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for children ages 1 to 5. Held in the activity room with toys available for sensory play. Adults required for children under 5 years old. No registration required. 'Word 1' workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. for all ages. Learn how to create a Word document, edit and preview. Strong mouse skills are essential. Call 609-989-6922 to register. 'Modern Mini Paper Flower Garden' at 5:30 p.m. for children ages 5 to 11. Children can create a flower garden using paper. Adult supervision required. No registration needed. 'Library Rocks! Scavenger Hunt' at 6:30 p.m. for children ages 7 to 11. Fun for the whole family. Adult supervision required. Registration begins at 7 a.m. the day of the program. Mercer County Library: Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike. 609-989-6920.
Pennington: 'Tail Waggin' Tutors' from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. for children ages 5 and up. Come read with therapy dogs Giselle or Pistal and their owner Debra to develop fluency and confidence. Register for 15-minute slots by calling the library. Pennington Public Library, 30 North Main St. 609-737-0404. https://www.penningtonlibrary.org/
Princeton: 'Storytime!' from 10 to 10:30 a.m. for children 18 months and older. Stories, songs and movement for children. Must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. 'Baby Storytime' from 11 to 11:30 a.m. for children 0 to 17 months. Stories and songs. All must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. Stay until 12 p.m. for 'Baby Playgroup' where children can interact with each other. No big kids allowed. 'Music Mania' from 6 to 6:45 p.m. for children 7 and up. Celebrate music and join in related activities. Volunteer supervision. Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St. 609-924-9529, ext. 1240. https://www.princetonlibrary.org/
West Windsor: 'Picture Books and Craft' from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for children ages 3 and up. Join for stories, music and arts and crafts. Children 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. 'Step into STEM' from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. for children ages 5-8. Learn about a new STEM topic with an activity to follow. Registration is required. 'Family Movie' at 2:30 p.m. Watch "Peter Rabbit" with the entire family. No registration required. 'Master Artists' from 4:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. for children ages 7 and up. Children can learn about a famous artist and create their own masterpiece. No registration required. 'Tween Knitting' from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. for children ages 10 to 12. Beginners are welcome. Materials provided but feel free to bring your own needles and yarn. No registration needed. 'Teen Cooking Class' from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. for children ages 12 and up. Children will learn how to create easy, no-bake recipes. Registration required. Mercer County Library: West Windsor Branch. 333 North Post Road. 609-799-0462. https://www.mcl.org/branches/westbr.html